Samsung is actively working on the arrival of emergency notifications via satellite. After developing a modem for this technology, the first traces come in the One UI interface.
Because we've been waiting for this for so long. At the end of 2022, Qualcomm proudly announced the launch of Qualcomm Satellite, a solution that allows smartphones equipped with its chips to communicate via satellite. Since then, the project has apparently not been pursued further by the manufacturers, so Qualcomm ended the project in November 2023. A situation that is all the more embarrassing considering that Apple's smartphones have offered this service since the iPhone 14.
Samsung has decided to finally cross the Rubicon with the Galaxy S24. Sam Mobile has seen a new menu. The title and a short description say: “Emergency SMS via satellite”. “If you call emergency services while you are out of range or not connected to a cellular network, we will connect you via satellite so you can send an emergency text message. »
The Galaxy S24 could definitely receive satellite emergency messages. © Sam Mobile
The idea is quite similar to what Apple already offers. It is not known on which constellation this technology would be based. As a reminder, Qualcomm was based on Iridium, a low-orbit constellation that made it possible to reach the service regardless of where you are on the planet. Apple's chosen partner, GlobalStar, cannot claim such efficiency.
Samsung has its own network
In February 2023, Samsung also prepared this decision by announcing that it had developed its own modem that complies with the 5G NTN standard for non-terrestrial networks.
©Samsung
All of these clues suggest that Samsung could take the plunge. However, these may be tests conducted on the latest version of One UI 6 in preparation for deployment later in the year or even on future models.
According to Korean newspaper Hankyung, prices for the S24 could be frozen this year. We can therefore hope for a range starting at 959 euros.
Source: Sam Mobile