Google’s Pixel 9 series launches with Satellite SOS and Chromecast with Google TV updates
Top 3 Key Points:
- Satellite SOS Launch: Available on Pixel 9 series, US-only at launch.
- How It Works: Uses Google’s dialer app for emergency messaging via satellite.
- Chromecast Update: Android 14 coming to Chromecast with Google TV despite product discontinuation.
Google’s Pixel 9 series is introducing a significant new feature: Satellite SOS. This feature, available from launch, allows users to reach emergency services even when there’s no mobile data or Wi-Fi. However, it’s important to know that this feature is initially available only in the continental United States.
Launch Details: Satellite SOS is exclusive to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This feature is enabled by the new Exynos 5400 modem in the Tensor G4 chip, which enhances satellite connectivity—a capability that the previous Samsung modem only partially supported.
There’s been some confusion about when this feature will be available, mainly because Google didn’t highlight it in their initial announcement. However, Google has confirmed that Satellite SOS will be available at launch, though only in the lower 48 states, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. While Google plans to expand this feature to other countries, no timeline has been provided. There are also rumors that older Pixel models might get this feature, but nothing official has been announced yet.
How Satellite SOS Works: Satellite SOS operates through Google’s dialer app. If you attempt to call emergency services without mobile data or Wi-Fi, a prompt for Satellite SOS will appear, allowing you to send messages via satellite. This functionality is exclusive to the Google Dialer app and can’t be accessed through Google Messages or the Personal Safety app.
Once activated, an “emergency questionnaire” helps you communicate your situation, and you can notify your emergency contacts. The on-screen prompts guide you in positioning your phone correctly for satellite connection. Google states that emergency responders should reply within a few minutes. Note that Google Messages must be set as your default messaging app for this service to work.
Powering Satellite SOS: Google has teamed up with Garmin and Skylo to power Satellite SOS. Garmin’s Response service, which handles thousands of SOS activations annually, will assist Pixel 9 users in emergencies. Garmin’s trained coordinators work with a global network of law enforcement, emergency services, and search and rescue teams to respond to incidents.
Skylo, which provides the satellite network, collaborated closely with Google’s Pixel and Android teams to create this direct-to-device satellite connectivity.
Chromecast with Google TV Updates: In other news, despite discontinuing the Chromecast with Google TV lineup, Google has confirmed that these devices will still receive software updates, including Android 14. Though Google is phasing out the product, the update is expected to roll out later this year, although it won’t include support for Thread, as the hardware needed for it isn’t present in the Chromecast.
It’s reassuring to see Google supporting its devices with significant updates, even as they approach the end of their lifecycle.
Key points:
- Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
- Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
- Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.
Android 15 Delayed
Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.
Gemini Live Goes Free
In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.
Pixel 6 and Later
The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
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