Samsung Is Bringing Satellite Features to the Galaxy S24

pcmag.com:

Samsung will be adding satellite features to the Galaxy S24, 9to5Mac reports.

Apple introduced satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14 last year. The feature allows users to contact emergency services in situations where there might not be cellular or WiFi connectivity, for instance, in hiking scenarios where someone might get injured or caught in unexpected dangerous weather. 

Since its launch, the service has been responsible for the rescue of several individuals from dangerous situations including a family that was trapped during the recent fires in Maui.

Since Apple’s introduction of the feature smartphone makers have been working with Google to bring a similar feature to Android as well. 

Samsung’s Park Yong confirmed this week that the feature would start arriving on its flagship phones with the S24; however, didn’t provide additional information about how the feature might work.

Apple’s Emergency SOS feature asks the user questions about their situation and then transmits that information to a relay center where it is then sent to emergency services. While Samsung’s deployment of the technology might work similarly, the company has also reportedly been working on the ability for users to send and receive messages of any kind via satellite, not just emergency services. 

Samsung announced it was developing modem technology that would allow satellite communication in February of this year.

Beyond developing the technology, Samsung will also have to partner ship a satellite communications provider to power the feature.

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