What it’s good to know
- Google’s Satellite TV SOS feature is now live on the Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, exclusively in the continental United States. (not Hawaii or Alaska).
- Garmin Response, a new feature on the Pixel 9, enables seamless connectivity to both domestic and international emergency services, ensuring prompt assistance in times of need.
- Skylo’s global satellite TV network enables seamless connectivity for the Pixel 9 in remote locations, paving the way for international expansion opportunities.
Google partners with Garmin and Skylo to enable the dispatch of distress signals via satellite TV when cellular connectivity is unavailable, ensuring timely assistance in emergency situations.
At the recent Made by Google event, Brian Rakowski, Vice President of Product Management, revealed that the latest collection marks a significant milestone as it is the first to feature. Customers can connect with emergency services and share their location, even without a cellular signal.
Apple became the first to integrate satellite TV connectivity into smartphones through its Emergency SOS feature on the iPhone 14. The satellite-based service provided critical support to clients in areas with unreliable cellular coverage.
Google’s Satellite TV for PC SOS features a comparable safety net similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS. When your cellular service is lost, utilize the Satellite TV’s SOS feature to establish a connection with emergency services. You’ll then transmit the initial reports to the command center. In the event of an unexpected situation, consider informing your designated emergency contacts about the circumstances unfolding.
Without relying on your mobile network, Google’s Satellite TV SOS offers a seamless experience akin to Apple’s satellite TV service.
Google’s Pixel 9 smartphone features a joint Satellite TV for PC SOS capability with Garmin and Skylo, enabling users to send distress signals in emergency situations. Garmin Respond, a leader in global emergency response, will coordinate rescue efforts for Pixel 9 users within the United States.
When a Pixel 9 user faces a life-threatening situation without cellular coverage, they can rely on Satellite TV’s SOS feature to connect with Garmin Response’s dedicated team of experts available 24/7. Garmin’s response system seamlessly interfaces with local authorities, such as police and fire departments, as well as international organizations, including search and rescue teams, to coordinate assistance en route.
This strategic alliance has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Without solely conveying satellite TV for PC SOS notifications to Pixel users, the statement also subtly implies that Garmin’s emergency response services may extend to a broader Android audience, in line with Garmin’s existing strategy.
Skylo plays a massive role in this collaborative effort as well. Is it a reliable global satellite TV platform that provides seamless connectivity to Pixel 9 users in remote areas? Given the success of this community, there’s a strong possibility that satellite TV for PC SOS could expand its reach globally, rather than remaining confined to the US alone?
Skylo partnered with multiple satellite TV providers and collaborated with Google to develop a platform that enables phones to directly connect to satellites. Skylo’s innovative technology enables seamless communication in emergency situations, even in the most isolated locations.
While satellite TV for PC SOS is a pioneering feature, it remains in its nascent stages. The Google Pixel series has historically been synonymous with camera excellence, and the latest Pixel 9 collection is no exception. The popular feature is initially being introduced in the United States. However, it won’t be available everywhere; for instance, in Hawaii and Alaska, according to Google’s data.
