Tech Desk
Aug 18, 2024
Google has finally launched its highly-anticipated Pixel 9 series at the Made by Google event with major upgrades and groundbreaking announcements including satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS on its devices.
The feature will be available in all the Google Pixel 9 models, enabling distress signals to be transmitted via satellites when traditional communication methods are not working properly.
Now, users can contact emergency services in under-developed areas with poor or no cellular coverage. Using Satellite SOS, all necessary information will be shared with emergency services such as name, location, contact number, and email.
Read more: Google Pixel 9 series offers ultrasonic fingerprint sensor as Samsung
Previously, Apple was the first to introduce the additional of satellite connectivity feature in the iPhone 14 series in 2022 and is now planning to expand this feature to regular messaging with the iOS 18 release.
Android devices have also implemented an Emergency SOS mode for years to contact emergency services, which relies on cellular networks. However, with the satellite feature its reach and effectiveness will expand.
Google has disclosed that the satellite connectivity for emergency SOS service won’t be available until the end of 2024 and will be only available in the US excluding Hawaii and Alaska states.
Notably, the services will be provided by two companies that specialise in satellite communications and emergency SOS including Garmin and Skylo.
The feature will be initially limited to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold models.
