Snapdragon Satellite unveiled for Samsung Galaxy S23, iQOO 11, more; Know what it can do

Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon Satellite, world’s first satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for smartphones using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Feb 09 2023, 15:13 IST
Big relief! iPhone 14 can save your life! Satellite connectivity activated
Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite
1/7 Apple has launched four models in the iPhone 14 series – iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. While the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max have the same form factor as their counterparts from last year, the iPhone 14 Plus has been launched as a replacement for last year’s iPhone 13 Mini. (Apple)
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2/7 The iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max have been launched with an all-new notch design with what Apple calls “Dynamic Island”. It is a pill-shaped notch instead of the traditional notch. Apple has changed the UI in iOS 16 to take advantage of this new notch. (Apple)
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3/7 Apple has launched an all-new satellite messaging service for the iPhone 14 series. It will allow users to send messages via satellite even when there is no cell reception in remote areas. Apple calls it “emergency SOS via satellite feature”. (Apple)
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4/7 The pricing for the iPhone 14 has been kept the same as last year. The iPhone 14 is priced at $799 while the iPhone 14 Plus is priced at $899. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have been priced at $999 and $1,099 respectively. Apple will start the pre-orders for the iPhone 14 starting September 9. It will be available in stores starting September 16. (Apple)
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5/7 Apple has also launched an ultra-Apple Watch for adventure enthusiasts who love the outdoors. The Apple Watch Ultra has a built-in compass in its dial and a dedicated Oceanic app for scuba diving enthusiasts. Apple claims nearly 60 hours of battery life in the Apple Watch Ultra. It is priced at a hefty $799. (Apple)
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6/7 Apple has also launched the Apple Watch Series 8 which further improves on last year’s Series 7. Apple claims the watch is swim proof, dust proof and crack resistant. The Series 8 watch also has a crash detection feature to alert emergency services in case of an accident via G-force tracking. It has been priced at $399. Apple has also launched its trimmed down version, the Apple Watch SE priced at $249. All watches will be available starting September 16. (Apple)
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7/7 The tech giant has also launched the second iteration of its Airpods Pro, the Airpods Pro 2 offering personalized spatial audio and a new H2 chip and offering nearly double the amount of Active Noise Cancellation compared to the first gen Airpods Pro. Airpods Pro 2 have been priced at $249 with pre-orders beginning September 9 and store availability from September 23. (Apple)
Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite
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The Snapdragon Satellite has been unveiled by Qualcomm. Know how it can improve premium smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S23, iQOO 11 and others. (Qualcomm)

At CES 2023, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced Snapdragon Satellite, which the company claims is the world's first satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for premium smartphones. Snapdragon Satellite will provide global connectivity using mobile messaging from around the world, starting with devices based on the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform. This means devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, iQOO 11, Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus, Vivo X90 Pro Plus and similar devices will get this capability first. Check the details.

“Kicking off in premium smartphones later this year, this new addition to our Snapdragon platform strongly positions us to enable satellite communication capabilities and service offerings across multiple device categories,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, cellular modems and infrastructure, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

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What is Snapdragon Satellite

This new messaging solution is powered by the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems and supported by the fully operational Iridium satellite constellation. The company stated that the Snapdragon Satellite will enable OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and other service providers to offer full global coverage. This means no matter where you are on the planet, you will be able to stay connected using this feature, even if you do not have a mobile network.

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The solution for smartphones utilizes Iridium's weather-resilient L- band spectrum for uplink and downlink. Emergency messaging on Snapdragon Satellite is planned to be available on next-generation smartphones, launched in select regions starting in the second half of 2023.

The feature is not just reserved for smartphones. The company revealed that Snapdragon Satellite can expand to other devices, including laptops, tablets, vehicles and IoT. As the Snapdragon Satellite ecosystem grows, OEMs and app developers can offer unique branded services taking advantage of satellite connectivity. Snapdragon Satellite is planned to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), as NTN satellite infrastructure and constellations become available.

“Our network is tailored for this service – our advanced, LEO satellites cover every part of the globe and support the lower-power, low-latency connections ideal for the satellite-powered services enabled by the industry-leading Snapdragon Satellite,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium.

It should be noted that Apple also included a similar feature called Satellite connectivity in the iPhone 14 series which would allow users to reach out to emergency services even when they do not have a mobile network using satellite calling. However, this feature is not available in India at the moment.

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First Published Date: 09 Feb, 15:09 IST
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