Google Pixel 9 Series To Boast A New Modem & Emergency Satellite Connectivity

Google Pixel 9 has been in the rumor mill since the beginning of this year. The highly anticipated handset is tipped to be a flagship killer with amazing specs and features. According to the latest reports, Pixel 9 phones will come with something smartphone owners might not even think about. What? A new modem! Google is planning to bring the Samsung Modem 5400 to the Pixel 9, which will add support for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN). It will allow your phones to communicate with satellites by sending emergency messages in remote locations and cellular dead zones. It will be a welcoming feature for all, letting you notify emergency contacts and message emergency services when needed.

Google Pixel 9 Will Come With a Satellite Emergency Connectivity

Sources claim that T-Mobile will provide this service at first as part of SpaceX’s “direct to cell” Starlink service. However, there will be support for texts initially instead of calls. In a recent development, SpaceX received FCC clearance to extend cellular Starlink testing in the US, including statewide trials in California, Washington, Texas, and Hawaii. It seems as if the company is prepping to test the feature globally. SpaceX successfully tested its cellular Starlink service with unmodified phone models from the Galaxy, iPhone, and Pixel lineups in March.

According to the latest reports, the Pixel 9 emergency texts will function as responses to particular prompts. It will allow emergency services to streamline the conversation and get you the help you need quickly. It is quite similar to how Apple’s Emergency SOS feature works for iPhones. Google also promised to work with AST SpaceMobile to extend satellite connectivity on Android phones. In Feb, the search giant joined mobile carriers AT&T and Vodafone to invest $110 million in AST SpaceMobile, which has been working to launch orbiting cell towers in space, with composite results.

The second developer preview of Android 15 recently expanded existing support for satellite roaming. The engineering VP Dave stated:

“The release includes some UI elements to ensure a consistent user experience across the satellite connectivity landscape and adds satellite connectivity support to both its own and third-party messaging applications.”

The satellite connectivity feature is anticipated to be available in the next generation of the Pixel Fold. According to reports, the handset will feature a rounded design that fits comfortably in the hand. Google is moving towards a flat design similar to current iPhones to make the smartphones more grippy but potentially less comfortable while holding. Moreover, the company is reportedly planning to equip all three (possible) models with flat edges. Another notable change is the revamped camera bar on the back into a camera island. Unlike the predecessors, the Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro, and maybe the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, will house the rear camera in this redesigned camera island.