Image Source: Getty Images
Introduction
One of the top smartphone chip makers, Qualcomm Technologies, introduced the Snapdragon Satellite at CES-2023. It is a satellite-based messaging solution for premium smartphones that supports two-way messaging for emergency messaging, SMS texting, and other messaging applications. In other words, the Snapdragon Satellite is just like Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite but for future flagship Android smartphones running on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform.
Here’s Everything to Know About Snapdragon Satellite
At the stage of CES 2023, Qualcomm announced that the company partnered with Iridium, a satellite telecommunications company, to enable satellite-based connectivity for the upcoming generation of high-end Android smartphones. According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon Satellite will be powered by Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems and utilize Iridium's constellation of satellites orbiting the earth to enable OEMs and other service providers to offer truly global coverage.
Adding on, the emergency messaging on Snapdragon Satellite is said to be available starting with smartphones based on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platforms, launched in the second half of 2023 in select regions. Besides, Qualcomm is also planning to expand its Snapdragon Satellite to devices like laptops, tablets, vehicles, and IoT (Internet of Things).
Talking about the matter, Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager of cellular modems and infrastructure at Qualcomm, says, “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,” He further adds, “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.”
Lastly, Garmin, a US-based technology company popular for its GPS-based activity-tracking smartwatches, intends to collaborate with Qualcomm for emergency messaging.
“Garmin Response supports thousands of SOS incidents each year and has likely saved many lives in the process, and we are looking forward to collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies and Iridium to help people connect to emergency services no matter where life takes them.” - Brad Trenkle, vice president of Garmin’s outdoor segment
Conclusion
With the new Snapdragon Satellite, Qualcomm is looking to provide “pole-to-pole" coverage for satellite-based emergency messaging in remote, rural, and offshore locations for Android users. The feature will arrive in select regions starting in the second half of 2023.
