Skylo and Google have expanded the satellite connectivity to the Pixel 10 Series, while also introducing the Pixel Watch 4, the first smartwatch with integrated, standards-based satellite communications. It features the first satellite-based location sharing using Android 16.
The smartwatch uses Skylo’s commercial Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and Qualcomm Technologies’ new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platforms. According to the announcement, it is the first device to integrate NB-NTN satellite connectivity using Snapdragon W5 Gen 2.
The smartwatch enables direct, standalone access to the Skylo satellite network, giving users the ability to connect to emergency services and share their location.
Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 supports longer battery life without compromising performance or user experience.
Other features include:
- Satellite SOS: Direct connection to emergency services in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, on Pixel 9 & 10 Series, and on Pixel Watch 4 in the continental US with more regions to follow.
- Satellite messaging: Carrier-dependent, included in some cellular plans.
“By integrating Skylo’s satellite service with our Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 platforms, we’re empowering device makers to deliver life-saving connectivity anywhere — without needing a phone, tower, or terrestrial signal,” said Qualcomm Senior Director of Product Management John Kehrli in a prepared statement.
“This collaboration not only enhances the capabilities of wearables but also opens up new possibilities for users to stay connected in remote or emergency situations, ultimately setting a new bar for the industry.”
Earlier this year, before this week’s smartwatch announcement, Skylo Technologies and Syniverse collaborated to provide two-way SMS messaging via satellite for Verizon customers.
The Syniverse Evolved Mobility solution was used as a method for seamless integration, in their effort to introduce native direct-to-device messaging for Verizon. This means that mobile network operators (MNOs) like Verizon can use the same infrastructure and technology that is already in place to integrate SMS over non-terrestrial networks.
