Google is reportedly gearing up to introduce satellite-based emergency SOS support in its upcoming Pixel 9 smartphone, a move that could potentially fill the void left by the lack of Android devices with satellite messaging capabilities. Despite Qualcomm and Iridium’s efforts to develop a working solution and incorporate it into Snapdragon chips, no Android manufacturers have embraced the feature, leading to the partnership’s dissolution.
According to Mishaal Rahman, a reliable source in the Android community, Google is taking matters into its own hands by equipping the Pixel 9 with the Exynos Modem 5400, which includes optional non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities. This would allow the Pixel 9 to become the first device to support Android’s native satellite implementation, with T-Mobile as the initial service provider.
The decision to incorporate satellite SOS support in the Pixel 9 aligns with the original purpose of the Nexus/Pixel line—to provide Google with a platform to build and test the latest Android features. By integrating cutting-edge hardware into the next Pixel device, Google can ensure that Android has a target to program for and test on, avoiding the chicken-and-egg problem where hardware and software development are hindered by the lack of a complementary component.
While T-Mobile has a high-profile partnership with SpaceX, which involves deploying LTE towers in space that work with regular devices without special software, Android’s satellite implementation is designed to address traditional satellite challenges. These include aiming at distant satellites, compressing messages to ensure successful transmission, and handling unreliable connections. The SpaceX partnership, on the other hand, aims to provide a next-generation solution of “regular LTE in space,” leveraging the world’s largest rocket and satellite network.
Speculation suggests that Skylo, a company that resells service from traditional satellite companies like Viasat and Inmarsat, could be a more suitable target for a “current-generation” system. Interestingly, Skylo has already issued a press release announcing the certification of the Samsung Exynos Modem 5400 for use on its network. Moreover, Skylo has an existing relationship with T-Mobile and has previously powered the Motorola Satellite Link hotspot.
As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, the integration of satellite-based emergency SOS support in the Pixel 9 could set a new standard for Android devices. Google’s proactive approach to incorporating this feature demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology and ensuring that Android remains at the forefront of innovation. With the Pixel 9’s release on the horizon, consumers and industry experts alike will be eagerly awaiting further details on the device’s satellite capabilities and how they will enhance the user experience.
