CES 2023: Snapdragon introduces two-way satellite connectivity feature for Android

Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon Satellite solution, a two-way satellite-based messaging feature for smartphones at CES 2023. Users will be able to send and receive emergency messages and SMS on various messaging apps on Android phones all over the world. The Snapdragon satellite solution will first be available on smartphones equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors. It's worth noting that Apple's latest iPhones offer a similar feature that allows users to send emergency SOS messages through a satellite connection.

The new Snapdragon service will use Iridium's network of satellites orbiting the Earth and will be powered by Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems. It is expected to be available in select regions in the second half of 2023, with the possibility of being expanded to laptops, tablets, vehicles, and IoT devices in the future. It is unclear whether the Snapdragon Satellite will be supported by smartphones in India.