We have heard whispers that Apple is likely to be including satellite tv for pc assist to the iPhone 14 in an effort to hold customers related wherever they’re – and now it could appear that Google has related plans for its software program and {hardware} in 2023.

This comes from senior vice chairman of Android Hiroshi Lockheimer (opens in new tab) (by way of XDA Builders (opens in new tab)), who says that his workforce is “designing for satellites” and shall be “enabling all of this within the subsequent model of Android” – which shall be Android 14.

Android 13 simply began rolling out, so Android 14 ought to be coming subsequent yr. If the software program assist is there for accessing providers by way of satellite tv for pc networks, then presumably it is a function that might make its means into the Google Pixel Eight in a while in 2023.

Wild to consider person experiences for telephones that may connect with satellites. After we launched G1 in ’08 it was a stretch to get 3G + Wifi working. Now we’re designing for satellites. Cool! Excited to assist our companions in enabling all of this within the subsequent model of Android!September 1, 2022

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Early levels

Lockheimer would not go into an enormous quantity of element right here, and that is clearly nonetheless on the very early levels. From what we have gathered from the Apple rumors, it appears satellite tv for pc hook-ups may very well be utilized in emergencies in areas the place there is no mobile community protection.

That is solely the second peep we have heard from anybody about Android 14, which can almost definitely be introduced on the Google IO occasion subsequent Might. Beforehand, it was rumored that the working system had been given a codename, however that is about it to date.

There hasn’t been a lot in the best way of leaks and rumors in regards to the Pixel Eight both (the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional are anticipated to launch subsequent month) – solely that work on the Tensor three chipset for the Pixel Eight is outwardly already underway.

Evaluation: a communications improve

You would possibly keep in mind that satellite tv for pc connectivity was rumored to be coming with the iPhone 13 again in 2021, so this modern cell know-how hasn’t sprung up from nowhere – it is truly been within the pipeline for a number of years at this level.

Nevertheless, it does really feel that there is renewed momentum behind satellite-ready smartphones: the tech is changing into extra dependable and cheaper, and is now discovering its option to merchandise that customers can truly afford and purchase.

The thought is that as a substitute of discovering a cell tower or a Wi-Fi community to latch on to, units can get entry to the remainder of the world by locking on to a satellite tv for pc in area operated by an organization corresponding to Starlink – a bit like GPS however for knowledge relatively than a location repair.

The following stage is to fit it into smartphones too, however do not count on an excessive amount of too quickly: it is doubtless that connectivity shall be restricted to emergency or backup use, so you will not have the ability to stream movies out in the midst of nowhere.

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