Get 40% Off
🤯 This Tech Portfolio is up 29% YTD! Join Now to Get April’s Top PicksGet The Picks – Just 99 USD

Android to get satellite connectivity via Qualcomm-Iridium partnership

Published 09/01/2023, 04:20 pm
Updated 09/01/2023, 05:00 pm
© Reuters Android to get satellite connectivity via Qualcomm-Iridium partnership

© Reuters Android to get satellite connectivity via Qualcomm-Iridium partnership

US chip designer Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) and global satellite communications company Iridium have entered into an agreement to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation premium Android smartphones.

At CES 2023, Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon Satellite technology - the world’s first satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for smartphones.

Connected through Iridium’s satellite network, Snapdragon Satellite assures mobile messaging connectivity despite geographical or carrier-based limitations.

This means that in places with no coverage, mobile devices can connect with passing satellites to send and receive messages.

Kicking off with emergency messaging, the new feature will be available on Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, set to be launched in select regions in the second half of this year.

Looking ahead, this feature will also expand beyond smartphones to other devices including laptops, tablets, vehicles and IoT.

“Enabling global satellite communications”

Qualcomm senior vice president and general manager Durga Malladi said: “Robust and reliable connectivity is at the heart of premium experiences.

“Snapdragon Satellite showcases our history of leadership in enabling global satellite communications and our ability to bring superior innovations to mobile devices at scale.

“Kicking off in premium smartphones later this year, this new addition to our Snapdragon platform strongly positions us to enable satellite communication capabilities and service offerings across multiple device categories.”

Who else has this feature?

Iridium is the original satellite phone service sending its first satellite into orbit as early as 1997.

Iridium CEO Matt Desch said: “Our network is tailored for this service – our advanced, LEO satellites cover every part of the globe and support the lower-power, low-latency connections ideal for the satellite-powered services enabled by the industry-leading Snapdragon Satellite.

“Millions depend on our connections every day and we look forward to the many millions more connecting through smartphones powered by Snapdragon Satellite.”

British smartphone maker Bullitt was the first to launch its satellite service on smartphones, beating Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) to the position.

Subsequently, Apple launched a satellite feature for the iPhone 14 in September 2022.

With iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services when you're out of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Read more on Proactive Investors AU

Disclaimer

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.