Google Pixel 9: Innovative Satellite SOS Emergency Feature

Pixel 9's Satellite SOS service enables emergency communication without cellular coverage, enhancing user safety in remote areas.

### Google Pixel 9 Introduces Satellite SOS: A Game-Changer for Emergency Connectivity
* 📱 The Google Pixel 9 features a new **Satellite SOS service** that allows users to **contact emergency services** when out of mobile network and Wi-Fi range.
* 🛰 To demonstrate this, a shielded box was used to eliminate radio signals, allowing the phone to **connect to a satellite only when dialing 911**.
* 👩 ‍💻 Product managers Stephanie Scott and Aisha Sharie explained that the process involves two simple steps: **connecting to a satellite** and **communicating emergency information through an onscreen survey**.
* 🚨 During the demo, the phone successfully **connected to a satellite**, prompting the user to fill out a questionnaire about the emergency, which could also **notify emergency contacts**.
* 🌍 Garmin Response is the service that receives SOS messages sent over satellite, providing **24-hour support** to triage emergencies and contact local services.
* 🔧 The Satellite SOS feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, utilizing **unique hardware and modems capable of satellite connectivity**, free for the **first two years**.
* 🚀 Other tech companies, including Apple and T-Mobile, are also developing similar satellite emergency services, indicating a **growing trend in smartphone safety features**.
* 💬 The author encourages viewers to **share their thoughts on satellite safety features** and their experiences with **emergency connectivity** in the comments.

I Tried Google's Satellite SOS for the Pixel 9

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The Pixel 9's new Satellite SOS service allows users to contact emergency services when out of range of mobile networks and Wi-Fi.

The process involves two simple steps: connecting to the satellite by dialing 911 and then communicating emergency information through an onscreen survey.

The service aims to provide a lifeline in emergencies, even in remote areas with no signal.

Connecting to Satellite Emergency Services

The phone has no cellular signal and is using a satellite icon for connectivity.

Calling 911 triggers the option to connect to the satellite.

After filling out a questionnaire for emergency services, the user is prompted to move the phone for a better satellite connection, eventually achieving a green signal indicating a successful connection.

Google's Satellite SOS Feature for Pixel 9

Google's Satellite SOS feature for the Pixel 9 series offers emergency assistance by connecting to satellites when there's no service.

The feature is triggered by attempting to dial 911 and is designed to be straightforward and accessible for users.

Garmin Response and Skylo are the partners providing 24-hour support and placing emergency calls through the service.

The Role of Hardware in Smartphone Satellite Connectivity

Smartphones are now equipped with unique hardware, including capable modems and specific cellular bands, to support Google’s satellite SOS service.

The service is free for the first two years, with no information on future costs or broader availability for other Android phones.

Other companies, like Apple and T-Mobile, are also entering the satellite connectivity space for emergency notifications, making this feature increasingly important for smartphone users.