CES 2023: How Qualcomm brings satellite-based messaging to Android

Qualcomm, the American semiconductor manufacturer behind Snapdragon chipsets on the mobile platform, announced a satellite-based two-way messaging capability for smartphones at the Consumer Electronics Show 2023 (CES 2023). The company’s Snapdragon satellite solution will allow users to send and receive emergency messages, SMS and texts on other messaging apps on Android smartphones worldwide. The feature will first be available for devices based on the company’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform. A similar feature is available on Apple’s latest iPhones, which allow users to send emergency SOS messages via a satellite connection.

The company has entered into a partnership with a satellite telecommunications company iridium to provide the service to users around the world. Powered by Snapdragon 5G modem-RF systems, Snapdragon Satellite will leverage Iridium’s constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth, allowing manufacturers to offer the service worldwide, according to the statement Qualcomm.

It’s worth mentioning apples Emergency SOS via satellite function is currently only available in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Ireland.

Qualcomm’s satellite-based messaging service is expected to launch in select regions sometime in the second half of 2023. The company also plans to expand the feature beyond smartphones to include laptops, tablets, vehicles, and IoT devices. It intends for manufacturers and app developers to develop proprietary features and applications based on Snapdragon Satellite capabilities.

Garmin, which makes popular GPS-based activity tracking smartwatches, has previously announced that it will work with Qualcomm to bring the feature to its devices. Garmin watches have their own SOS function, Garmin answerwhich activates when a user presses the SOS button, connecting them to the Garming Response team for rescue or assistance.

Snapdragon satellite capability promises “pole-to-pole” coverage for two-way satellite-based messaging in remote, rural, and offshore locations. In addition to being used in emergencies, the service could also be used for recreational purposes. Currently there is no word from the company on whether smartphones in India will offer support for the Snapdragon Satellite when it arrives later this year.