Apple's SOS satellite emergency feature was highly praised when it appeared in the iPhone 14 in 2022. In the more than a year of existence of this feature, there have been many cases where it has come to the rescue of people who are stuck in emergency situations. And recently there have been reports that Google is also planning to bring this feature to Pixel phones. Last month, it was reported that Google was working on an SOS emergency call feature, but details about it remained unclear. Now, there are fresh reports that this feature will first appear in the Pixel 9. It is also reported how the feature based on the use of satellites could work.
According to a report by Android Authority, Google plans to offer its users a security system similar to Apple's Emergency SOS feature. Initially, the company plans to cooperate with T-Mobile, and other providers may eventually join it.
Similar to Apple's system, Google's emergency help function can offer users a series of questions to assess the situation when it is activated. According to Android Authority, these questions may include inquiries about the nature of the emergency, the number of people, and the presence of weapons or fire.
Among the questions the function can ask are:
- What happened?
- Are [you/they/are] breathing?
- How many people in total [missing/captured]?
- What best describes your situation?
- What is burning?
The report also says that many of these questions will be offered pre-defined answers to help users navigate the process quickly. After answering the question, users will have access to messaging with emergency services to request help. In addition, users have the option to notify their contacts of an emergency.
In addition to emergency assistance, the satellite communication function can facilitate the exchange of text messages. Moreover, it is reported that a special Satellite Gateway application is in the works, which will simplify communication with emergency services thanks to the Emergency SOS function, ensuring a quick and effective response in critical situations.
As already mentioned, the upcoming Google Pixel 9 will be the first phone to support built-in Android satellite implementation powered by the Exynos 5400 modem with NTN support.
It is also reported that this feature will go beyond the Pixel 9 series and could be part of the next generation Pixel Fold . There is no word yet on whether or not the Google Pixel 8 and older Pixel phone models will get this feature. It should be noted that Google has not officially announced the SOS feature for the Pixel 9 yet, and we have to wait for the official announcement.