Early indications in Google’s Android Canary environment imply that enhancements are being made for an improved satellite experience.
What you should know:
– An Android leak after a recent Canary build indicates that Google aims to broaden the usability of the OS for satellite connections.
– A “Satellite” Quick Settings tile was observed, simplifying access for users with plans that support this feature, along with a “Satellite apps” menu.
– T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service launched “Satellite-ready” applications this fall, supporting platforms like X, AccuWeather, WhatsApp, and others.
Google has been identified testing a forthcoming feature that all of Android may utilize, potentially addressing satellite connectivity directly.
Mishaal Rahman for Android Authority reported a pair of newly developing features within a recent Android Canary build. As per the findings, Google is set to introduce improved satellite connectivity management for applications and mobile services. Rahman notes that Google’s code hints at a “Satellite apps” inclusion within the overall satellite connectivity settings.
While the standard (previously supported) applications are mentioned here, Rahman detected other apps such as X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, AccuWeather, and Google Weather.
In another note, Rahman observed that the Android Canary build is gearing up for a “Satellite” Quick Settings tile. The tile appears to operate similarly to your internet or Bluetooth tiles; however, Rahman’s testing showed “Satellite” as “not available.” Although this isn’t completely unusual, given the way it was uncovered, a deeper inspection of the early code indicates that this tile signifies the support of your mobile plan.
Rahman suggests that Google will apply a similar UI behavior to its satellite apps list as well. For this purpose, the company will heavily weigh LTE or NB-based satellite plans. The report mentions that the latter is less capable of handling bandwidth for text and voice communications. Development is still in progress, so this may not be seen until a future Android release.
Connected in the shadows
It’s undeniable that cellular service providers have entered the satellite arena, as T-Mobile did with its T-Satellite service this summer. This service provided connectivity to users subscribing to its supported plan for MMS messages, including images, GIFs, videos, and audio files. Downloading files such as an image or GIF was reported to take a minute or two, while videos could take up to 20 minutes to transmit.
T-Mobile’s MMS support complements SMS for standard text messages. The company indicated that there would be additional advancements for its satellite service, which became evident in October. T-Satellite introduced “Satellite-ready” applications for Android and iOS users. Apps like WhatsApp, X (Formerly Twitter), AccuWeather, and others are available over its T-Satellite network, keeping users informed when their cell signal is lost.
Pixel 9 users reported access to T-Mobile satellite service earlier this year, and Spectrum and Xfinity users received texting support in March. Most recently, the European carrier, Orange, provided a short exclusive satellite connectivity window for the Pixel 9 and 10 in November.
