Upcoming Android phones will get their own version of the iPhone 14’s emergency SOS via satellite feature in the form of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Satellite. But this feature can do more than just provide emergency coverage.
Announced today (January 5) at CES 2023, chip designer Qualcomm is teaming up with Iridium Satellite Network and Garmin Response Emergency Rescue Services to bring satellite connectivity to Android phones. Devices using the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset will start rolling out in the second half of this year, in North America and Europe regions.
Like Emergency SOS via satellite — a feature available on iPhone 14 series models — the Snapdragon Satellite promises to let you send emergency messages anywhere in the world with a view of the open sky, thanks to Qualcomm’s new X70 5G modem that also allows for satellite communication.
A demo video of the service shows a lost user holding their smartphone up into the sky to track the location of a passing satellite to call and send a message with a contact. This is done in a dedicated Snapdragon Satellite app, though we hope there will be integration with regular messaging apps for ease of use as well.
The Snapdragon Satellite supports two-way emergency messaging, as does the equivalent Apple service, but it’s intended for wider use than that. Qualcomm sells this as a way to send regular texts and other messages in remote areas. This can have a huge impact on users who struggle with cellular connections while traveling, or who live off the grid.
One unanswered question is whether Qualcomm or Android phone makers will charge extra to enable this service on phones. Apple has promised two free years of Emergency SOS via satellite coverage for iPhone 14 owners, hinting that after that expires, you’ll have to pay to access the service. It’s unfair to lock security features behind a paywall after you’ve already purchased a new device, but like Apple, there’s nothing stopping Qualcomm from charging you for it.
Qualcomm also has ambitions for this technology that go beyond smartphones as well, such as laptops, tablets, and vehicles. While you will likely have your phone with you anywhere, there are times when you will be using different devices or when you are in a vehicle. Including this feature in products outside of phones will improve messaging on other platforms, as well as unlock other potential features.
The first Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phones are already arriving, such as the OnePlus 11 Pro; More rumored devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 series aren’t too far away. We assume these models will have Snapdragon Satellite-enabled on them when Qualcomm launches service, so if you’re planning on buying these phones, keep an eye out for when that bonus upgrade arrives.
If you want more announcements from the world’s largest tech show, check out our CES 2023 hub for the latest news.
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