Wait, so this will allow phones with supported hardware to SMS and calls anywhere in the world, even in the middle of nowhere with no cellular coverage?
Yes and it'll likely be expensive, but it can very much save lives. When you're very remote and need to tell someone your location, or you need help, that's where it really shines. From what I hear too, it's not exactly fast either so probably not for real time texting or chatting willy nilly.
afaik both the t-mobile/starlink deal and the apple version of this are equilivent of 3g. So likely you're not gonna want to browse the internet or anything. But if you're a sailor at sea this could be a great way to be able to text. Or if you're in am emergancy you'll be able to call for help.
There is already a bluetooth device you can purchase that works with most any smartphone - it allows you to subscribe to a text messaging service which uses satellite communication (only a few messages per month if I recall correctly). I forget the brand but it hit the market like a year ago.
Does anyone know if current Pixel/Samsung hardwarewill support this??
It doesn't seem like they've said one way or the other (unless I missed something). It would be nice if it did but if I'm being honest I'm guessing no. If only new phones will have it then it will push more people to continue their yearly/bi-yearly upgrade cycle.
I refuse to "upgrade" until they put the aux port back. Still rocking my 4a 5G, it's great AND has an aux port tyvm.
You see that Radicalized@lemmy.one?? I've got options!
I'd love to keep the clean OS experience of the Pixel but I may have to go with Sony on my next phone. This one should last for another two or three years though.
Yeah, but that's a headphone jack, so there is a DAC somewhere in the phone. The traditional 3.5 mm AUX port is meant to have no DAC behind it and is made to directly plug into an amplifier, I believe you and OP are talking about 2 different things.
Perhaps you were being sarcastic, but I'm very excited about this feature. I often visit rural areas, and if I got a flat I would love my phone to be useful for letting family know what's going on.