Texting from anywhere? Android 15 might bring satellite messaging،
Even though cell towers provide widespread coverage in developed countries, many isolated areas still lack connectivity. When emergencies arise and you're stranded without regular cell service, having devices with satellite capabilities for SOS communication is a game changer.
Apple launched Emergency SOS satellite connectivity in the iPhone 14 Pro series in 2023. Currently, most Android smartphones cannot send text messages via satellite, but there is a rumor that Google may fill this gap in Android 15. a deep dive into the recent Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 release, Android expert Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) discovered the intriguing addition of a satellite messaging page in Settings.
The satellite messaging feature (Image credit – Android Authority)
This nifty feature would apparently allow you to “send and receive text messages via satellite” if you have the right account. Your phone will intelligently connect to a satellite when regular cell service takes a hike. For an optimal connection, the advice is to make sure you have a clear view of the sky as the weather and certain buildings could play spoilsport with your satellite connection.
Plus, once your phone is connected to a satellite, it appears you can text anyone, not just emergency services. And when you're back in range of a traditional mobile network, your phone will say goodbye to satellite and reconnect to cellular connectivity.
Now you may be wondering how does your current Android phone connect to a satellite without the necessary hardware? Well, it looks like T-Mobile and SpaceX are in on it.
In 2022, these two giants have teamed up for “Direct to Cell,” a nifty technology that allows your existing LTE phones to chat with satellites in low orbit. Starlink, SpaceX's satellite constellation, sent the first batch of Direct to Cell satellites in February.
The rumor is circulating in the street T Mobile is preparing to unveil this feature. Oh, and it looks like Google is gearing up to support Direct to Cell in Android 15judging by the satellite messaging page in the last Android 14 QPR3 beta.
However, there is still a lot we don't know about satellite messaging on Android. Although it looks like existing phones might soon have the ability to chat with satellites even without the usual hardware, things could change before the big release.
