Does anyone know if current Pixel/Samsung hardwarewill support this??
Bro I just want a public RCS API. That’s literally the only feature I want in Android 14.
Never happening for all of Google’s talk of blaming Apple for not supporting RCS. They don’t fully support it at least by allowing 3rd party clients.
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?
Sounds like they’re trying to parity match what iOS is doing now with emergency situations
I doubt they’re gonna let you use it willy-nilly.
The one android phone with it currently (CAT S75) does let you use it for anything, but it requires an additional subscription.
I believe it’s SMS and SOS only through the messenger app. You have to subscribe through the app during signup for a a certain number of messages during subscription.
If they don’t ‘let’ you use it ‘willy nilly’, someone can make a fork of Android that does, as Android is open source.
[This comment has been deleted by an automated system]
Good, I’d prefer to use it wiley-kylie
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.
Ah yes, sattelite SMS messaging, just as we all asked for!
It could prove extremely useful in an emergency
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.
Same although that’s why I got a Garmin InReach already but those are a lot of $ plus there is a subscription cost and all.
Why would you not be super excited for this?
This literally extends coverage to the entire world. Movies will have to come up with a another excuse then - oh I have no signal.
When you’re hiking that trail in the middle of nowhere and you slip and break your leg you can just point your phone to the sky and get help.