Qualcomm, Android phone makers developing satellite messaging feature

Qualcomm Inc on Monday stated it was working with a gaggle of Android smartphone firms so as to add satellite-based messaging capabilities to their units.

The San Diego, California-based firm, which is the world’s largest provider of chips that join cellphones to wi-fi knowledge networks, stated it’s working with Honor, Lenovo-owned Motorola, Nothing, OPPO, Vivo and Xiaomi Corp to develop the units.

Satellite-based communications can ship and obtain knowledge in distant or rural areas the place different telecommunications networks will not be accessible. Qualcomm introduced that it was including the capabilities to its chips earlier this yr.

Qualcomm’s work with Android machine makers is more likely to intensify competitors between these manufacturers and Apple Inc, which final yr unveiled the power to ship emergency satellite tv for pc messages as one of many flagship options of its latest iPhone lineup. Those new iPhones comprise a chip from Qualcomm, although Apple advised Reuters that additionally they comprise customized {hardware} and software program which might be proprietary to Apple.

Qualcomm didn’t say when the brand new satellite tv for pc messaging options from the Android smartphone manufacturers named on Monday would turn into accessible. Earlier this yr, Qualcomm stated that some Android telephones would have the options by the second half of this yr.

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