It’s no secret that Google is working on satellite connectivity for Pixel phones, but amid rumors about the upcoming Pixel 9 series, new findings suggest that older Pixel phones could also get satellite SOS service and free service for a few years.
Earlier this year, Google briefly rolled out a new “Satellite SOS” menu on Pixel phones, confirming plans for Pixel devices to communicate their location and key details, as well as actual messages, to emergency services in areas without cellular coverage. This was quickly removed, but it’s clear that Google is working to expand satellite support. In April, further discoveries showed a UI for finding a satellite as well as sharing location on Google Maps.
More recently, details about Google’s Pixel 9 series have suggested that this feature will be coming to that series of devices. Specifically, the new Exynos 5400 modem used with the Tensor G4 touts satellite communication.
But, again, the Exynos 5300 modem found in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 technically also supports satellites.
With that in mind, some new discoveries in Android 15 Beta 4 spotted by Android Authority It makes a lot of sense.
In the latest beta, the strings directly describe “Pixel Satellite SOS” and indicate that “your Pixel has been updated” to support the feature.
SOS satellite Pixel
SOS satellite available
SOS satellite Pixel
Satellite pointing notification
Your Pixel has been updated to support satellite communication
There are two ways to interpret this. On the one hand, it could be that Google is planning to update compatible Pixel devices (which, in theory, should be all starting with the Pixel 7) with support for Satellite SOS. But, on the other hand, this notification could only be for the Pixel 9 series, assuming the feature isn’t available at launch, which, with Google in charge, is entirely possible.
However, given that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 were not designed with satellite connectivity in mind, it is possible, if not likely, that they will not be able to support this form of connection at the hardware level.
For Pixel devices that will get Satellite SOS support, another string makes it clear that Google will offer this new form of connectivity for free for two years. It’s unclear, however, what the cost will be once those two years are up.
When you connect to Satellite Emergency Services, your name, email address, phone number, location, device information (IMEI, language, model, battery level), and emergency contact information are shared with emergency services and satellite service providers. To use Satellite SOS, Google Messages must be your default SMS app. Satellite SOS is included free for {two} years.
This is the same offer Apple made to iPhone owners after the launch of satellite connectivity in the iPhone 14 series. Apple has not yet started charging iPhone owners for the service or discussed pricing. In theory, the company will likely detail this later this year, when the iPhone 14 turns two years old.
Satellite SOS settings on Google Pixel (from March 2024)
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