In the wake of Apple’s successful integration of satellite messaging into its latest iPhone models, Google is now set to follow suit. The tech behemoth has announced plans to introduce satellite SMS support to all phones running on Android 14, a move that could significantly enhance communication capabilities, particularly in areas with limited WiFi or cellular connections.
This innovative feature will initially be rolled out to Samsung and Pixel phones before being made available to other Android devices. This development is not entirely unexpected, given that Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra had previously tested satellite calling. However, it’s important to note that the full extent of Android 14’s satellite messaging capabilities remains uncertain at this stage.
The introduction of satellite messaging to Android 14 does come with a caveat. Given the diverse range of Android phones and their varying hardware configurations, there is a possibility that some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) may not incorporate this feature, even if their devices are running the latest Android version.
The official release of Android 14 is anticipated to coincide with the launch of Google’s next-generation Pixel phones, expected in October this year. These new Pixel phones, rumored to be the Pixel 8 series, are speculated to feature Google’s custom Tensor G3 chipset, supplied by TSMC rather than Samsung.
As the world of mobile technology continues to evolve, the introduction of satellite SMS support in Android 14 marks a significant step forward. It not only enhances the functionality of Android phones but also potentially expands the reach of communication to areas previously limited by lack of conventional connectivity options. However, the success of this feature will ultimately depend on its adoption by OEMs and its practical implementation across different Android devices.