How Qualcomm brings satellite-based messaging to Android smartphones

How Qualcomm brings satellite-based messaging to Android smartphones

Qualcomm announced at CES 2023 that it is preparing a satellite-based two-way messaging service for Android smartphones and other tech products.

The American chipmaker said that this feature will be released first on devices with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

The Snapdragon Satellite service allows you to send and receive emergency messages, SMS and text messages on eligible devices.

• A similar satellite-based messaging feature is available on Apple’s latest iPhone 14 series, allowing users to send emergency SOS messages. However, this option is currently only available in the UK, France, USA, Canada, Ireland and Germany.
• There is no information yet on whether Qualcomm’s satellite service will be supported on smartphones in India when it debuts.

Qualcomm’s latest satellite-based messaging service will be available on “next-generation smartphones” and is expected to launch in select regions in the second half of 2023.

In addition to smartphones, the company plans to extend this feature to laptops, tablets, and IoT devices.

This gives space for manufacturers and app developers to develop services that would support Snapdragon Satellite connectivity.

Qualcomm will offer “pole-to-pole” coverage and the service will also be accessible in remote, rural and offshore areas.

Aside from emergency purposes, users can also use the service for recreational purposes.

The company has partnered with satellite telco company Iridium to set up its two-way messaging service, which will initially be available on Android.

Garmin, known for its GPS-based smartwatches, intends to partner with Qualcomm to bring messaging to its devices. Garmin has its own emergency feature that activates when the user clicks the SOS button that connects them to the Garmin Response team.