Qualcomm's Snapdragon satellite tv for pc will convey emergency SMS to Android

Qualcomm has partnered with communications agency Iridium and Garmin to introduce Snapdragon satellite tv for pc, an upcoming service that leverages GPS and satellite tv for pc communications to allow two-strategy SMS texting when in rural areas or areas with out common cell service safety.

If this seems acquainted, that is simply simply like the attribute “Emergency SOS” attribute that was introduced alongside the iPhone 14 and lets the iOS system ship emergnecy messages through satellite tv for pc connections.

The newly introduced “Snapdragon satellite tv for pc” performance will possible be accessible to choose objects powered by the Snapdragon eight Gen 2 chipset later this yr as a outcome of of an enhanced Snapdragon X70 modem. This service permits connection to the Iridium satellite tv for pc system however requires OEMs and restore suppliers to activate the performance

Qualcomm demoed the performance at CES 2023 – which was attended by 9to5Google – exhibiting how Snapdragon satellite tv for pc permits you to ship SMS messages to your contacts as properly as to alert emergency companies in case you have been to encounter factors in distant areas.

This early showcase might not signify the final product, as OEMs would possibly want to current their very personal implementation or pores and skin of the attribute when it is absolutely accessible. it is typically worth noting that this research was not carried out in a exact distant location as 5G cell service was accessible inside the outer reaches of Las Vegas.

To ship SMS using this service, you’ll want clear sky and time to align your cellphone to level in the direction of a satellite tv for pc. as quickly as the connection is established, you almost certainly can ship SMS messages. Demo objects have been in a place to ship SMS messages to a quick preset record of contacts, this will possible be restricted as Qualcomm needs to forestall spam from clogging community pace and entry.

as a outcome of this method is restricted to class SMS, you almost certainly can solely ship one hundred sixty character messages forwards and backwards using the Snapdragon satellite tv for pc function. not like Apple’s implementation, you’re in a place to type out your particular person messages and attain contacts in your deal with e book. On iPhone 14, you is most possible restricted to canned responses which might even be despatched on to emergency companies.

Sadly, even when your subsequent smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon eight Gen 2 processor, till it is launched inside the second half of 2023, you gained’t be ready to make the most of the attribute. That’s as a outcome of the principal wave of Snapdragon eight Gen 2 chips will lack the obligatory hardware for Snapdragon satellite tv for pc connectivity.

Qualcomm did not specify or current particulars on how a lot this will price to make the most of when accessible later this yr. it can not be an beautiful shock if Snapdragon satellite tv for pc messaging will price greater than common SMS. The chipmaker did confirm that “a quantity of” cellphone makers will add the attribute inside the second half of 2023.