Last year, Google launched Android 13, and now the tech giant is gearing up to unveil its next operating system, Android 14, later this year. While Android 14 is currently in the testing phase, some exciting features and improvements have been revealed on the Internet. One particularly intriguing addition is satellite connectivity support for smartphones, enabling users to send emergency message alerts even in areas with no cellular or WiFi coverage. This feature is reminiscent of a similar capability introduced by Apple with the iPhone 14 series last year.
According to a tweet from TeamPixel (@GooglePixelFC) on Twitter, Android 14 is expected to bring satellite connectivity support for SMS and other features to smartphones equipped with the necessary hardware. Initially, this feature will likely be accessible to users of Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. However, for other Android phones to utilize satellite-based communication, manufacturers will need to install the required hardware.
The introduction of satellite connectivity will be a game-changer for smartphone users in remote and isolated regions where traditional cellular networks and WiFi coverage are not available. With this new feature, they will be able to send SMS messages through satellite connectivity, ensuring they can stay connected during emergencies and critical situations.
Apple had previously introduced an emergency SOS via satellite feature with the iPhone 14 series. Initially available in the US and Canada, it was later expanded to several other countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and more. This functionality not only allows users to contact emergency services but also enables them to share their location with friends and family using the Find My app.