Pixel’s new satellite feature can show people where you are on Google Maps
Recent leaks claim that Google is working on further integrating satellite connectivity into their Pixel phones and could potentially introduce support for the technology in Google Maps. This information comes from two industry insiders: AssembleDebug, with whom its findings have been shared PiunikaWeb and Nail Sadykov on Telegram. Starting with the first, users will apparently be able to share their location with others via a satellite connection.
Hints of the location sharing tool have been found in the code strings of the latest beta version of Google Maps. It is not known exactly how it will work. The report does not go into details. However, they do say that people can “update their location in the app every 15 minutes” to maintain accuracy. But there’s a catch: you can only renew your whereabouts “a maximum of five times a day.” It makes sense why Google would implement some sort of restrictions.
This is supposed to be an emergency feature, potentially life-saving, similar to Emergency SOS on the iPhone, and Google may not want people messing with it.
Set up a satellite connection
As for the other update, Nail Sadykov states he found evidence of something called the Android Satellite Pointing UI.
It appears to be a helper guide for Pixel that teaches people how to connect their smartphone to an orbiting satellite. A video posted to the unofficial Google News channel on Telegram shows how the process could work.
Users will have to hold their phone in front of them and physically move it to find a satellite. Once found, you need to keep moving the device until a blue satellite icon reaches the center of a circle on the screen and stays there for a few seconds. Holding the icon in place allows the device to connect. If you do not connect, you will receive an on-screen message stating that the session failed.
Sadykov further says that the guide will be part of the Pixel app “Adaptive Connectivity Service (ACS)”. It’s unclear if he meant the currently available feature or if there will be a new app exclusively for ACS.
He says it will be possible to minimize the window to a floating widget on the homepage, so you can continue texting while trying to establish a connection. Once everything is done, Pixel owners can see Satellite SOS running by swiping down to Quick Settings. You will also receive a short message in the menu telling you to avoid buildings, trees and mountains to ensure a clear view of the sky and not to disrupt service.
Possible arrival date
An arrival date for everything you see here is unknown, although both sources believe their respective features will appear on the Pixel 9. The two groups mention a third leak from April 15 about the Pixel 9 series possibly receiving the Samsung Modem 5400 to enable satellite connectivity. . The same satellite icon (albeit red) and guide animations from Sadykov’s message were found in the earlier report. PiunikaWeb also mentions that you see the same symbol.
So what we see today could be the fruit of this new labor – at least potentially. Things can always change at the last minute. Make sure you take all this information with a grain of salt.
While we’ve got you, check out Ny Breaking’s round-up of the best Pixel phones for 2024.