It’s almost time for the IT community to put aside its other activities once more and pay attention as a significant company debuts its newest hardware. Google’s time to bat comes next.
Google has launched a feature that allows you to use your phone to connect via satellite in an emergency, joining Apple in doing so.
The firm revealed information about Satellite SOS, which will allow you to share your location and contact emergency personnel when you don’t have cellular coverage, during its major Pixel 9 unveiling event on Tuesday.
In situations where they are disconnected from the grid and lack access to cellphones or Wi-Fi signals, this enables them to obtain emergency services.
In addition to connecting to emergency services, this function allows you to share your position with contacts so that someone may come get you.
It’s not completely error-proof because the phone needs to be able to connect to a satellite, but satellites are available almost everywhere in the world.
As per Google’s Brian Rakowski on stage, the new Pixel 9 series will be the first Android phone to support Satellite SOS.
According to Rakowski, the function will initially be available in the US “regardless of your carrier plan.”
The service would be provided “at no additional charge for the first two years after activation of devices,” per fine language displayed during Google’s live stream.
Rakowski clarifies this further in a blog post, stating that the first two years will be free “on Pixel.”
It’s unclear when other Android phones will be able to use the feature.
We earlier reported that a Seattle-based startup backed by a $20 million funding round from Transpose Platform and Y Combinator, Hubble Network, has set up a Bluetooth connection.
Alex Haro, co-founder and CEO disclosed the groundbreaking development in a press release.
