Emergency SOS via satellite has been a valuable feature on Apple's iPhone.
A recent report suggests that a new feature called "Satellite SOS" has started appearing on Google Pixel phones.
Currently, the feature doesn't do anything.
Emergency SOS via satellite has been a valuable feature on Apple’s iPhone, but its implementation on Android devices has faced challenges. However, a recent report indicates that a new feature called “Satellite SOS” is starting to appear on Google Pixel phones.
According to a report by 9To5Google, Google appears to have accidentally rolled out the setting for the Satellite SOS feature to nearly all Pixel devices via a recent update to Adaptive Connectivity Services.
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If you navigate to Settings > Safety & emergency on a Pixel phone, it’s highly probable that you’ll find the “Satellite SOS” option between Emergency SOS and Car Crash Detection, according to the report.
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Currently, the feature doesn’t do anything. Tapping “Satellite SOS” on a Google Pixel device doesn’t open any menus, but it’s anticipated that it will be operational soon.
Through a rooted Pixel, 9To5Google gained access to the menu that Google is preparing for this feature. The Satellite SOS page provides the following explanation: “With your Pixel, you can message with emergency services and share your location when you can’t connect to a mobile or Wi-Fi network.”
The page explains that you’ll have the capability to call or text emergency services, share your location using Google Maps, and respond to questions about your emergency situation. There’s no information available regarding the ability to contact anyone outside of emergency services.
However, Google specifies that it will share your name and phone number from your Google account, as well as contact details for up to three emergency contacts.
Google reiterates what details are shared at the bottom of the page: “When you connect with emergency services by satellite, your name, email, phone number, location, device information (IMEI, language, model, battery level), and emergency information are share with emergency services and satellite service providers.”
The page includes a link to a Google support page regarding the countries supported by
Satellite SOS, but unfortunately, the page is not yet live.
The demos for satellite connectivity, labelled “Try a demo” and “Test real mode,” are currently not functional.
The timeline for when Google intends to push this functionality live remains unclear. However, the widespread appearance of the shortcut on Pixel phones, along with the detailed nature of the behind-the-scenes settings menu, suggests that its implementation may not be too far off.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
