The Google Pixel 9 and the successor to the Pixel Fold may have an SOS function to send emergency signals via satellite communication. The service is reportedly initially only offered by T-Mobile, in collaboration with SpaceX.
The SOS function, like Apple's Emergency SOS, would ask users a series of questions to identify an emergency situation. , writes Kamila Wojciechowska of Android Authority. For example, the device would ask what happened, how many people were involved, whether there was a fire and which vehicle was involved. A message can then be sent to the emergency services to get help. Calling would not be possible via the SOS function. It is possible to notify preset emergency contacts with a message.
There have been rumors going around for some time about the arrival of the SOS satellite function on Android, after links to the function were found in an operating system update. Nothing was known at the time about its availability. According to Android Authority, the function will come to the Pixel 9 and Pixel Fold 2. It is not certain that the emergency satellite function will also come to other Android devices. Nor is it known in which countries the function will be released. Apple released a similar feature in the United States, Canada and some European countries in late 2022. Emergency SOS has also been available in the Benelux since March 2023.