At startup iPhone 14 Pro last fall, Apple announced a long-touted new feature that allows users connect to satellites to contact emergency services when cellular and Wi-Fi services were unavailable.
There were rumors Samsung Galaxy S23 would follow suit. However, security was not in sight when Samsung unveiled its 2023 flagships at Unpacked on February 1st.
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Of course, the SOS technology didn’t make it into this release. That’s because Samsung doesn’t believe the technology is ready for prime time.
It’s a distinctly Apple-like approach to explaining the lack of new features from Samsung, which is usually more cautious about debuting features and prides itself on being first. This was stated by the boss of Samsung TM Roh CNET the company will be ready to include satellite communications when the technology matures.
He said: “If the time, infrastructure and technology are right [is] ready, then of course for Samsung Galaxy, for our mobile division, we are also actively looking at adopting this feature. I don’t think this is a final solution for user peace of mind.”
Apple’s use of the technology can only send short messages to emergency services, rather than a satellite phone that can offer voice communications. It’s more of a beginning than an end, but it is have already resulted in documented rescues.
Roe says there are other ways smartphones can keep their users safe besides satellite communications, telling the publication that improving the quality of sensors and the range of phones is also important.
