Google could offer two years of free satellite SOS with the Pixel 9 series
The Google Pixel 9 series is scheduled to launch globally and in India on August 13. Previous reports had suggested that Google could offer satellite SOS service with its upcoming flagship smartphone lineup with features similar to that of Apple. A teardown of the latest Android 15 beta update now reportedly suggests that the tech conglomerate could offer up to two years of free Pixel Satellite SOS for Pixel devices, matching the free service period that Apple offers.
Free Pixel Satellite SOS service
In a reportAndroid Authority, in collaboration with tipster AssembleDebug, performed a teardown of the latest Android 15 Beta 4 update that was released last week. Strings discovered in the update’s code suggest that Google may be adding an emergency satellite reconnect feature dubbed “Pixel Satellite SOS.”
The feature would include a footer suggesting that when a user connects to emergency services via satellite, their data, including name, email address, phone number, location, emergency contact and device information, will be shared with “emergency services and satellite service providers.”
Additionally, the discovered strings also suggest that Google may offer Pixel Satellite SOS for free for a period of two years. Further text in the footer reportedly reads, “Satellite SOS is included at no charge for {two} years.” This duration matches the two-year Emergency SOS via Satellite service that Apple offers to users of iPhone 14 and later models.
In a separate discovery, it’s suggested that Pixel devices may be getting an update to support satellite SOS. Given that the Google Pixel 9 series is expected to run Android 15 out of the box, it’s speculated that older Pixel models will receive an update that supports satellite emergency communications.
The presence of this property was first tipped in March by tipster Mishaal Rahman. There is speculation that an update to the Adaptive Connectivity Services app could be a Satellite SOS* settings page under the Safety and emergencies tab. It should include information on how it works, customization of the information shared with emergency services, and even a link to purchase Garmin Search & Rescue insurance.
