Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon feature brings satellite connectivity to even more devices

Home / News / Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon feature brings satellite connectivity to even more devices

After months of rumours, Apple launched the iPhone 14 series with a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. It connects the smartphones to satellites for off-the-grid connectivity in emergency situations. But a similar feature is on the way to even more devices, with Qualcomm‘s latest Snapdragon feature announced at CES.

Dubbed Snapdragon Satellite, the new tech feature enables two-way messaging over a connection to satellites. Qualcomm partnered with Iridium’s satellite constellation whizzing around a few thousand miles above our heads to introduce the feature. The brands promise “truly global coverage from pole to pole”. Of course, to use the feature, you’ll need to have a clear view of the sky. Luckily, Qualcomm is working on software for compatible devices to guide users.

Snapdragon Satellite will allow two-way messaging for emergency use, SMS texting, and other messaging applications. As we know from Apple’s similar feature, it’s difficult to send large amounts of data between smartphones and satellites. It’s great to see support for other messaging solutions, but don’t expect to be shooting off emails just yet.

The feature will arrive to Android devices running the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset in the second half of 2023. Qualcomm also explained you can expect Snapdragon Satellite to make its way to other devices using the Snapdragon architecture. We could see the feature make its way to smartwatches or even tablets in the near future. Garmin is also set to start implementing the tech in its premium trackers.

Read more: CES 2023: what to expect from tech’s biggest show that starts the new year

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Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around six years now, with writing across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he’s a fan of gadgets of all sorts! Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup scene. This exciting involvement puts him at the front of new and exciting tech, always on the lookout for innovating products.