GOOGLE Pixel users will soon get their hands on a feature that provides Internet connectivity anywhere.
It isn’t always possible to be near a Wi-Fi router or cell tower, but Google has engineered a way to prevent people from going off the grid, even in remote areas.
The feature comes in handy when you’re hiking up a mountain or roving through the wilderness and need to call for help.
The tool works by connecting to satellite towers that orbit the Earth rather than cell towers on the ground.
Google has been polishing its satellite feature, which will likely debut with the release of Android 15 to keep pace with competitors.
Clues in the Android 15 Beta 4 reveal the feature’s name, who will be able to use it, and how to access it.
Several strings of code refer to “Satellite SOS,” giving us reason to believe this will be the name of the satellite tool.
It will allow users to contact emergency services and share their location as long as they have an unobstructed view of the sky.
It appears the feature will be free to use only for a limited time.
“Satellite SOS is included at no charge for {two} years,” one string of code reads.
The brackets suggest “two” may be a placeholder that’s subject to change. However, it’s likely to pan out if Google continues to follow in its rivals’ footsteps.
In Apple‘s case, satellite connectivity is free for two years on the iPhone 14 or later.
More code indicates a user must have Google Messages as their default text messaging service to use the satellite feature.
Details like name, phone number, location, emergency contacts, and device details will be shared with emergency services.
Tech companies have focused on text message communication when it comes to satellite connectivity.
An analogous feature on the iPhone 14 and later models forwards a user’s text and location to the nearest emergency service.
If they can’t receive text messages, users will be connected to relay centers with “Apple-trained emergency specialists” who will call in on their behalf.
Google’s satellite connectivity feature will be specific to devices running Android 15, the forthcoming operating system slated for release next month.
Insiders suspect the tool will first appear on Pixel 9 series devices leveraging the brand-new Exynos Modem 5400.
The tool may also emerge on older phones, as indicated by a string of code reading, “Your Pixel has been updated to support satellite communication.”
However, insiders say this is unlikely due to older devices’ lack of dedicated hardware.
Other code implies the tool will reach Samsung phones, possibly with Android 15-based One UI 7.
VPN by Google One – the virtual private network service encrypted users’ data and network activity and allowed them to mask their IP address. (2020-2024)
Google Podcasts – the podcast hosting platform doubled as an Android podcast listening app. (2018-2024)
Google Stadia – the cloud gaming service allowed users to stream gameplay through web browsers, TV, mobile apps, and Chromecast. (2019-2023)
YouTube Originals – the Google-owned company shuttered the program, which produced original content including scripted series, educational videos, and more. (2016-2022)
Google Hangouts – the cross-platform instant messaging service posed as a challenger to Microsoft’s Skype. (2013-2022)
YouTube Go – the app was aimed at making YouTube more accessible on mobile devices in emerging markets, with features like downloading video on Wi-Fi to view later. (2017-2022)
Google Duo – the video calling app allowed users to call anyone from their contact list. (2016-2022)
Cameos on Google – the tool allowed public figures to record video responses to the most common questions asked about them, which would display in Google Search results. (2018-2022)
Backup and Sync – the desktop software tool for Windows and macOS enabled users to sync files from Google Drive to their local machine. (2017-2021)
Google My Maps – the Android application allowed users to create custom maps for personal use or sharing on their mobile device. (2014-2021)
Satellite connectivity will likely be made available through Pixel Feature Drops where Google launches a slew of features in one update.
These come in addition to the monthly software fixes and major Android updates.