Satellite connectivity Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google’s March Pixel Drop is here with a ton of Android upgrades

Google's latest Pixel Drop update enhances the Pixel series with new features, including expanded satellite messaging capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, which now supports users in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of Europe. This feature allows users to connect to compatible satellite networks for emergency assistance when cellular service is unavailable. The update will also support Verizon and T-Mobile for satellite messaging. Additionally, the Pixel 9 family introduces a video recording feature that enables simultaneous recording from multiple angles using another Pixel device or a compatible GoPro camera. The AI-powered scam detection feature will be available on all currently supported Android devices, allowing Google Messages app users to identify potential scam texts, while comprehensive phone call scam alerts will remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Here’s what satellite messaging could look like in Google Messages

T-Mobile is set to begin beta testing a satellite messaging service in partnership with Starlink, specifically designed for Android 15 users. This service will allow users to send messages via the Google Messages app when outside cellular or Wi-Fi range. Users will receive a prompt to connect to satellite messaging on the Google Messages home screen and during one-on-one chats, though group chats may not be supported. Selecting the “Connect” option will initiate a satellite connection, but it is unclear if the connection will automatically disengage when cellular or Wi-Fi access is restored.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google Rolls Out Android 15 With Theft Detection Lock, Privacy Features For ‘Sensitive’ Apps And More – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Alphabet Inc.'s Google has begun rolling out Android 15 for Pixel devices, focusing on enhancing user experience, security, and privacy. Key features include: - Theft Protection and Recovery: Introduces Theft Detection Lock using AI to secure devices upon detecting suspicious movement, remote locking via phone number, and authentication requirements for critical actions like SIM card removal. - Private Space for Sensitive Apps: A secure vault for concealing sensitive applications, requiring additional authentication for access and allowing users to hide its existence from the main interface. - Enhanced Multitasking on Foldables and Tablets: Features include a pin/unpin taskbar for quick access to apps and App Pairing for simultaneous operation of two applications with drag-and-drop functionality. - Camera, Messaging, and Passkey Updates: Includes Low Light Boost for improved image quality, satellite connectivity for carrier messaging apps, and streamlined authentication for Passkeys.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 Is Here. What You Need to Know about Google’s Latest OS on Your Phone

Google will unveil Android 15 on Tuesday, initially available for supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, with a broader rollout to select devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, and OnePlus in the coming months. Android 15 introduces features such as partial screen recording, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, improved in-app camera controls, low-light enhancements, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. The update focuses on enhancing security, particularly in health and finance sectors, and improves functionality for large-screen devices. Key features include: - Revamped Theft Detection Lock powered by AI. - Enhanced authentication for critical settings like SIM removal and disabling Find My Device. - A Private Space feature to conceal sensitive applications. - Customizable taskbar for foldables and tablets. - Ability to pair apps for multitasking. - Optimized in-app camera controls for low-light conditions. - Satellite connectivity for messaging applications. - Single-tap login using passkeys. Android 15 will first roll out to Pixel devices, with support for additional brands including Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Users are advised to back up their devices before installation. To download Android 15, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates on their supported device. If storage space is insufficient, users must free up space or use a computer for the update process.

AppWizard

October 2, 2024

The first OEM to drop Android 15 updates is one you’d never guess

Vivo has released Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, to its flagship devices, including the Vivo X100 series, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and iQOO 12, ahead of the official release date of September 30. Users have reported receiving the update, with one noting that Vivo is the first major brand to roll it out, while Google's Pixel lineup has experienced delays. Funtouch OS 15 includes AI tools for photo editing, user privacy features, and improved connectivity options. The update will be phased in for all eligible devices in the coming days.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Android 15 Is Almost Here. What You Need to Know About Google’s Latest OS

Google plans to release Android 15 in the upcoming weeks and has made the source code available through the Android Open Source Project. Android 15 will initially roll out to supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, followed by select devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, and others. New features in Android 15 include partial screen recording capabilities, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, enhanced in-app camera controls, low-light boost for photography, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. Users are advised to back up their devices before updating. To download Android 15 on a compatible Pixel device, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates, check for updates, and follow the prompts to download and install. If there is insufficient storage, users will need to free up space or use a computer for installation.

AppWizard

August 5, 2024

Android 15 might add less disruptive, more ‘compact’ notifications

Google is introducing a "compact" version of notifications in Android 15 Beta 4, which features an app's logo, a single line of text, and a "REPLY" button, with additional details accessible via a dropdown menu. This update aims to enhance user experience by minimizing disruption and allowing quick responses. Android 15 Beta 4 began rolling out to Pixel testers in mid-July and includes other enhancements focused on productivity, security, and privacy, such as the Private Spaces feature for safeguarding sensitive information. However, the compact notification feature may not be available at the official launch of Android 15, as beta testers currently cannot toggle between compact and traditional views. A full rollout is speculated to coincide with the Pixel 9 reveal in August.

AppWizard

July 17, 2024

Samsung is prepping its phones for satellite communication (APK teardown)

Samsung is preparing for satellite connectivity on smartphones, with ongoing software development efforts indicating that the company has not abandoned its plans for this feature. Text strings found in Samsung apps suggest that satellite messaging on Android may not be limited to emergency communication only, hinting at the possibility of regular text messaging via satellite.

AppWizard

May 18, 2024

Your Android phone is getting its best free upgrade in years very soon

- Google's annual I/O conference unveiled Android 15 updates, which will mainly be available on recent and premium smartphones. - Android 15 introduces enhancements such as Private Space for sensitive applications, malicious app blocking for security, Low Light Boost for photography, and satellite connectivity for SMS communication. - Android 15 also includes features like digitizing text-based passes, app archiving to the cloud, and partial screen recording for privacy.

AppWizard

May 16, 2024

Google Shows Off Android 15’s 2 New Privacy Tools. Here’s How They’ll Work

- Google has unveiled two significant enhancements for Android 15: 'Private Space' for added security for sensitive applications and an upgrade to factory reset protection to deter theft and unauthorized resale of devices. - The second public beta of Android 15 has been released, offering improvements in battery management, app performance, privacy, security, and productivity. - Android 15's 'Private Space' feature provides a secure enclave within the app drawer for sensitive apps, accessible only after identity verification. - The updated factory reset protection in Android 15 will prevent thieves from resetting stolen phones without the rightful owner's credentials, making devices less attractive for unauthorized resale.