Nuked Hello my fellow tech enthusiasts! Today I have some exciting news about Google’s upcoming Pixel 9. According to a leak from Kamila Wojciechowska at Android Authority, Google may be introducing a satellite SOS feature similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS on the Pixel 9 and the next Pixel Fold.
Just like Apple’s system, Google’s SOS feature will guide users through a series of questions to assess the situation, rather than allowing users to simply dial out. A video in the Android Authority article showcases the animation that Google will use to help users align their phones with a satellite.
Some of the questions that the feature will ask include inquiring about what happened, checking on breathing, identifying the number of people involved, and more. T-Mobile has announced a partnership with SpaceX for a satellite messaging service, which could potentially be used for this feature.
Last year, a developer found code in Google Messages hinting at the upcoming feature, possibly with Garmin as the provider. Garmin currently offers a similar service using the Iridium satellite network, which can reach anywhere on Earth. While Garmin’s service starts at $15 per month, it’s unclear if Google will subsidize the cost like Apple does for its service.
