Posted 3/22/2024, 6:30:00 AM
Google Expands Android Satellite Connectivity Beyond Apple's Emergency-Only Feature
- Google is adding emergency satellite connectivity to Android, matching and expanding on an existing iPhone feature
- Android 15 will allow messaging apps to use satellite connectivity for sending/receiving messages when outside of cellular range
- This goes beyond Apple's emergency-only satellite SOS feature to enable more regular usage
- Some networks already have plans to offer LEO satellite connectivity as an account add-on
- This could enable direct-to-phone satellite messaging in the future, with Android potentially leading and Apple following