Qualcomm has unveiled its own satellite messaging feature for Android phones called Snapdragon Satellite, which will allow devices equipped with the company’s X70 modem to send messages when no cellular signal is available. The feature is expected to be available on phones beginning in the second half of 2023 and is the result of a partnership with satellite phone maker Iridium.
It will guide users to position the phone in the optimal spot to connect to a satellite and messages are limited to 140 bytes. It is intended for both emergency and non-emergency situations, but there will likely be additional charges for non-emergency texts. Samsung expects to see phones with Snapdragon Satellite capabilities from multiple OEMs starting in the second half of 2023.
