Google Pixel 9 to get new modem, satellite tv for pc connectivity

Most individuals don’t take into account the modem when contemplating shopping for a brand new telephone, and why ought to they? Sadly, it’s one thing quite a lot of Pixel customers are more and more having to find out about. In recent times, connectivity points have turn into one of many largest points with the collection. Fortunately, the state of affairs has improved over the generations, and the upcoming Pixel 9 collection might be higher nonetheless.

Because of a Google insider, Android Authority has discovered among the modem upgrades coming to the Pixel 9 collection, which brings some vital upgrades, together with satellite tv for pc connectivity.

Modems have been a identified supply of issues on Pixels since Google switched to its semi-custom Tensor chips again in 2021. Because the chips have been developed in collaboration with Samsung’s S.LSI division, Google opted to make use of Exynos modems to simplify growth, not like earlier Pixels, which used options from Qualcomm.

Sadly, the soundness of the software program operating on the brand new modems was poor, particularly originally. In my private expertise utilizing the Pixel 6, for instance, I encountered instances the place the modem would crash and even take different subsystems, similar to sensors, offline with it! I actually wasn’t alone in experiencing Pixel 6 connectivity points.

Fortuitously, as the brand new platform matured, the problems turned rarer, particularly after the Tensor G2 switched to a brand new modem — Exynos Modem 5300 (which can be used on the Pixel 8 collection). The modem is much less of a difficulty now than it was once. Nevertheless, it’s value mentioning that it’s nonetheless not excellent. For instance, Pixel 7 and eight customers have reported issues for the reason that March 2024 replace. In our personal latest survey, nearly 60% of respondents reported encountering these points!

The Tensor G4, coming first to the Pixel 9 collection, is bringing a brand-new modem: the Samsung Modem 5400. Whereas it’s not a Qualcomm modem like some would like, it’s nonetheless an improve over the earlier generations. Our supply couldn’t give any actual specs, however, as at all times, we will count on it to be quicker and extra power-efficient than the earlier generations. Moreover, the software program stack has been upgraded once more, which ought to enhance stability. Lastly, there’s assist for 3GPP Rel. 17 which brings assist for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-based communication in different phrases.

The modem is coming to all cellular-enabled Tensor G4 gadgets, together with the Pixel 9 collection and the next-generation Pixel Fold. Our supply has additionally knowledgeable us that Google is within the early phases of growing a 5G pill, codename “clementine,” with the identical modem. Nevertheless, it’s presently unknown when — and if — the system will make it to market.

As we beforehand reported, Google has made important progress in integrating assist for satellite-based messaging in Android 15. Because of NTN assist within the Exynos Modem 5400, the Pixel 9 collection would be the first to assist Android’s native satellite tv for pc implementation.

Initially, the function might be offered by T-Cell (inbuilt collaboration with SpaceX), with different suppliers probably added sooner or later. The satellite tv for pc hyperlink will permit for texting, however not calling. Moreover, a particular “Satellite tv for pc Gateway” app will permit for straightforward communications with emergency providers by way of a function referred to as “Emergency SOS.”

We’ve already seen earlier indicators about how this might work, however we will now preview it in additional element. First, you can be requested a number of fundamental questions, to slim down the state of affairs. Additionally, you will be given a option to notify your emergency contacts, after which it is possible for you to to message with emergency providers to get the aid you want. Lots of the questions may also have predefined solutions to select from to make the method faster. We’ve listed among the questions within the desk beneath, to provide a basic concept of the way it works.

As a result of nature of satellite tv for pc connectivity, cell options utilizing it sometimes want very particular alignment to attach. Google has designed animations to assist this course of, such because the one beneath:

The satellite tv for pc connectivity function may also be out there on the next-gen Pixel Fold, as indicated by the next message discovered within the app:

Nonetheless not Qualcomm, however a welcome improve, regardless

Whereas the modem improve we’re seeing right here may not have been the numerous improve we wished, it’ll hopefully result in fewer points, which is clearly good to see. Particularly for the reason that Tensor G4 isn’t way more than a refreshed Tensor G3. It was solely created as a result of Google’s absolutely {custom} chip missed the deadline for 2024.