Direct messages (DMs) will soon become the lifeline for many users, thanks to Android satellite phones from Qualcomm and Iridium.
Companies will offer satellite messaging on phones with SnapDragon 8 Gen 2.
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It will also have additional features from US-based technology company Garmin. Vice President Brad Trenkle hopes it will “help people connect with emergency services.”.
Qualcomm is calling its upcoming Android satellite phone technology “Snapdragon Satellite.” It will let you send DMs, despite having little or no signal coverage.
It pings satellites in low Earth orbit to transmit messages. Unlike conventional telecommunications, it does not require ground stations.
The best part is that it will work on popular messaging apps. However, the downside is that you need to be in a location where the sky is visible.
Type your message, hit the send button, and point your phone towards the sky. Most people might think this is awkward, especially when done in public!
However, it could become an essential service in an emergency.
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Contrary to popular belief, satellite messages have saved many lives. Garmin vice president Brad Trenkle said his company's satellite service supports "thousands of SOS incidents every year and has saved many lives.".
Soon, Iridium and Qualcomm will turn devices using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip into Android satellite phones.
These include the OnePlus 11 and iQoo 11. Additionally, Qualcomm VP of product management Francesco Grilli announced that these phones will feature the feature as an option when sending messages.
As a result, people will not need to download and install a separate app for satellite emergency messages.
North American and European users will logically get Android satellite phones before the rest of the world.
Grilli says these devices will have access to Snapdragon Satellite unless they are in a country that blocks it.
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Qualcomm also said the feature will be available for tablets, vehicles, and other connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). Meanwhile, Apple have the iPhone 14 for satellite messaging.
Information source: technology.inquirer.net
