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What you need to know
- Digging into the Android code appears to reveal Google’s efforts in implementing the new Satellite SOS UI.
- The UI guides you through the setup process, as your phone must be aligned with the satellite to begin communicating with emergency services.
- Google is preparing to offer satellite connectivity with its upcoming Tensor G4 chip for Android 15 and Pixel 9.
Digging into Google’s code appears to have unearthed what is said to be a first look at how users can make Android satellite connectivity work.
According to Google News on Telegram, users must keep their phones aligned with satellites floating in low Earth orbit (via GSMArena). The code indicates that during setup, the user is asked to avoid obstacles such as buildings, trees, and mountains to “get a clear view of the sky.”
Once complete, the user will see a UI page with a large circle in the middle. Its purpose is to help users find nearby satellites. You will get a stronger connection if you point the satellite directly in front of you, i.e. make sure it is in the center of the radius.
The post adds that users can minimize this SOS page while connected to continue sending messages to emergency services and family members. On Android, the page turns into a floating widget-like display on the device’s home page. If minimized, users will continue to check that the satellites are properly aligned with their phone.
According to Google News, the new SOS UI has been spotted in the Adaptive Connectivity Services app on Android. Currently, it is not a user-accessible page as it is still under development.
Here’s an overview of the Android satellite pointing UI: To connect via satellite, you need to “move your phone to center the satellite in the circle.” This UI can be minimized to a floating window to help you stay connected when sending text messages with emergency services pic.twitter.com/V0cKY8BJ5cApril 15, 2024
We’ve known for some time that Google was preparing to offer satellite connectivity with Android 15, but the software’s second developer preview shared even more. The preview highlighted the company’s continued efforts to implement this connectivity for the next major OS release later this year. Apps in Android 15 have a feature that indicates whether the user is connected to a satellite.
Additionally, Google is adding support for SMS/MMS and RCS chat when connected to satellite.
More importantly, it was revealed yesterday (April 15) that Google’s upcoming Tensor G4 chip for the Pixel 9 will utilize the new Samsung modem. The modem is said to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) as a satellite connectivity feature with the new flagship series.
Android 15 recently reached its first beta milestone. This means we’re on track for Google’s release date, which is likely scheduled for this fall.
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