Qualcomm to Bring Satellite Connectivity to Android Smartphones

[Osxguy]

All for the emergency idea, but this isn’t putting a lot of pressure on our already outdated cellular network of the United States. Owned by three or four major carriers and over priced. They should have found a way to improve their networks to better serve the customer instead of the shareholder.

 

[fatTribble]

I think if any aliens have visited our planet they were shocked at how primitive our communication is in rural areas. Any progress towards remedying that is great news in my book.

 

[Sasparilla]

Will they mock apple first about it before copying?

That would be Sammy - who might just do that - but they use non Qualcomm CPU's for alot of their top tier phones in other countries, so they may need to come up with a different solution.

 

[TehFalcon]

The same satellite communication that any iPhone can be made to work with?

What the hell did I just read? That is like a tech version of some kind of conspiracy loon site.

 

[citysnaps]

What the hell did I just read? That is like a tech version of some kind of conspiracy loon site.

It's nonsense. And debunked.

 

[Kazgarth]

Half the comments are mocking Qualcomm for copying Apple, without realizing that it's Qualcomm chip that made it possible on the iPhone.

 

[Mr. Dee]

So, they never thought of doing this unless Apple did it first? That’s the problem with the industry, no vision and no initiative unless Apple comes up with the idea first. If Apple didn’t jump on the idea of the GUI we would still be using punch cards and dumb terminals.

 

[dk001]

So, they never thought of doing this unless Apple did it first? That’s the problem with the industry, no vision and no initiative unless Apple comes up with the idea first. If Apple didn’t jump on the idea of the GUI we would still be using punch cards and dumb terminals.

I suspect Qualcomm did not intend to roll it out yet. Apple launching it now changed that.
Just my thought.

 

[Devin Breeding]

Qualcomm today announced plans to bring satellite-based connectivity to next-generation Android smartphones, giving smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Google a way to compete with the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that Apple rolled out alongside the iPhone 14 models.

Snapdragon Satellite is a two-way satellite-based messaging solution provided through satellite company Iridium. Qualcomm says support for messaging using satellite connectivity will be built into the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, with smartphones that use the technology set to come out starting in the second half of 2023.

Qualcomm says that the Snapdragon Satellite functionality will be used for emergency messages to begin with, similar to Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that is made available through a partnership with Globalstar. Qualcomm also mentions SMS texting and connectivity in remote, rural, and offshore locations as possible use cases for Snapdragon Satellite, suggesting that it may not be limited to use in emergencies in the future.

While Snapdragon Satellite will launch first in smartphones, Qualcomm says that it can also be used for laptops, tablets, vehicles, and IoT devices, with OEMs and app developers able to differentiate and offer unique branded services that use satellite connectivity.

Snapdragon Satellite will use the Iridium satellite constellation, which uses L-band spectrum that Iridium says is "more resilient to weather" than frequencies used by other networks. Android smartphones that adopt Snapdragon Satellite will still need a clear view of the sky to function, and messages can be sent in as little as 10 seconds with a solid connection.

In addition to working with Iridium, Qualcomm also plans to partner with Garmin to provide emergency response services for users. There is no word yet on how Iridium, Qualcomm, and Android smartphone makers plan to charge customers for satellite access.

Article Link: Qualcomm to Bring Satellite Connectivity to Android Smartphones

Exciting news. Starlink and T-mobile’s partnership looks very promising as well. The more access to these type of features the better.

 

[gund1234]

You mean how like Apple copied: https://satellitephonestore.com/

iPhone is not first with satellite connection for emergency service.
But making it work in Smart Phone with so many other antennas and not having an external antenna like other phones is challenging though.
Competition is good for customers.

 

[gund1234]

I think if any aliens have visited our planet they were shocked at how primitive our communication is in rural areas. Any progress towards remedying that is great news in my book.

Corporations don't make much money by investing in infrastructure in rural areas, unfortunate but welcome to capitalism, I am sure what ever cellular and internet infrastructure exists in rural areas is funded by federal government.

 

[gund1234]

Half the comments are mocking Qualcomm for copying Apple, without realizing that it's Qualcomm chip that made it possible on the iPhone.

copying is different from buying.
i think Apple worked with Samsung to design iPhone chips, Apple used Qualcom chips for cellular connection.

 

[brucemr]

deleted.

 

[PowerButton]

Surprised this haven’t come out sooner.

 

[Dud950]

Are you sure okay I been work on android a lot if you want me brutal chip then I’m say chemical engineer or a lot of sound magma chip and that it

 

[black_knight]

Won't work half as well. Apple's invested a ton into Globalstar to buy them new satellites and ensure reliability, while Iridium's got a decayed ground network that Qualcomm isn't going to be helping to boost.

Another gimmick from a pathetic company that needed to be hammered into the ground years ago.

Very true. Apple is usually the one that implements a concept properly instead of being first.

Obviously Apple was first in this case, but, most likely, it will function much better than the Android “version.”

 

[dk001]

Surprised this haven’t come out sooner.

I’m surprised it came out at all. While neat, it isn’t a feature that would cause me to specifically buy that phone.

 

[black_knight]

You mean how like Apple copied: https://satellitephonestore.com/

Apples to oranges comparison.

 

[Lioness~]

Snapdragon, cool name, I like it 🐉🔥

Now buy it Apple, so we can have it as an satellite app in iOS17.

 

[svish]

Good to hear about this. Hopefully it will be available in all countries.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Half a loaf better than none. Won’t affect people who use iPhones. No point being negative.

This is going to be one of those relatively rare these days times that Apple actually did it first (as opposed to the usual MO of waiting and refining) and everyone else followed and soon everyone will forget that Apple did it first.

 

[giggles]

What about the ground personnel at the relay stations? What about the software experience? What about the design of the antennas for optimal reception? This feature ain’t only about the Qualcomm baseband and the satellite partner…that’s only one piece of the puzzle..not every Android manufacturer will be able to replicate what Apple set up..

 

[majkom]

That would be Sammy - who might just do that - but they use non Qualcomm CPU's for alot of their top tier phones in other countries, so they may need to come up with a different solution.

Samsung is rumoured to use SD in galaxy line worldwide this year

 

[entropys]

Iridium is actually superior to Apple's partner. Iridium is the de facto only option for marine and remote travel needs. It specializes in mobile sat connections. Iridium GO is ubiquitous in the sailing and ychating community. It's good for Iridium as well because SpaceX's StarLink is slowly taking over that market segment for much faster service and much lower cost.

I have an iridium sat phone. It is really bad, just better than nothing. So if globalstar is worse: sheesh.
Anyway we should all be going starlink.

 

[5232152]

Will they mock apple first about it before copying?

Do you really think a chip like this only hit the drawing board after Apple announced the iPhone 14? lol