what you need to know
- Digging into the code of the latest update to the Adaptive Connectivity Services app reveals hints of Google’s “Satellite SOS” feature for the Pixel.
- The feature will allow users to text and call emergency services and provide information about their location, medical information and contacts.
- The SOS feature once again showcases Google and Garmin’s partnership after first appearing in a Messages deep dive.
Google seems finally ready to bring satellite-based emergency services to its Pixel series.
According to Google News on Telegram, update 2024.08 of the Adaptive Connectivity Service app introduces the necessary code for the “Satellite SOS” feature (via Android Authority). The feature’s settings are said to describe how it works, as well as the opportunity to customize what information is shown to first responders before arrival.
It is said that the content of your personal information can help emergency services send the right person to you. The post added that users can call emergency services and send text messages if their mobile connection and Wi-Fi are interrupted.
Users will be able to have their location sent to them along with a list of emergency contacts.
Other descriptions of the Satellite SOS feature suggest that Google intends to bring it to “Your Pixel.” Unfortunately, the feature found in the code doesn’t highlight which Pixel phones will get this security feature.
A tag “SATELLITE_COMMUNICATION” was also discovered, which appears to be related to the permissions users must grant to the service before using it.
The final discovery has to do with the apparent partnership between Google and Garmin. The Satellite SOS feature displays a link for users to purchase Garmin Search and Rescue insurance.
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Interestingly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen signs of a potential collaboration between Google and Garmin. In late August 2023, there were rumors that the two companies were working together to bring satellite-based SOS text messages to Google Messages. Digging deeper into the code shows mention of “Garmin Response.” It is speculated that such cooperation will bring support to more than 150 countries around the world.
It is said that the partnership may provide access to Garmin’s 24/7 emergency response coordination center. For messages, the center is said to respond to messages, track users’ devices, and push ongoing updates to them until help arrives.
What’s more, Android 14 has been confirmed by Google executives to be coming to devices that support direct satellite connections. At the time, the executive didn’t reveal which devices would grab it, but we now see that at least the Pixel is in the waiting room. Still, we’re waiting for more details about the Pixel phones.
king of robots
Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, powered by Android 14 and packed with AI software, could be your best handheld friend. On-device AI features can help you summarize lengthy text and provide translation assistance. On the inside, the Pixel 8 Pro has some really great cameras (and interesting AI editing tools).