Google Pixel 9 to get new modem, satellite connectivity

Most people don’t take into consideration the modem when considering looking for a model new cellphone, and why must they? Sadly, it’s one factor a wide range of Pixel prospects are increasingly having to seek out out about. Recently, connectivity factors have become one in all many largest factors with the gathering. Luckily, the state of affairs has improved over the generations, and the upcoming Pixel 9 series will be greater nonetheless.

Resulting from a Google insider, Android Authority has found among the many modem upgrades coming to the Pixel 9 assortment, which brings some essential upgrades, along with satellite connectivity.

Modems have been a recognized provide of points on Pixels since Google switched to its semi-custom Tensor chips once more in 2021. Given that chips had been developed in collaboration with Samsung’s S.LSI division, Google opted to utilize Exynos modems to simplify progress, in distinction to earlier Pixels, which used choices from Qualcomm.

Sadly, the stability of the software program program working on the model new modems was poor, notably initially. In my personal experience using the Pixel 6, as an example, I encountered situations the place the modem would crash and even take totally different subsystems, resembling sensors, offline with it! I really wasn’t alone in experiencing Pixel 6 connectivity issues.

Fortunately, because the model new platform matured, the issues grew to turn out to be rarer, notably after the Tensor G2 switched to a model new modem — Exynos Modem 5300 (which may also be used on the Pixel 8 assortment). The modem is far much less of an issue now than it was. Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that it’s nonetheless not wonderful. As an illustration, Pixel 7 and eight prospects have reported points as a result of the March 2024 exchange. In our private present survey, almost 60% of respondents reported encountering these issues!

The Tensor G4, coming first to the Pixel 9 assortment, is bringing a brand-new modem: the Samsung Modem 5400. Whereas it’s not a Qualcomm modem like some would really like, it’s nonetheless an enhance over the sooner generations. Our provide couldn’t give any precise specs, nevertheless, as on a regular basis, we are going to anticipate it to be sooner and further power-efficient than the sooner generations. Furthermore, the software program program stack has been upgraded as soon as extra, which ought to reinforce stability. Lastly, there’s assist for 3GPP Rel. 17 which brings assist for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-based communication in several phrases.

The modem is coming to all cellular-enabled Tensor G4 devices, along with the Pixel 9 assortment and the next-generation Pixel Fold. Our provide has moreover educated us that Google is throughout the early ranges of making a 5G tablet, codename “clementine,” with the similar modem. Nonetheless, it’s presently unknown when — and if — the system will make it to market.

As we previously reported, Google has made important progress in integrating assist for satellite-based messaging in Android 15. Resulting from NTN assist throughout the Exynos Modem 5400, the Pixel 9 assortment can be the primary to assist Android’s native satellite tv for pc television for laptop implementation.

Initially, the operate will be provided by T-Mobile (inbuilt collaboration with SpaceX), with totally different suppliers presumably added eventually. The satellite tv for pc television for laptop hyperlink will allow for texting, nevertheless not calling. Furthermore, a selected “Satellite tv for pc television for laptop Gateway” app will allow for easy communications with emergency corporations by means of a operate often known as “Emergency SOS.”

We’ve already seen earlier indicators about how this may work, nevertheless we are going to now preview it in further ingredient. First, you’ll be requested quite a lot of basic questions, to slender down the state of affairs. Moreover, you can be given a choice to notify your emergency contacts, after which it’s potential so that you can to message with emergency corporations to get the help you need. A lot of the questions may even have predefined options to pick out from to make the strategy quicker. We’ve listed among the many questions throughout the desk beneath, to offer a standard idea of the best way it really works.

On account of nature of satellite tv for pc television for laptop connectivity, cell choices using it generally need very specific alignment to connect. Google has designed animations to help this course of, such as a result of the one beneath:

The satellite tv for pc television for laptop connectivity operate may even be on the market on the next-gen Pixel Fold, as indicated by the subsequent message found throughout the app:

Nonetheless not Qualcomm, nevertheless a welcome enhance, regardless

Whereas the modem enhance we’re seeing proper right here gained’t have been the quite a few enhance we wished, it’s going to hopefully lead to fewer factors, which is clearly good to see. Significantly as a result of the Tensor G4 isn’t much more than a refreshed Tensor G3. It was solely created because of Google’s completely {{custom}} chip missed the deadline for 2024.