Pixel's new satellite feature could show people where you are on Google Maps

Date:
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:00:56 +0000

Description:
Recent leaks claim the Pixel 9 will see the launch of a location sharing on Maps and help guide for satellite connectivity.

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Recent leaks claim Google is working on further integrating satellite connectivity to their Pixel phones and could introduce support for the tech
in Google Maps. This information comes from two industry insiders: AssembleDebug who shared his findings with PiunikaWeb and Nail Sadykov over
on Telegram. Beginning with the former, users will apparently be able to
share their location with others via satellite connection.

Hints of the location-sharing tool were found in the strings of code on the latest Google Maps beta. Its unknown exactly how itll work. The report doesnt go into detail. They do, however, say people will be able to update their location in the app every 15 minutes to maintain accuracy. But theres a catch
you can only refresh your whereabouts up to five times a day. It makes sense why Google would implement some sort of restrictions.

This is supposed to be an emergency, potentially life-saving feature akin to Emergency SOS on the iPhone and Google may not want people messing around
with it. Setting up a satellite connection

As for the other update, Nail Sadykov states he found evidence of something called the Android Satellite Pointing UI.

It appears to be a help guide for Pixel thatll teach people how to connect their smartphone to an orbiting satellite. A video posted to the unofficial Google News channel on Telegram shows how the process could work.

Users will have to hold their phone in front of them and physically move it around to find a satellite. Once found, youll need to keep moving the device until a blue satellite icon reaches the middle of an on-screen circle and stays there for several seconds. Holding the icon in place allows the device to establish connection. If you dont connect, youll receive an on-screen message telling you the session failed. (Image credit: Nail Sadykov)

Sadykov goes on to say the guide will be a part of the Pixels Adaptive Connectivity Service (ACS) app. Its unclear if he meant the currently available feature or if there will be a new app solely for ACS.

He says itll be possible to minimize the window into a floating widget on the home page so you can continue texting while trying to establish a connection. When its all done, Pixel owners can see Satellite SOS running by swiping down on Quick Settings. Youll also receive a short message in the menu telling you to avoid buildings, trees, and mountains to ensure a clear view of the sky
and not interrupt service. Potential arrival date

An arrival date for everything you see here is unknown, although both sources believe their respective features will launch on the Pixel 9 . The two groups mention a third leak from April 15 about the Pixel 9 series possibly
receiving the Samsung Modem 5400 to enable satellite connectivity. The same satellite icon (albeit red) and guide animations from Sadykovs post were
found in the earlier report. PiunikaWeb also mentions seeing the same symbol.

So what were seeing today could be the fruits of this new labor at least potentially. Things could always change at the last minute. Be sure to take all this info with a grain of salt.

While we have you, check out TechRadar's roundup of the best Pixel phones for 2024 . You might also like Google's next foldable could be the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and finally get flagship specs The Google Pixel 8a leaks twice, hinting at its design, and four color options Google Maps AI upgrades could solve
your EV charging headaches



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/pixels-new-satellite-feature-coul d-show-people-where-you-are-on-google-maps


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