Android 14 Could Add Satellite Connectivity Support for SMS: Details

Google rolled out the Android 13 OS last year and now it is set to introduce the next Android version, Android 14, later this year. While Android 14 is still in the beta phase, expected features and improvements included with the next version of Google’s mobile operating system have already emerged on the Internet. Android 14 has now been tipped to bring satellite connectivity support to smartphones, which will let users send emergency message alerts without using cellular or WiFi coverage. The feature was also introduced by Apple on the last year’s iPhone 14 series.

TeamPixel (Twitter @GooglePixelFC) in its latest tweet, has shared that the upcoming Android 14 will bring satellite connectivity support for SMS along with other features to supported smartphones with required hardware. It has also been said that Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phone users will likely be the first to get their hands on this feature. Satellite-based communication requires hardware support and the availability of the feature on other Android smartphones would thus depend on the manufacturer.

When supported, the functionality will help smartphone users to send SMS via satellite connectivity in remote areas where cellular network or WiFi is not accessible.

Apple introduced the emergency SoS via satellite feature last year with iPhone 14 series launch. However, the feature was only made available in the US and Canada at the time of launch. Later, it was expanded to more countries including the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Portugal. The feature not only lets users communicate with emergency services but also allows them to search for their location and share it with friends and family using the Find My app.

Meanwhile, Google released the Android 14 Beta 4 update to eligible Pixel users earlier this month. It has been said that the latest Android 14 beta version is suitable for testing and general use. It is said to bring several fixes and system performance improvements. The Android 14 Beta 4 is also available for the Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet.