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Samsung Galaxy S23 the lineup lacks satellite connectivity, but that looks set to change for future smartphones. The tech giant announced Thursday that it has acquired technology to enable direct communication between smartphones and satellites. The technology will be integrated with Samsung’s Exynos modems and will allow chat and emergency assistance, separating it from Apple’s current offering.
The startup comes after various tech giants and wireless carriers, including Apple, Qualcomm and T-Mobile, has announced plans to bring satellite connectivity to smartphones. Such satellite connectivity is absent from the new Galaxy S23, although the phones include the necessary hardware for Qualcomm’s upcoming Satellite Snapdragon service.
The announcement shows that Samsung plans to offer its own approach to one of the the biggest trends in the mobile industry in 2023. Its system will use satellites and other non-terrestrial vehicles to bring smartphone connectivity to remote areas such as deserts, mountains and oceans, according to the company’s press release. Samsung also says this technology could one day be used for disaster relief efforts and to help power autonomous aircraft and flying cars. Future phones will support Exynos modems equipped with Samsung’s satellite technology with two-way text messaging and the ability to share photos and videos.
Samsung hasn’t said when satellite connectivity will be coming to its phones or which devices will support it.
Samsung’s approach seems to be different from the current version Apple emergency satellite connectivity, which is available in the iPhone 14 line. Instead of initiating a two-way conversation, the user responds to prompts on their iPhone to share critical data with emergency dispatchers. Qualcomm also announced the Snapdragon Satellite system at CES in January, which will use the Iridium satellite fleet to enable emergency communications and eventually two-way texting.
Both Apple and Qualcomm plan to monetize their satellite services in different ways. Apple will charge a fee for the service after two years, and Qualcomm will offer advanced options for sending satellite-based texts for non-essential situations. It is unclear whether Samsung will charge for its satellite connectivity offering.
The announcement comes after TM Roh, president and head of Samsung’s mobile experience business, referred to current satellite options as being too limited and discussing the Galaxy S23’s lack of satellite support by CNET.
“When the time is right, the infrastructure and the technology are ready, then of course for Samsung Galaxy, for our mobile division, we would like to actively consider adopting this feature as well,” he said before the Unpacked event of earlier company. this month.
