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In recent years, terms like “AI” and “satellite connectivity” have taken the smartphone industry by storm. Apple popularized the latter by implementing support in the iPhone 14 series. Now, it seems that Google will enter the segment by offering a Satellite SOS feature in the Pixel 9 series.
The Android 15 beta 4 arrived recently, and its code is revealing potential new features that Pixel phones or Android devices in general will get. Android Authority found direct references to Satellite SOS telecommunications that would be present in the Pixel 9 series, which is expected to include the necessary hardware to support it. A leak from mid-April showed what the UI would look like while showing instructions to establish a connection with a satellite.
The Satellite SOS feature would be free for two years on the Pixel 9 series
According to the report, strings in the Android 15 beta 4 code mention the name “Pixel Satellite SOS.” This suggests that Google is working on support for emergency satellite telecommunications on Pixel devices. However, it will probably only be available on the Pixel 9 series and future models. This is because current and older models do not integrate the required hardware.
In addition, the strings suggest that Google would offer a period of free use similar to that of iPhone devices. That is, the Pixel Satellite SOS service would be free for two years. After the term expires, people would have to start paying a fee to continue using it. More specifically, the string says that “Satellite SOS is included at no charge for {two} years.”
The source suggests that “{two}” could be just a placeholder, so the actual free trial time could differ. However, it seems certain that the company will offer a time of use without having to pay.
The feature could arrive later with an update
Interestingly, another string mentions that “Your Pixel has been updated to support satellite communication.” So, the feature may not be available on the Pixel 9 series for launch. Instead, it would arrive later through an update.
Android 15 is just getting full support for satellite telecommunications. This means that the OS natively includes the tools necessary to use it and for other apps to detect it. However, it is up to each manufacturer to implement their own solution on their devices. They need to reach deals with telecommunications carriers to enable the service.