Latest news, international – Qualcomm Inc has partnered with Iridium Communications Inc to provide satellite messaging services on high-end smartphones running Google’s Android operating system. This was stated by the chipmaker on Thursday (5/1/23).
Iridium is a global satellite communications company, providing access to voice and data services anywhere.
The partnership comes months after Apple Inc launched a similar feature that will allow iPhone 14 models to send emergency messages via satellite in countries including the United States and Canada.
The phone also has a Qualcomm chip that can talk to satellites when there is no Wi-Fi connection or cellular data.
Qualcomm said the new service, Snapdragon Satellite, will be available in select regions from the second half of 2023 from devices using the second-generation Snapdragon 8 mobile platform.
Snapdragon satellites can also be activated on other devices, including laptops, vehicles and tablets, he added, without specifying whether those devices required special equipment.
Using Qualcomm technology, messages sent through the service will reach the Iridium satellite network. They will then be communicated to the recipient or to the emergency services.
“GPS-based gadget maker Garmin Ltd will coordinate emergency response services for users,” Qualcomm quoted as saying. ReutersFriday (01/06/23).
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