Google Pixel 9 rolls out Satellite SOS feature

Google's Pixel 9 series is taking mobile safety to new heights with the introduction of Satellite SOS in the United States. The feature, previously announced, is now rolling out to users, could be a game-changer for emergency communication when traditional networks fail.

The Google Pixel 9 will be the first Android device outside of China to offer satellite SOS functionality. However, the Satellite SOS has previously been available to the Apple users, launching on the iPhone 14 series in 2022.

Tech enthusiasts got their first peek at the service when Android expert Mishaal Rahman shared some interface screenshots on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

At the heart of Google's Pixel 9 Satellite SOS feature is the Exynos 5400 modem nestled in the Tensor G4 chip. This clever bit of hardware works with the Release 17 cellular standard, allowing the phone to connect with satellites when cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots are out of reach.

Taking a page from Apple's playbook, Google is offering this feature free for the first two years, Android Authority reports. After that, you'll need to subscribe if you want to keep using the service. It's a move that might set the tone for similar services in the smartphone industry.

While this is a first for global Android markets, satellite connectivity isn't exactly new tech, some Chinese manufacturers, like the Huawei Mate 60, have been offering similar features in their home markets.

For now, though, reports say only consumers in the United States can now access this feature in their Google Pixel 9 series.