Google Pixel 'Satellite SOS' support may be free for two years
Google plans to introduce Satellite SOS support for Pixel phones, potentially free for two years. Pixel 9 series likely to have satellite communication capabilities. Uncertainty remains for Pixel 7 and 8. Service may require Google Messages.
Read original article
Google is reportedly planning to offer Satellite SOS support for Pixel phones, potentially for free for two years. Earlier this year, a "Satellite SOS" menu briefly appeared on Pixel phones, indicating Google's intention to enable devices to communicate location and messages to emergency services in areas without cellular coverage. Recent findings suggest that the upcoming Pixel 9 series will feature satellite communication capabilities, with the Exynos 5400 modem supporting this functionality. While the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 already technically support satellites with the Exynos 5300 modem, it remains uncertain if they will receive Satellite SOS support. Android 15 Beta 4 strings suggest that compatible Pixel devices may receive updates for Satellite SOS. Google plans to provide this service for free for two years, similar to Apple's approach with the iPhone 14 series. Details on potential costs after the initial two-year period have not been disclosed. The service will require Google Messages as the default SMS app and will share various user and device information with emergency services and satellite providers.
Related
VPN by Google One shuts down
Google One has discontinued its VPN service due to low usage. Existing Pixel owners retain access to a limited Pixel VPN. Google Fi Wireless subscribers can still use a VPN service. Users should delete the now-defunct VPN app from their devices.
Google Restricts RCS Messaging on Some Android Devices
Google restricts RCS messaging on certain Android devices like rooted ones. Users criticize the move, citing communication limitations. Google defends the action for spam prevention and security. Despite workarounds, affected users face challenges. This reflects Google's tighter control trend, akin to Apple. The competition between Android and iPhone, focusing on AI, may impact user preferences.
Google takes first major step: E2EE interoperability across all messaging apps
Google Messages is integrating Messaging Layer Security (MLS) for encrypted group messaging, aligning with Google's push for secure communication and potential interoperability advancements, following MLS standards to enhance messaging security.
Do not factory reset your Pixel until at least 15 minutes after a system update
Some Pixel 6 users face post-reset issues per Google Pixel Community forum. Problems impact device functionality, prompting troubleshooting discussions among members to resolve unclear device impact.
Google Messages is fixing this glaring RCS issue (APK teardown)
Google Messages is improving image quality over RCS, aiming for better cross-platform messaging. Android users accessing RCS through the app may soon send higher-quality images, addressing concerns about messaging platform potential.
6 commentsWhy would I pay for this feature? It seems so cheap to actually market since it’s so rarely used.
What kind of antenna do you need for this ?
Satellite providers that offer coverage to handheld devices should be compelled to, free of charge, relay _emergency_ requests that are in the correct format to the relevant authorities with as much information as possible. On the same note, abuse of that service should be a crime worth going after. Not a 'parent with kids that played with all the buttons' goes to jail level thing, but no one should be going out of their way to activate it either.
That way, just like any phone can contact emergency services, even without a plan, so too could they use that part of the new service. A service which might offer data and messaging for NON emergency use as well (that one paid for by the consumer directly).
Apple - Globalstar 1400 km
Starlink 550 km, approval for 340 to 360km
Related
VPN by Google One shuts down
Google One has discontinued its VPN service due to low usage. Existing Pixel owners retain access to a limited Pixel VPN. Google Fi Wireless subscribers can still use a VPN service. Users should delete the now-defunct VPN app from their devices.
Google Restricts RCS Messaging on Some Android Devices
Google restricts RCS messaging on certain Android devices like rooted ones. Users criticize the move, citing communication limitations. Google defends the action for spam prevention and security. Despite workarounds, affected users face challenges. This reflects Google's tighter control trend, akin to Apple. The competition between Android and iPhone, focusing on AI, may impact user preferences.
Google takes first major step: E2EE interoperability across all messaging apps
Google Messages is integrating Messaging Layer Security (MLS) for encrypted group messaging, aligning with Google's push for secure communication and potential interoperability advancements, following MLS standards to enhance messaging security.
Do not factory reset your Pixel until at least 15 minutes after a system update
Some Pixel 6 users face post-reset issues per Google Pixel Community forum. Problems impact device functionality, prompting troubleshooting discussions among members to resolve unclear device impact.
Google Messages is fixing this glaring RCS issue (APK teardown)
Google Messages is improving image quality over RCS, aiming for better cross-platform messaging. Android users accessing RCS through the app may soon send higher-quality images, addressing concerns about messaging platform potential.