IT looks like Google is planning to introduce a life-saving feature to some smartphones this year.
Eagle-eyed Android fans spotted a new option tucked away in the settings.
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However, it’s not ready to be used just yet.
The tool is known as Satellite SOS and if you think it sounds familiar you’re not mistaken.
Apple has its own version for iPhone which launched well over a year ago now.
Last year we had a sneaky suspicion Google was working on Satellite SOS after hidden code was uncovered by nerds.
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For those who are unaware, Satellite SOS allows users to make emergency contact when there is no data connection or Wi-Fi.
And it’s already been credited for helping save lives.
The feature was noticed by 9to5Google under the safety and emergency section on the latest Pixel smartphones.
Leaked screenshots say: “With your Pixel, you can message with emergency services and share your location when you can’t connect to a mobile or Wi-Fi network.”
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It’s not clear whether the tool will be rolling out to current Pixel handsets or something for new handsets.
And although it’s been spotted on a Pixel some are hoping it will be available more widely to Android.
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However, your handset will need to have the right chip tech inside to communicate with satellites.
“This is fantastic,” one user wrote on Reddit.
“Specially for rural area/emergency services going off the beaten path.”
As it stands, the button doesn’t work and there’s no official word on it, so it appears the inclusion of Satellite SOS was an accident.
The other snag is we don’t yet know which countries it will be available in, so we will have to wait until Google properly launches Satellite SOS to find out.
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