Tech Desk
Aug 13, 2024
A still of Made by Google event 2024 held on August 13 at Mountain View headquarters in California. — Screengrab via YouTube Made by Google channel
Google is following Apple in releasing an approach to use your smartphone to communicate through a satellite in an emergency.
The company shared information about “Satellite SOS” in its Pixel 9 event — Made by Google 2024 — which will allow you to contact emergency responders and share your location when you don’t have cellular service. While Call Notes integrates recording and transcription to the smartphone by Google app.
Call Notes
When you're on a call on the Pixel 9, tap the “More” overflow menu for “Call notes.” Google will unfold to all parties recording, with the screen noting that it’s in development. Ensure that calls are longer than 30 seconds.
After you hang up, it will take a few seconds for the Call Notes to create the summary. It will be displayed in the Recents tab with a tap allowing you to see the full transcript and listen to the audio. This is powered by on-device Gemini Nano.
Read more: Google's Pixel Screenshots app — Simplifying screenshot management
It joins Call Screen, Hold for Me, and Direct My Call, while there’s also enhanced Clear Calling quality.
Satellite SOS
When trying to place a call without cellular connectivity, your Pixel will emerge with a new “Satellite SOS” option. It begins by answering an Emergency Questionnaire to categorise the issue.
- Illness or injury
- Vehicle or vessel
- Lost, missing, or trapped
- Crime
- Fire
- Something else
The users are instructed to “stay outdoors, avoid buildings, trees, and mountains during this process” and remain steady. Once locked, you can type out a more comprehensive message, with Google also sending device location and battery level.
Google is collaborating with Garmin Response and will send information to emergency services. Satellite SOS will be available initially in the US on Pixel 9 devices and free for two years.
