Android’s Satellite SOS UI Might Look Like This, Leak Spills Beans
What do you want to know Digging into Android’s code, we’ve apparently uncovered Google’s work to implement a new Satellite SOS UI. The user interface will guide users through the setup process, as they must align their phone with a satellite to begin communicating with emergency services. Google is preparing to bring satellite connectivity capabilities […]
What do you want to know
- Digging into Android’s code, we’ve apparently uncovered Google’s work to implement a new Satellite SOS UI.
- The user interface will guide users through the setup process, as they must align their phone with a satellite to begin communicating with emergency services.
- Google is preparing to bring satellite connectivity capabilities with Android 15 and with its upcoming Tensor G4 chip for the Pixel 9.
Some digging into Google’s code appears to have unearthed a first glimpse of how users will operate its Android satellite connectivity.
According to Google News on telegramusers will need to keep their phone in line with satellites floating in low orbit (via GSMArene). During setup, the code states that users will be asked to “have a clear view of the sky” while avoiding obstacles such as buildings, trees and mountains.
Once done, users will receive a UI page with a large circle in its center. Its goal is to help users locate a nearby satellite. A stronger connection will be achieved by ensuring that you are facing the satellite directly, i.e. it is in the center of the radius.
The post adds that users can minimize this SOS page while logged in to continue texting emergency services or family members. Android will turn the page into a floating display on a device’s home page, similar to a widget. If minimized, users will still ensure the satellite is properly aligned with their phone.
Google News reports that the new SOS UI has been spotted in Android’s Adaptive Connectivity Services app. Currently, this is not a page that users can access, as it is still in preparation.
Here’s a first look at the Android satellite pointing UI. To connect via satellite, you need to “move your phone to center the satellite in the circle.” This UI can be minimized into a floating window which can be useful for staying connected while you text emergency services pic.twitter.com/V0cKY8BJ5cApril 15, 2024
We’ve known for a while that Google is preparing to bring satellite connectivity through Android 15, and the software’s second developer preview says more. The preview highlighted the company’s continued work to implement such connectivity for the operating system’s next major launch later this year. Applications under Android 15 will have the ability to indicate whether or not a user is connected to a satellite.
Additionally, Google is adding support for SMS/MMS and RCS chats when connected to a satellite.
More importantly, it was spotted yesterday (April 15) that Google’s upcoming Tensor G4 chip for the Pixel 9 will use a new Samsung modem. It was stated that the modem will support 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) for satellite connectivity capabilities with the new flagship series.
Android 15 recently hit its first beta stage, which means we’re on schedule when it comes to Google’s release schedule, likely this fall.
