Secret Google plans ‘to start charging for free feature’ revealed after sleuths uncover hidden message inside app

GOOGLE Pixel users will soon get their hands on a feature that provides Internet connectivity anywhere.

It isn’t always possible to be near a Wi-Fi router or cell tower, but Google has engineered a way to prevent people from going off the grid, even in remote areas.

AFP

Google Pixel users will soon be able to use their phones without a cell tower or Wi-Fi connection thanks to a forthcoming update[/caption]

The feature comes in handy when you’re hiking up a mountain or roving through the wilderness and need to call for help.

The tool works by connecting to satellite towers that orbit the Earth rather than cell towers on the ground.

Google has been polishing its satellite feature, which will likely debut with the release of Android 15 to keep pace with competitors.

Clues in the Android 15 Beta 4 reveal the feature’s name, who will be able to use it, and how to access it.

Several strings of code refer to “Satellite SOS,” giving us reason to believe this will be the name of the satellite tool.

It will allow users to contact emergency services and share their location as long as they have an unobstructed view of the sky.

It appears the feature will be free to use only for a limited time.

“Satellite SOS is included at no charge for {two} years,” one string of code reads.

The brackets suggest “two” may be a placeholder that’s subject to change. However, it’s likely to pan out if Google continues to follow in its rivals’ footsteps.

In Apple‘s case, satellite connectivity is free for two years on the iPhone 14 or later.

More code indicates a user must have Google Messages as their default text messaging service to use the satellite feature.

Details like name, phone number, location, emergency contacts, and device details will be shared with emergency services.

Tech companies have focused on text message communication when it comes to satellite connectivity.

An analogous feature on the iPhone 14 and later models forwards a user’s text and location to the nearest emergency service.

If they can’t receive text messages, users will be connected to relay centers with “Apple-trained emergency specialists” who will call in on their behalf.

AFP

Satellite SOS will be available on Pixel 9 devices and will connect users with emergency services[/caption]

Google’s satellite connectivity feature will be specific to devices running Android 15, the forthcoming operating system slated for release next month.

Insiders suspect the tool will first appear on Pixel 9 series devices leveraging the brand-new Exynos Modem 5400.

The tool may also emerge on older phones, as indicated by a string of code reading, “Your Pixel has been updated to support satellite communication.”

However, insiders say this is unlikely due to older devices’ lack of dedicated hardware.

Other code implies the tool will reach Samsung phones, possibly with Android 15-based One UI 7.

Satellite connectivity will likely be made available through Pixel Feature Drops where Google launches a slew of features in one update.

These come in addition to the monthly software fixes and major Android updates.