‘Satellite SOS’ is coming to Google Pixel, here’s what it will do

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Satellite tv for pc connectivity for smartphones has proven valuable on Apple’s iPhone, but it surely’s a characteristic that’s struggling to get out the door on Android gadgets. This week, although, a brand new “Satellite tv for pc SOS” characteristic has began showing on Google Pixel telephones, and we’ve received a sneak preview of what it is going to be in a position to do.

For those who dive into Settings > Security & emergency on a Pixel telephone right now, you’ll very possible see “Satellite tv for pc SOS” seem between Emergency SOS and Automobile Crash Detection. Google, seemingly in an error, has rolled out the setting broadly to just about all Pixel machine by a current replace to Adaptive Connectivity Providers.

However, proper now, the characteristic doesn’t do something. Tapping “Satellite tv for pc SOS” on a Google Pixel machine doesn’t open any menus, however it’s going to quickly.

By way of a rooted Pixel, we had been in a position to entry the menu Google is making ready for this characteristic. The Satellite tv for pc SOS web page explains:

Together with your Pixel, you possibly can message with emergency companies and share your location when you possibly can’t connect with a cell or Wi-Fi community.

The web page explains that you could name or textual content emergency companies, share your location utilizing Google Maps, and reply questions on your emergency. There’s no phrase if you happen to’ll have the ability contact anybody outdoors of emergency companies, however Google additionally particulars that it’ll share your identify and telephone quantity out of your Google account, in addition to contact particulars for as much as three emergency contacts.

Google reiterates what particulars are shared on the backside of the web page:

If you join with emergency companies by satellite tv for pc, your identify, e mail, telephone quantity, location, machine info (IMEI, language, mannequin, battery degree), and emergency info are share with emergency companies and satellite tv for pc service suppliers.

The web page hyperlinks out to a Google assist web page about what international locations are supported by Satellite tv for pc SOS, however the web page sadly shouldn’t be but reside. There’s additionally a link to a Garmin Search and Rescue Insurance coverage plan. Notably, Google Messages previously showed signs of utilizing Garmin companies for satellite tv for pc connectivity.

There are demos for satellite tv for pc connectivity, however neither “Strive a demo” or “Check actual mode” are at present working.

It’s unclear when Google intends to push this performance reside, however the truth that the shortcut is showing broadly on Pixel telephones right now mixed with how fleshed out this behind-the-scenes settings menu is means that it’s not too far off.