With the release of the iPhone 14 models last autumn, Apple included emergency satellite communication, and it was only a matter of time before Android smartphones followed suit. A two-way satellite messaging service called Snapdragon Satellite was introduced by Qualcomm today at CES and would work with “next-generation premium Android smartphones.”
This is made feasible by a collaboration with Iridium, which runs a network of 66 Low Earth Orbit satellites. Globalstar, which collaborates with Apple to provide its service, is one of its principal rivals.
SMS texting, various messaging applications, and two-way communications for emergency situations will all be supported by Snapdragon Satellite. According to Qualcomm, it will also be used for “recreation in remote, rural, and offshore regions,” in addition to emergencies.
Together, Garmin and Qualcomm will “enable emergency messaging.” According to Brad Trenkle, vice president of Garmin’s outdoor division: “Garmin is excited about the chance to reach millions of new smartphone users worldwide with our tried-and-true satellite emergency response services. We are excited to work with Qualcomm Technologies and Iridium to let individuals connect to emergency services wherever life takes them. Garmin Response handles thousands of SOS occurrences each year and has probably saved many lives in the process “.