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| Qualcomm new product allows Android users to connect via satellite |
Chipmaker Qualcomm on Thursday unveiled a new product that would give Android smartphone users a better way to connect to satellites than Apple offers iPhone 14 users.
As part of Qualcomm's partnership with Iridium, the product, called Snapdragon Satellite, can be added to Android phones and other devices to support two-way communications via Iridium satellites.
Potential applications include emergency services (SOS), short text messaging (SMS) and other low-bandwidth messaging applications outside terrestrial communications coverage and in areas where Iridium satellites are permitted to operate.
All urgent messages are routed through a response team led by GPS experts and longtime Iridium partner Garmin.
Iridium was previously rumored to be working with Apple, which last September announced a partnership with rival GlobalStar to offer a service currently limited to SOS.
In addition to supporting hardware development, Qualcomm has also entered into an agreement to sell services to the company on behalf of Iridium.
To connect to the Iridium constellation of 66 satellites orbiting low Earth, smartphone makers must integrate the latest generation of Qualcomm's flagship chips into their devices.
According to Hashin, many Android companies have already integrated Snapdragon Satellite into their products, and the first phase of the products is expected to be launched in the second half of 2023.
Iridium CEO Matt Dish said at the briefing that the company is still working on how and how to charge Android users for the satellite service.
Apple announced that it will provide free satellite service (SOS) for two years on its iPhone 14 series smartphones.
Francisco Grilli, Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm, said at the press conference that the company (Snapdragon Satellite) has succeeded in showing during its participation in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2023), which is currently being held in Las Vegas, USA.
In one demonstration, the company was able to send a simple text message in an average of three seconds using a smartphone, he said.
While the service will initially target smartphones, the companies plan to expand to other devices, including computers, tablets, vehicles, and small IoT devices.
Desch said the company may also consider expanding its capacity to add higher-bandwidth services at a later date.