Android 14 to bring direct satellite support on smartphones
Every new study is typically put into practise by all cellphone makers. We occasionally hear about a mobile phone maker working on that specific function in a bid to be the first. T-Mobile and SpaceX have apparently been collaborating on satellite-equipped phones for some time. Although the concept as a whole looks daunting, it appears that they are not the only ones competing since Google has also entered the race by introducing satellite capability for smartphones.
Satellite support on smartphones- A new technology intervention
It’s anticipated that this feature will appear in the upcoming Android release. Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s senior vice president of platforms and ecosystem, tweeted information on this and the company’s position and future plans with reference to this satellite arrangement.
According to Lockheimer’s tweet:
“Wild to consider how users of satellite-capable phones would interact with these devices. The G1 was debuted in 2008, and getting 3G + WiFi to function was challenging. We are now developing for satellites. Cool! Excited to assist our partners in implementing all of this in the next Android version!
The upcoming Android version mentioned by Lockheimer in the aforementioned tweet is Android 14, according to earlier leaks.
At the moment, satellite connections are only used in emergencies or it was expensive and physically difficult to build cell towers. However, if the satellites’ duty is expanded by requiring them to address smartphone connectivity, it would not only be a costly problem but will also make connections in remote areas, which are increasing, easier to access.
T-Mobile has stated that it will build a new network utilising mid-band spectrum that will allow SMS, MMS, and participating messaging apps during its beta phase, which will start by the end of 2023. The satellites will not be able to support a load of connectivity at this time.
