Google SVP Says Android Is Getting Satellite Phone Tech
Chat about the iPhone 14 received satellite connectivity support already out there, and in August 2022, Elon Musk made a wave by announcing that Starlink satellites will highlight the internet to mobile phones connected to the T-Mobile network. It seems that satellite connectivity for mobile phones will make a big impact next year, starting with the handset running Android 14.
Hiroshi Lockheimer – which is currently SVP on Google watching Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Play, and Photos – Tweeted that “User experience for mobile phones that can be connected to the satellite” will arrive with the next Android version. Google’s executive does not enter the details of how satellite connectivity for mobile phones running Android 14 will run, but it is clearly an interesting prospect.
As far as the Starlink T-Mobile agreement runs, most of the satellite connectivity will be limited to an emergency scenario, letting users send messages or make SOS calls when cellular connectivity is not available. This will be very helpful for people affected by natural disasters that often disrupt telecommunications infrastructure in affected areas. During the Spacex and T-Mobile conference with Musk, it was revealed that the bandwidth of telephone connectivity would be limited to 2 to 4 megabits per cellular zone-added, it would not require special smartphone hardware. “We have used a spectrum that your cellphone already knows,” T-Mobile Mobile Chief said as quoted by The Washington Post.
A perk long in the making
Google is not too foreign to the satellite concept that talks to telephone. After trying his hand with an internet balloon-a project called the Loon-Google project investing in SpaceX in 2015 to support its satellite efforts, as reported by the New York Times a few years ago. In addition, the Google patent application submitted to the patent office and the United States trademark talks about how “satellites can provide communication services to areas where cables cannot reach.”
Another patent entitled “Satellite Communication Adapter for Cellular Handset” Detailing narrow satellite -based tape communication that will connect phones with satellites orbiting in outer space. The essence of all of that is a narrow internet-of-things radio access technology (NB-IOT) (RAT); This will act when the system (ie, telephone) detects that it comes out of the regular cellular coverage zone. Back in 2021, Google is also seen employing roles that have to do with satellite internet providers (through 9to5google).
Lockheimer’s tweet says that Google is currently working with partners to enable satellite communication features for mobile phones starting next year. However, it is not clear whether the term partner refers to satellite connectivity service providers such as Spacex and Oneweb or Celluar Carriers such as T-Mobile, or both. Apart from business partners who work with Google, the ability to connect with satellites as an emergency communication system on Android devices will be very comfortable.
