Till now, telephones with satellite tv for pc assist had been restricted to SOS alerts or location sharing. That adjustments with the Pixel 10 sequence, which can change into the primary smartphones to assist WhatsApp audio and video calls by way of satellite tv for pc. The characteristic will go dwell on August 28, the day the telephones start transport.
Google introduced the event with a video on X (previously Twitter), displaying a Pixel 10 receiving a WhatsApp name whereas the satellite tv for pc icon appeared within the standing bar. The demo highlighted that customers can take calls with none web or cellular community — and never simply in emergencies.
This replace follows Google’s current growth of satellite tv for pc options on the Pixel 10. Earlier this week, Maps and Discover My Hub added dwell location sharing over satellite tv for pc, and Satellite tv for pc SOS for emergencies additionally rolled out. With WhatsApp calling, Google seems to be pushing the Pixel 10 into mainstream satellite-powered communication.
The transfer provides Pixel a transparent edge over rivals. Apple’s iPhones nonetheless limit satellite tv for pc use to SOS alerts, whereas Samsung’s Galaxy S25 solely helps messaging by Snapdragon Satellite tv for pc. WhatsApp calling over satellite tv for pc is a leap into on a regular basis usability.
That mentioned, there are caveats. Google confirmed that solely choose carriers will assist WhatsApp satellite tv for pc calling, and extra fees could apply. It’s also unclear whether or not WhatsApp will lengthen satellite tv for pc use to textual content messages sooner or later.
Alongside the Pixel 10, Google additionally unveiled satellite tv for pc connectivity for emergencies on the Pixel Watch 4 LTE. Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, the smartwatch can hook up with a geostationary satellite tv for pc community to summon assist — the primary time a wearable has gained direct satellite tv for pc entry.
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