Back in January, Qualcomm made an exciting announcement about their new project called Snapdragon Satellite, which was aimed at allowing Android users to send texts via satellite when they didn’t have cell service. This feature was meant to be a response to Apple’s emergency SOS feature that was introduced in the iPhone 14 lineup. However, the project did not go as planned for Qualcomm.
Qualcomm’s partnership with satellite phone maker Iridium for the Snapdragon Satellite project has come to an end. According to Iridium, the technology was successfully developed and demonstrated, but smartphone makers have not included the technology in their devices. Qualcomm has stated that smartphone makers have shown a preference towards standards-based solutions for satellite connectivity, indicating that they are looking for a more open approach that does not necessarily involve Qualcomm as a middleman. Additionally, the high cost of satellite texting may have also deterred some manufacturers from implementing the technology, especially since Apple is currently covering the costs for emergency SOS.
As Qualcomm’s agreements are coming to an end, Iridium is now positioned to work directly with smartphone makers, mobile OS developers, and other chipmakers. Meanwhile, Apple has expanded its emergency SOS feature by integrating crash detection into iPhone 15, further solidifying its position in providing emergency services to its users.
In the world of satellite communication, Starlink has announced plans to roll out its satellite SMS service in the near future. Additionally, the company aims to eventually offer satellite-powered voice and data functions directly to phones, eliminating the need for a Starlink terminal to be nearby.
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The idea behind Snapdragon Satellite was ambitious and sought to provide an essential service to Android users who found themselves in areas with poor or no cell service. However, the lack of adoption by smartphone manufacturers and the preference for standards-based solutions have led to the downfall of the project. As a result, Qualcomm and Iridium are parting ways, and Iridium is now looking to collaborate directly with industry stakeholders to bring satellite connectivity to mobile devices.
This turn of events emphasizes the shifting dynamics in the mobile technology industry, with companies like Apple and Starlink making significant strides in satellite communication. It also highlights the challenges that companies face in introducing new technologies and services to the market, as adoption and implementation by other industry players are crucial for success.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Iridium’s move to work directly with smartphone makers and other partners will impact the availability of satellite connectivity in mobile devices. Additionally, the expansion of emergency SOS features by Apple and the upcoming launch of Starlink’s satellite cell service will further transform the landscape of communication options available to users, especially in areas with limited traditional connectivity.
Overall, while Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite project may not have come to fruition as originally envisioned, the broader developments in satellite communication and emergency services within the mobile industry continue to evolve, ultimately benefiting consumers with more robust and diverse communication options.
