Keep in mind Apple’s Emergency SOS by way of satellite tv for pc, which has confirmed itself to be able to saving human lives? Now, Qualcomm is throwing its hat within the ring by bringing the same characteristic to Android smartphones – Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc.
Qualcomm lifted the veil off the characteristic at CES 2023, describing it because the “first satellite-based two-way succesful messaging answer for premium smartphones” on this planet. In its bid to convey satellite tv for pc messaging to the next-generation premium Android smartphones, the California-headquartered chipmaker has joined forces with communications agency Iridium and tech firm Garmin.
Very like Apple’s Emergency SOS on the iPhone 14 lineup, Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc permits customers to speak by way of the Iridium satellite tv for pc community and let customers ship and obtain messages, particularly in locations the place common cell service protection is sketchy. Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc, in line with Qualcomm, will leverage the 5G Modem-RF Programs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – the corporate’s new flagship SoC – together with Iridium’s satellite tv for pc constellation and L-band spectrum to ship emergency messaging. Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc is deliberate to assist 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) as nicely.
If you’re questioning the place Garmin comes into this, right here is your reply. The tech firm brings its Response characteristic atop the Iridium community for emergency messages, particularly in distant places. In line with Garmin VP Brad Trenkle, Garmin Response “helps hundreds of SOS incidents every year and has probably saved many lives within the course of.” Whenever you ship an SOS (satellite tv for pc messages are restricted to about 160 characters) with Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc (leveraging Garmin Response), response coordinators will be aware of the sender’s coordinates with a view to decide the “applicable company to coordinate the rescue.”
“We’re wanting ahead to collaborating with Qualcomm Applied sciences and Iridium to assist individuals hook up with emergency providers regardless of the place life takes them,” he added. Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc may also be outfitted with Qualcomm’s X70 Modem system. Its makes use of span past emergencies – you’ll be able to make the most of Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc for “recreation in distant, rural, and offshore places” as nicely, so you’ll be able to keep in contact along with your family and friends even whenever you go mountaineering, for instance.
In the event you want to get your palms on this juicy characteristic, then you’ll have to wait. The official assertion by Qualcomm knowledgeable that emergency messaging on Snapdragon shall be accessible on next-gen smartphones, which shall be launched in a handful of areas beginning within the second half of the 12 months. Qualcomm is already opening entry to the characteristic to OEMs, and in line with the corporate, Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc allows it to allow satellite tv for pc communication capabilities and repair choices throughout a number of machine classes. These units span past smartphones to incorporate laptops, tablets, automobiles, and IoT.
“Sturdy and dependable connectivity is on the coronary heart of premium experiences. Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc showcases our historical past of management in enabling international satellite tv for pc communications and our potential to convey superior improvements to cellular units at scale,” mentioned Durga Malladi, senior VP, and normal supervisor, of mobile modems and infrastructure, at Qualcomm Applied sciences.
