For a year now, iPhones have allowed users to contact emergency services wherever they are. The competition seems ready to follow suit, but not quite in the same way.
Even in 2024, there are places where mobile connectivity leaves something to be desired, and you don’t have to go to a bunker to experience it. While disconnecting for a few minutes can’t hurt, certain urgent situations still require being able to contact the relevant services quickly. A problem that Apple addressed with the release of the iPhone 14, just like Huawei with its Mate 60 Pro.
The rest of the industry just needs to follow suit, and it won’t be long before it does.
A backup solution when the mobile network is no longer available
A few months ago, the Clubic editorial staff presented the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, a small box with which users can send an SOS to emergency services without being within range of a mobile network antenna. Even more, the device allows you to contact loved ones by SMS by connecting via Bluetooth to a smartphone, a feature that is far from trivial and which could almost justify its acquisition in itself. Even for iPhone owners.
This is exactly the kind of direction Google seems to be taking, not just with its Pixel phones, but also with its operating system. Examined by our colleagues atAndroid Authority, the version of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 introduces a new section that allows you to configure a satellite messaging service. The firm indicates that the device will automatically connect to the satellite network when no mobile or wifi connectivity is in range, which will allow SMS and SOS messages to be sent from (almost) anywhere.
A new type of network that is only just beginning
Smartphone manufacturers will not need to install additional modules on their devices, as Apple did, because the Mountain View firm seems to have chosen a partner of choice to deploy this functionality: a certain… SpaceX. The Californian company is, in fact, launching into technology “ Direct to Cell », which allows mobile connectivity by satellite. As long as users have access to clear skies, Starlink will be able to offer them an LTE connection from space that is compatible with the vast majority of cell phones we already have in our pockets.
However, you will have to wait a little before having access to it. On the one hand, according to Android Authority, this new messaging service will certainly be deployed with Android 15, which is scheduled for release next fall. On the other hand, it will take time for this new network to reach maturity, SpaceX having only sent these first satellites of a new type into orbit at the beginning of the year.
In addition, the company led by Elon Musk still needs to find partner operators. For the moment, only the Swiss Salt is embarking on the adventure in Europe, and it is still difficult to know how quickly things will evolve elsewhere on the Old Continent. Google also specifies that access to the LTE network by satellite will only be possible if it is included in your mobile plan, a bit like 5G connectivity today.
Finally, it is to be hoped that Android will be compatible not only with Starlink’s service, but also with those of other companies which will deploy competing or complementary systems in the years to come. Response in a few weeks or months.
Source : Android Authority
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