The satellite connection feature on Apple’s iPhone 14 attracted attention. This feature, which enables communication in emergencies that may occur while outside the coverage area, was expected to come to Android phones as well. It looks like it’s coming. A new partnership established on this topic tells us a lot.
SATELLITE CONNECTION TO HIGH-LEVEL ANDROID SMARTPHONES
According to the BBC’s report, a new partnership has been established between the satellite phone company Iridium and the chip giant Qualcomm. This new partnership will bring satellite connectivity to high-end Android smartphones later in the year.
This will mean that Android phones with the feature will be able to connect to passing satellites to send and receive messages where there is no coverage.
IN THE DECISION MAKER
The new partnership will make the same service more accessible to millions of smartphone users without tying it to a specific brand. But it will be up to the manufacturer to enable it.
Qualcomm noted that the new feature, called Snapdragon Satellite, will only be included in its premium chips at first, so it’s unlikely to appear on budget-friendly devices.
This feature will likely expand to tablets, laptops, and even vehicles in the future, and will also become a service that is not limited to emergency communications. However, there is likely to be a fee for this.
While satellite connection is fast and generally reliable, it is more expensive than cable or fiber connections.
The use of satellite phones is prohibited in countries such as India and China. The use of the feature will therefore be subject to local government regulations.