Newsletter
Google launched the long-awaited Pixel 9 series alongside other products like the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Buds Pro 2. One of the key improvements in the company’s new phones is the support for SOS satellite connectivity. Now, a press release confirmed that this feature of the Pixel 9 series is possible thanks to a partnership between Google and Skylo.
Apple popularized support for satellite connectivity for mass-market smartphones. While there were already mobile devices with similar functionalities, they were niche products. Currently, the feature is expanding to traditional smartphones. Although ideally you would never have to use it, it is good to have it available.
Skylo and Google partnership enables the Pixel 9 series’ satellite SOS feature
This life-saving feature allows you to send messages or key signals (such as your location info) to emergency services from areas without cellular connectivity. Apple uses Globalstar’s satellite network to enable the feature on its iPhones. Meanwhile, Google worked closely with Skylo to implement a reliable satellite SOS feature on the Pixel 9 series.
Google’s blog post says that the Pixel 9 series offers “the first Android phones to include our new Satellite SOS, so you can contact emergency responders via satellite and share your location.” Currently, the service is supported only in the US and will be free for the first two years. However, it is not yet known how much users will have to pay after the “trial period.”
Skylo’s official press release says that the company “is honored to be the satellite service partner for Google Pixel. Our service has been meticulously developed with both the Pixel and Android teams at Google as well as all our supporting ecosystem partners.”
Google wants satellite-based voice and mobile data services
Interestingly, Google seems to be working on implementing more advanced satellite-based features. The Mountain View giant and AT&T made a joint investment in AST SpaceMobile. The latter is another service provider looking to raise the bar for satellite telecommunications. The goal is to offer voice and mobile data services via satellite in future Pixel devices. Skylo’s network only supports sensor data and messages, although its website says it would receive support for voice-based services “soon.”