Google Messages will support SOS via satellite – with the release of Android 14
In Android 14, the Google Messages app will probably be able to send emergency SOS signals via satellite using Satellite SMS technology.
The information was shared by X user @neil_rahmouni. He noticed a mention of Satellite Message in the message entry window of the Messages app.
Looks like Google Messages is really preparing to add support for Satellite Connectivity. They’ve added UIs for conversations and SOS messages using satellite connection: pic.twitter.com/IDxse7QNCw
– Neïl Rahmouni 🐢 (@neil_rahmouni) August 17, 2023
Earlier, Google confirmed that Android 14 will allow smartphones (supporting this feature) to connect to satellites directly, Android Authority reports. This can save lives in particular when mobile communications go down. At least a few lives were saved using a similar iPhone feature during the Hawaii wildfires.
It is not yet clear which Android smartphones will support Android 14 satellite communications. Earlier it was reported that Satellite SMS would first be launched on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones, and then it would depend on other smartphone manufacturers.
