Qualcomm has introduced Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc, new satellite tv for pc messaging expertise it plans to convey to high-end Android smartphones later this yr.
The service will likely be out there to Android smartphone producers (OEMs) at first for emergency textual content messaging functions, Qualcomm mentioned, and availability will likely be all the way down to the OEMs and native cell service suppliers supporting it.
Qualcomm’s newest high-end cell chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, can run the service, although it seems telephones presently introduced with the chip received’t be capable of faucet into it. Such telephones embrace the iQoo 11 and OnePlus 11. Tech Advisor has requested Qualcomm to make clear this specific level.
Although restricted to emergency comms on to emergency companies initially, the expertise will ultimately help two-way messaging, a world-first for a satellite-based technique, in response to the corporate.
It leaves open the chance individuals may sooner or later ship and obtain messages with out being linked to a standard cell community.
Qualcomm has partnered with international satellite tv for pc agency Iridium to construct Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc. Iridium has 66 satellites in orbit that it’s claimed can ship protection to all components of the globe.
Garmin can also be concerned within the settlement to assist present emergency communications help.
The Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc service may be linked to an individual’s cellphone quantity and Qualcomm expects telephones arrange to make use of the expertise to start out transport within the second half of 2023.
Very like the satellite tv for pc communication tech already constructed into the Huawei Mate 50 Professional and Apple’s iPhone 14, Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc is primarily designed for emergency communications when the individual and cellphone who wants it are out of mobile service areas.
Apple is providing its Satellite tv for pc SOS service without cost for 2 years after prospects activate their iPhone, however pricing after that’s nonetheless unknown. A Qualcomm spokesperson instructed Tech Advisor in a media briefing that Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc’s pricing could be all the way down to OEMs and repair suppliers.
It really works by the person pointing their cellphone on the sky whereas an on-screen instruction reveals them precisely the place to level at a satellite tv for pc to ship a message.
Qualcomm VP product administration Francesco Grilli instructed mentioned the expertise could possibly be built-in into common SMS messaging apps, however provided that and when person-to-person messaging had been constructed right into a service that makes use of Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc’s community.
“Most certainly in the beginning if it’s emergency solely it is going to be a standalone emergency-only app, however it needs to be built-in with the person interface so the person doesn’t must name the emergency app.
“The precept is if you’re dialling 911 or 112, and you might be out of protection, then the person interface itself will ask, ‘Do you need to ship an emergency message as a substitute?’”
Qualcomm / Iridium
Telephones in North America and Europe are anticipated to get the tech first, although Grilli mentioned these gadgets would be capable of entry Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc from anyplace on the planet, except a rustic had blocked it.
“The Iridium satellite tv for pc system has been working for the final 25 years repeatedly … and it’s very doubtless that they are going to be working for the foreseeable future,” he mentioned.
“The service is accessible as quickly because the machine is accessible … as quickly because the characteristic is applied within the machine.”
Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc works by pinging satellites above earth that importantly don’t require floor stations on Earth to triangulate sign and ship and obtain messages. As a substitute, Iridium’s satellites relay knowledge between one another.
Qualcomm additionally mentioned Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc could possibly be utilized in laptops, tablets, autos, and different web of issues (IoT) linked gadgets.