Google Pixel Phones Accidentally Reveal Satellite Connectivity Feature

Satellite connectivity has become an addition to iPhones and is slowly being integrated into high-end Android devices. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra recently adopted this feature while OPPO plans to launch a Satellite version of the Find X7 Ultra this month. Google Pixel phones are also joining the trend by incorporating Satellite Connectivity showcasing its capabilities.

More About Google Pixel’s Satellite Feature

On Pixel devices you can access the ‘Satellite Connectivity’ option in Settings > Safety & Emergency located between Emergency SOS and Car Crash Detection. Interestingly Google seems to have introduced this setting to all Pixel devices through a recent update to Adaptive Connectivity Services. However, the feature is currently inactive as selecting “Satellite SOS” on a Google Pixel device doesn’t lead to any menu.

According to reports from 9to5Google the menu related to this feature was discovered on a rooted Pixel phone. The Satellite SOS page explains its purpose: “With your Google Pixel phone, you can contact emergency services. Share your location when you have no mobile or Wi-Fi connection.” It implies that reaching out to emergency services via calling or messaging will involve using Google Maps and providing details about the situation.

Google has mentioned that they may provide the name and phone number linked to a user’s Google account along, with contact information for up to three emergency contacts. It is uncertain if users will have the ability to reach out to people, beyond emergency services.

Additionally, there is a link to a Google support page detailing supported countries, although the link is currently inactive. Demo options for satellite connectivity are visible, but neither “Try a demo” nor “Test real mode” are functional at the moment.

As for when the feature will become operational, there is no information available. However, considering the detailed information and settings already present, it’s expected that Google will activate it shortly.

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