Google's next-generation hardware such as the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Fold 2, and a 5G-supported Pixel Table will get Samsung's modem satellite connectivity.
The tech company has started to shift away from Qualcomm's modems with Snapdragon processors and transitioned to Samsung's modems with the Exynos base.
(Photo : ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)
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Google Continues Shift to Samsung's Modems Amid Tensor Reboot
Google is reportedly planning to power its upcoming devices with an updated modem starting with Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro "XL." The new modem will be part of the Tensor G4 from Samsung.
The same modem will also be used for Pixel Fold 2 and the unknown 5G-supported Pixel Tablet. Previously, there were hints about the possible Pixel Tablet 2 codenames, suspecting a major upgrade as the current Pixel Tablet has no cellular activity.
Google is expected to transition to a TSMC-produced chip by 2025, however, it is still unclear whether there will be modem changes then. The company first upgraded its Tensor pairing on the Pixel 7 series and released a refreshed version on the Pixel 8 series.
Google Experiments with Satellite SOS for Pixel Devices
The Pixel maker is also reportedly working on a Satellite SOS feature for Pixel devices. Last month, the feature started to appear on some devices but it has no functionality yet.
A rooted Pixel showed a description of the Satellite SOS page which explained that "Pixel, you can message with emergency services and share your location when you can't connect to a mobile or Wi-Fi network."
The possible emergency feature will ask users basic questions to help assess the situation. Users will also be given a choice to notify contacts and send messages to emergency services.
The function is quite similar to what Apple has been doing on its iPhones. Detailed contact information as indicated on the user's device will be sent to emergency services and satellite service providers once they use the feature.
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