Qualcomm has introduced a new Snapdragon Satellite technology for transmitting data from a smartphone to a satellite, as implemented in smartphones in the iPhone 14 series. GSM Arena.
It is recorded that with Qualcomm technology, Android smartphone users can receive data from satellites, unlike Apple gadgets. However, the satellite link will only be available on devices with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
The company says the technology will be available worldwide via 66 satellites from orbital communications company Iridium. Qualcomm said that thanks to the technology, users will be able to send SMS messages or chat in instant messaging programs even in areas where there is no cellular connection.
GSMArena explained that the Iridium satellites were launched into space 25 years ago, so they only support the old speed standards, but this will be sufficient for the purposes that Qualcomm stated. Snapdragon Satellite will be available in some parts of the world from the second half of 2023.
Google in September 2022 declarationthat the Android 14 version of the mobile operating system will support satellite communications using SpaceX satellites and T-Mobile mobile operator technologies.
Apple uses Globalstar satellites for the iPhone 14’s satellite emergency call feature, allowing smartphone users to seek assistance in areas where there is no cellular signal or Wi-Fi.