Google may be bringing to the Pixel 9 and the upcoming Pixel Fold a function that is strikingly similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature. Kamila Wojciechowska, a leaker who blogs for Android Authority, claims that the functionality will be offered in collaboration with T-Mobile, with the possibility of additional providers being added in the future.
Similar to Apple‘s method, Google’s SOS function is said to ask prospective Pixel owners a series of questions to find out what’s going on instead of allowing them to give it a thumbs up. The animation that Google will show customers to assist them in aligning your phone with a satellite is seen in a video that is included in the Android Authority article.
According to Wojciechowska, these are some of the questions the feature will ask:
- What happened?
- [Are you/Are they/Is everyone] breathing?
- In total, how many people are [missing/trapped]?
- What best describes your situation?
- What is on fire?
- Are there weapons involved?
- What type of vehicle or vessel?
- Do any of these apply?
T-Mobile announced it was teaming up with SpaceX for a satellite messaging service well over a year ago but didn’t specify pricing — and as of January, it was still in testing. Last year, a developer spotted some Google Messages code that suggested the feature was on its way with Garmin as the provider. Garmin offers such a service for its InReach 2-way messaging devices using the Iridium satellite network, which Iridium says can reach “anywhere on earth.”
Still, whether it’s offered by T-Mobile or Garmin, the feature wouldn’t necessarily be free — for instance, Garmin’s costs $15 per month to start. Then again, Apple subsidizes its service for now, so maybe Google will, too.
