Google’s Android 14 aims to bring iPhone-like satellite connectivity support for texting

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Google launched the Android 13 operating system last year and is now set to introduce the next version of Android, Android 14, later this year. Although Android 14 is still in beta stage, expected features and improvements have already surfaced on the internet that are included in the next version of Google’s mobile operating system. Android 14 has now been teased to bring satellite connectivity support to smartphones, which will allow users to send emergency message alerts without using cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature was also introduced by Apple on last year’s iPhone 14 series.

TeamPixel (Twitter @GooglePixelFC) in their latest tweet, shared that the upcoming Android 14 will bring SMS satellite connectivity support along with other features to supported smartphones with the required hardware. It has also been said that Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phone users will likely be the first to get their hands on this feature. Satellite communication requires hardware support and the feature’s availability on other Android smartphones will therefore depend on the manufacturer.

If supported, the feature will help smartphone users send text messages over satellite connectivity in remote areas where cellular network or WiFi is not accessible.

Apple introduced the satellite Emergency SoS feature last year with the launch of the iPhone 14 series. However, the feature was only made available in the US and Canada at launch. Later, it was rolled out to more countries including the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The feature not only allows users to communicate with emergency services, but also allows them to search for their location and share it with friends and family using the Find My app.

Meanwhile, Google released the Android 14 Beta 4 update to eligible Pixel users earlier this month. The latest Android 14 beta has been said to be suitable for testing and general use. It is said to bring several fixes and system performance improvements. Android 14 Beta 4 is also available for Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.

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