This 12 months, Google has formally geared up the Pixel 9 sequence with Satellite tv for pc SOS, particularly constructed for conditions the place cellular information and Wi-Fi should not an possibility. This fast information will clarify the way it works so that you’re ready to make use of it when a scenario arises.
Technically, satellite tv for pc connectivity isn’t a brand new factor for the Pixel sequence. The Pixel 8 was geared up with a modem that did have the potential, however Google by no means really baked within the perform for use in any approach. This 12 months, nonetheless, the Pixel 9’s Exynos Modem 5400 not solely permits for satellite tv for pc connectivity however brings it into play.
Satellite tv for pc connection is presently accessible in a single function on Google’s newest flagships. Satellite tv for pc SOS permits customers to hook up with the one different possibility when Wi-Fi and cellular information aren’t accessible – a community of satellites nearly all the time flying via the higher environment above.
All 4 Pixel 9 telephones – Pixel 9, 9 Professional, 9 Professional XL, and 9 Professional Fold – have the identical modem able to the identical satellite tv for pc connection. In essence, shopping for the bottom mannequin Pixel 9 nonetheless permits you a similar fallback as all different Pixel 9 customers have, so long as you’re within the US – excluding Hawaii and Alaska presently.
This comes because the Pixel sequence has launched different must-have security options like Automotive Crash Detection, one thing each single cellphone ought to have.
How does it work?
If all goes properly, Satellite tv for pc SOS ought to work routinely throughout an emergency if the cellphone acknowledges there isn’t any web connection accessible. In that occasion, activating the SOS perform on the Pixel 9 will default to “plan B,” the place getting you into view of a satellite tv for pc is important.
Keep in mind, satellite tv for pc connectivity doesn’t perform solely the identical as a generic information sign out of your mobile community. The cellphone must be kind of seen from the sky above in a number of instructions. In some cases, being close to a window may simply be sufficient, however your Pixel 9 might inform you in any other case within the second.
When the Pixel 9 prompts the satellite tv for pc performance, a number of issues will occur.
- It should ask you to maneuver to a location the place a connection may be established.
- Customers could also be requested questions on your emergency to be shared.
- It might ask you to show off cellular information and web. A satellite tv for pc icon will then seem within the standing bar.
- Customers can be requested to keep away from timber, buildings, and mountains, in addition to transfer to a location the place a sign may be established via a minigame-like course of.
To get the complete expertise, the function may be demoed on the Pixel 9 with out really alerting emergency companies.
Do I must allow something?
Customers will wish to make sure that emergency SOS is correctly arrange on the Pixel 9. This may be finished by opening the Security app and opening the Emergency SOS part. As a result of Satellite tv for pc SOS is a fallback, it ought to routinely activate and activate in sure conditions. Keep in mind, it isn’t all the time going to be an possibility, and it received’t come into play if there may be ample web connectivity, whether or not that be mobile or Wi-Fi.
As for particular Satellite tv for pc SOS choices, there are none. Nothing must be enabled for the function to seem when different choices fail. Our writers have even famous seeing the satellite tv for pc icon throughout flights when cell networks are unavailable.
Satellite tv for pc SOS may also be used when customers attempt to name authorities when no cellular or Wi-Fi connection exists. It can’t be used to make normal calls to non-emergency companies. The truth that it may be used to make calls to emergency companies alongside SOS indicators rounds out the function additional, making certain that it’s a broad answer.
Is Satellite tv for pc SOS free?
It’s essential to emphasise that this function solely works on the Pixel 9 sequence for now, not Pixel gadgets that have been launched earlier than it. It does, nonetheless, appear that this function might develop to extra Pixeld gadgets.
The function is barely free for 2 years after buying an eligible Pixel cellphone. As soon as that two years is up, customers might want to pay a charge to have entry. It’s value contemplating in the event you prefer to go backpacking, off-roading, or do something that might take you off the overwhelmed path fairly usually. In fact, the function doesn’t look like a real substitute for devoted satellite tv for pc telephones.
Satellite tv for pc SOS was a extremely requested function, and it’s thrilling to see it make its technique to the Pixel 9 sequence. For many who discover themselves in areas the place the web simply isn’t an possibility, the Pixel 9 appears to be an incredible possibility and fallback if an emergency happens.
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