Google Pixel 9 to get satellite-based SOS feature like Apple, here is how it might work

It was earlier reported that Google Pixel 9 might be getting a sattelite-based SOS feature similar to Apple. Now, fresh details about how the feature could work have surfaced.

In Short

• Google plans to introduce an emergency SOS feature.
• This is similar to Apple's emergency feature that was introduced in 2022.
• The feature might first come on Pixel 9.

Apple's emergency SOS satellite-based feature was highly appreciated when it was rolled out with the iPhone 14 in 2022. For more than a year, there have been many instances where this feature came to the rescue of people stuck in emergency situations. And recent reports indicate that Google is also planning on bringing this feature to Pixel phones. Last month, it was reported that Google was working on the emergency SOS feature but details about it remained unclear. Now, fresh reports have said that the feature will first be rolled out along with the Pixel 9. Reports also outline how the satellite-based feature could work.

Google to bring satellite-based SOS feature to Pixel 9

According to a report in Android Authority, Google is planning on offering its users a safety net similar to Apple's Emergency SOS feature. The company is planning to partner with T-Mobile for the feature initially, with the potential for other providers to join later.

Similar to Apple's system, Google's emergency feature could prompt users with a series of questions to assess the situation when activated. These questions, as revealed by Android Authority, range from enquiries about the nature of the emergency to the number of people involved and whether there are weapons or fire present.

Some of the questions that the feature could ask are:

• What happened?
• [Are you/Are they/Is everyone] breathing?
• In total, how many people are [missing/trapped]?
• What best describes your situation?
• What is on fire?

The report adds that many of these questions will offer predefined answers to choose from so that users can go through the process quickly. After the questions have been answered, users might gain access to messaging with emergency services to request assistance. In addition to this, users will also have the option to alert their emergency contacts.

Aside from emergency assistance, the satellite connectivity feature might also facilitate text messaging reporteldy. Moreover, a dedicated Satellite Gateway app is said to be in the works that will streamline communication with emergency services through an Emergency SOS feature, ensuring prompt and efficient response in critical situations.

As mentioned already, the upcoming Google Pixel 9 is reported to be the first phone to support Android's native satellite implementation, powered by the Exynos Modem 5400 with NTN support.

Reports also suggest that the feature will extend beyond the Pixel 9 series, and might also be a part of the next-generation Pixel Fold. There is no word yet if Google Pixel 8 and older Pixel phones will be getting the feature or not. It is to be noted that Google hasn't officially announced the SOS feature for Pixel 9, and we must wait for the official announcement.

Published By:
Divyanshi Sharma
Published On:
Apr 15, 2024