When Google releases the Pixel 9 series later this year, the phones will come with something cell phone owners might not even think about: a new modem.
Citing a Google insider, Android Authority reports that Google plans to bring the Samsung Modem 5400 to the Pixel 9, which will add support for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN). That means your phone will be able to communicate with satellites, enabling the ability to send emergency messages in remote locations and cellular dead zones. The feature will let you notify emergency contacts and message emergency services, if needed.
The service will reportedly be provided by T-Mobile at first as part of SpaceX's "direct to cell" Starlink service, with initial support for texts but not calls. SpaceX recently received FCC clearance to expand cellular Starlink testing in the US, including statewide trials in California, Washington, Texas, and Hawaii, and is prepping to test the feature globally.
In early March, SpaceX said it had completed successful tests of its cellular Starlink service with unmodified phone models from the Galaxy, iPhone, and Pixel lineups.
The Pixel 9 emergency texts will function as responses to very specific prompts, Android Authority says, allowing emergency services to streamline the conversation and get you the help you need quickly. This is similar to how Apple's Emergency SOS feature works for iPhones.
In February, Google said it would work with AST SpaceMobile to advance satellite connectivity on Android phones. It joined mobile carriers AT&T and Vodafone in investing $110 million in AST SpaceMobile, which has been working to launch orbiting cell towers in space, with mixed results.
More recently, the second developer preview of Android 15 extended existing support for satellite roaming. AT the time, engineering VP Dave Burke said the release “includes some UI elements to ensure a consistent user experience across the satellite connectivity landscape” and adds satellite-connectivity support to both its own and third-party messaging applications.
In addition to the Pixel 9 series, meanwhile, satellite connectivity is expected to also be available in the next generation of the Pixel Fold, Android Authority notes.