TechPhonesAndroid PhonesYour older Pixel phone could get a huge free communications upgrade very soonCould make your old Pixel out of this worldWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesAndroid PhonesYour older Pixel phone could get a huge free communications upgrade very soonCould make your old Pixel out of this worldWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Could make your old Pixel out of this world
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
When you think about thelatest smartphoneyou probably think more about the camera or its gaming prowess than you do its communication skills. But there’s an evolution taking place in communication and those with an older Pixel phone could stand to benefit.
The latest feature of phones isn’t 5G – that’s old hat now – but instead the chatter is about communication beyond the reaches of regular mobile networks. Satellite communication was talked about for a few years beforeAppleannounced itsEmergency SOS feature in 2022alongside the iPhone 14 and now the Google Pixel could be next to get it.
Despite lots of talk of software support and supporting hardware, there’s been noAndroidequivalent of this service to date, but that might be about to change. While the newPixel 9might be the launch device for it – as a supported feature inAndroid 15– older Pixel owners could be in for support too, according to details fromAndroid Authority.
The Android news site found code in the Android 15 beta which pointed to support for something called “Pixel Satellite SOS”, a service to rival Apple’s Emergency SOS feature. It’s thought that this will launch on the Pixel 9, but as9to5Google points out, it could come to older Pixel devices too.
That doesn’t mean the feature is enabled, but the Pixel Satellite SOS details unearthed makes reference to a message saying “Your Pixel has been upgraded to support satellite communication”.
One reading is that older devices moving to Android 15 could have this hardware feature enabled in the modem, or it might simply be that the Pixel 9 launches without the feature turned on and it’s enabled via a Pixel Drop in the future.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
How does satellite communication work on smartphones?
Low orbit satellites, however, can provide some connectivity – but in the past smartphones haven’t contained any hardware to communicate with them.
Previously, it was only expensive satellite phones or devices like theGarmin InReachthat used such satellite networks, but now a limited capability is being enabled on some phones. Initially, this is designed for emergency uses, sending a packet of information containing your details, location, phone status and a message.
However, as hardware becomes more efficient and deals are worked out between satellite companies, like Globalstar and Iridium, more features will become available.
At WWDC 2024, Apple announced it was going to enable messages via satellite, so we could be on the cusp of much wider satellite communications being switched on.
Today’s best Google Pixel 8 Pro deals91 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$999$599ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$999View$999ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 8 Pro deals91 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$999$599ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$999View$999ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 8 Pro deals
91 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
91 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
$999$599ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$999View$999View
$999$599ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
$999$599View
$999$599View
$999$599
$599
Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025
$999View
$999View
$999View
$999
$999
$999View
$999View
$999View
$999
$999
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSGoogle
TOPICS
This no-jump, zero-equipment full-body workout is all you need to build muscle all overYou don’t need a gym membership to get fit
You don’t need a gym membership to get fit
Sony’s next-gen affordable earbuds have leaked, and the difference is clearThe successor to the Sony WF-C700N has turned up in an official database with a very un-Sony design
The successor to the Sony WF-C700N has turned up in an official database with a very un-Sony design
Android XR to debut on all-new Apple Vision Pro rival from SamsungAndroid XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses
Android XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses
Google’s “Willow” quantum chip won’t just change future computers, it could change the worldWillow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend
Willow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend
Pixel 9a leaks again, showing Google is heading in a new directionNewly leaked images of a “Pixel 9a prototype” appear to confirm Google’s changed design direction
Newly leaked images of a “Pixel 9a prototype” appear to confirm Google’s changed design direction
Google Maps is getting its best free update yet and it’s a game-changerThe best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last
The best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last
Google’s Pixel Watch Loop Bands seem very familiar, but also refreshingAnd it’s compatible with older Pixel Watch models too
And it’s compatible with older Pixel Watch models too
YouTube beats Spotify to the punch with a much-loved featureWhat did you listen to most?
What did you listen to most?
Apple MacBook Pro to get a major rival from an unlikely source, claims reportCould we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
Could we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
Google TV Streamer finally getting the puzzle piece it’s been missing since day oneSolves my biggest issue with the streaming device
Solves my biggest issue with the streaming device
