Google Maps to Get Satellite Connectivity Feature Thanks to Android’s Upgrade

Android will soon upgrade its services with satellite connectivity features, but another app within the platform may also enjoy this technology, and that is Google Maps.

Through this newfound connection, Google Maps may now be used as a security-tracking platform that would give a user's family members or emergency contacts a chance to know where they were last pinged via satellites.

The highly-awaited satellite connectivity for Android was first focused on text messages, one that would allow users to contact friends, families, or emergency services during times of need.

Google Maps: Satellite Connectivity Feature On the Works

The latest discovery by Piunika Web details the arrival of satellite connectivity features to Google Maps, as found specifically in version 11.125, with multiple code snippets detailing this upgrade.

It was said that Google Maps will have a new UI that will update one's location via satellite when cellular data is unavailable, with a button dedicated explicitly to connecting to the satellite.

Google Maps' recent beta revealed that the 'Connect to satellite' button would record their location every 15 minutes, accurately identifying their location and position as tagged by the company's satellite.

It would store up to five satellite location tags per day after activating the feature, and this may be used to give emergency responders, law enforcement officials, or loved ones for users who find themselves in danger.

Google Maps' Satellite Connection Part of Android

This new upgrade on Google Maps is part of Android's addition of satellite connectivity features that were made available for text messaging and emergencies.

However, it is expected that not all devices will feature this as it would still rely on hardware for satellite connections, with the latest devices like Samsung's Galaxy S24 and the upcoming Pixel 9 expected to support it.

Android's Satellite Connectivity

Last year, we saw a wave of reports regarding Android's satellite connectivity features that are coming soon for the future version of the operating system, one that focuses on the same emergency communication feature on iPhones. It was said to offer a way for users to contact family members, friends, or emergency personnel when cellular signal is low or nonexistent.

It was initially touted to be part of the Android 14 operating system version, claimed to be a two-way experience from Google and Garmin, and said to be made available in as many as 150 countries. The good thing is that there is more to see in the future release of Android 15 regarding satellite messaging, one that would expand to more smartphone users and brands.

Google's move towards integrating satellite messaging on Android came after Apple did so, but in its take, it is expanding more of the service apart from emergency communications and with another app. Google Maps is known for featuring GPS locations for users, but a recent report claims that a satellite feature is on its way, one that would update daily for up to five times a day, especially useful in case of delicate situations.