Satellite connectivity has already proven to be a valuable safety feature on the iPhone, and now Android phones are poised to follow suit. Google Pixel devices are showing signs of an upcoming “Satellite SOS” feature that will allow users to connect with emergency services even without cellular or Wi-Fi signals.

Although the feature isn’t fully operational yet, Pixel phone users can already spot a “Satellite SOS” option within the “Safety & Emergency” settings section. Further exploration by 9to5Google on rooted Pixel phone revealed a detailed menu explaining how Satellite SOS will work.

The Satellite SOS page explains, “With your Pixel, you can message with emergency services and share your location when you can’t connect to a mobile or Wi-Fi network.”

Google’s plan for Pixel’s Satellite SOS is to allow users to send messages to emergency services and share their location via Google Maps when conventional signals are unavailable. Users may also have the capability to provide details about the emergency situation.

For this service to work, Google will need to gather personal data such as the user’s name, phone number from their Google account, and up to three emergency contacts. 

Additionally, information including the user’s location, device details, and specifics about the emergency will be shared with both emergency responders and satellite service providers.

Although Google has not released a list of countries where Satellite SOS will be available, a link to a Garmin Search and Rescue Insurance plan suggests Garmin might be involved in the service. Demo features are present but not yet functional.

The exact timeline for when Google will roll out Satellite SOS as a fully operational feature remains unclear. Nonetheless, the widespread appearance of the setting across Pixel devices and the comprehensive menu behind it indicate that a launch could be imminent.

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