In summary
- Google announces WhatsApp calling over satellite
- Exclusive to Pixel 10 at launch
- Details on precise availability frustratingly vague
Google has announced that the Pixel 10 will have the ability to place satellite calls over WhatsApp at launch, which is a seriously exciting feature.
The latest Google flagship phone boasts a number of stand-out features, a dedicated telephoto camera for the base Pixel 10 and Qi2 charging for all.
It’s easy to miss some of the smaller additions to the roster, but Google has handily highlighted one that could be seriously useful.
Pixel 10 aims for the stars
The company has posted the exciting news that “Pixel devices will be the first to offer voice and video calls on WhatsApp over a satellite network starting 8/28.”
The post features a brief demonstration video, highlighting how it’s possible to place WhatsApp calls even without a mobile connection.
Google does issue the caveat that this feature only applies to participating carriers (aka mobile operators). Obviously you’ll need a clear view to the sky, too.
Pixel satellite calling to be Elon-gated?
Interestingly, a SpaceX executive (no, not that one) has reposted Google’s announcement with the added morsel of information that “Voice and video coming to Starlink direct-to-cell!”.
Perhaps Elon Musk’s space commerce company is involved in supplying this new service.
If so, it could mean that the feature is restricted to T-Mobile over in the US. We’re not sure what this means for wider availability, including over here in the UK, but we’ll keep you posted.
While the Pixel 10 will be the first to support this feature, we’re presuming it’s going to come to the Pixel 9 range too. Last year’s model was the first in the series to introduce the Satellite SOS feature, enabling you to send out a distress signal when there’s no mobile signal.
