Google and WhatsApp Introduce "Satellite Calling" Feature on Pixel 10 — Enabling WhatsApp Voice and Video Calls Even Outside Coverage Areas

Google and WhatsApp Introduce "Satellite Calling" Feature on Pixel 10 — Enabling WhatsApp Voice and Video Calls Even Outside Coverage Areas

2025年08月25日 13:46

1. Breaking News: What Was Announced (When/Which Devices/What Can Be Done)

  • Service Launch: August 28, 2025 (same day as device release, activated in stages).9to5GoogleAndroid Authority

  • Target: Pixel 10 Family (10/10 Pro/10 Pro XL, varies by market).9to5Google

  • Content: Even without cellular or Wi-Fi, WhatsApp voice and video calls can be used via satellite. Announced via a short video on Google's official X (formerly Twitter), with a satellite icon displayed on the status bar.9to5GoogleAndroid Authority

  • Provision Conditions: Limited to participating carriers, possibility of additional charges, and line of sight (visibility) outdoors is required. Caution about low speed and high latency.9to5GoogleThe Indian Express



2. Why It's a "World-First" Noteworthy Feature

While iPhone currently focuses on SOS purposes and Galaxy S25 is limited to satellite messaging (text), Pixel 10 expands satellite use to everyday voice and video calls via WhatsApp. It is groundbreaking in extending the "practical range" of out-of-cellular communication.channelnews.com.auThe Indian Express



3. Overview of the Mechanism (Estimated Architecture)

  • Based on Pixel 10's satellite-compatible hardware/modem and Android 16's satellite stack, NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) operators secure IP layer data. The app layer, WhatsApp, establishes call sessions. Skylo Technologies is suggested as a partner, with potential expansion via T-Mobile's T-satellite.Tom's Guide

  • Note: While WhatsApp usually uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE), details on encryption and quality optimization via satellite routes are unpublished. Await official documentation for finalized specifications.9to5Google



4. Usage Conditions and Anticipated Constraints

  • Carrier Dependency: Usability varies by participating carrier, with a possibility of additional charges.9to5GoogleThe Indian Express

  • Environmental Conditions: A line of sight to the satellite is required outdoors. Connectivity is difficult indoors, in forests, or canyons. Latency tends to be higher than cellular.9to5Google

  • Provision Areas: Start time and feature range may vary by country and region.No announcement for Japan yet.channelnews.com.au



5. Comparison: Differences with iPhone/Galaxy

  • iPhone: Satellite is mainly limited to Emergency SOS.9to5Google

  • Galaxy S25: Focuses on **satellite text (Snapdragon Satellite, etc.)**.The Indian Express

  • Pixel 10: Extends to voice and video calls with everyday apps (WhatsApp). Exclusively provided initially.Android Authority9to5Google



6. Use Cases: Value in Japanese Life, Work, and Disaster Contexts

  • Mountains, Remote Islands, Open Sea: Allows call communication with family and teams even when out of range.

  • Backup During Disasters: Provides a redundant route when base stations fail. However, note carrier participation and additional charges.9to5GoogleThe Indian Express

  • Fieldwork/Reporting: Expands possibilities for video reports from the field (consider bandwidth and latency).



7. Prospects for Provision in Japan (Current Outlook)

  • Unannounced Matters: Participating carriers in Japan, compatible frequencies and satellite operators, billing systems, and the range of usable apps (messaging functions beyond calls).channelnews.com.au

  • Tips for Confirmation: After device release, check carrier support pages/terms for mentions of "satellite calls (WhatsApp)" or look for guidance from Google Japan and notices from retailers.

  • Regulations: Since satellite phone use may involve permits in some countries, adhere to official information.



8. Integration Features: Location Sharing and Wearables

  • Location Sharing: Pixel 10 supports satellite-based location sharing via Google Maps/Find Hub. The recipient sees a "satellite icon," indicating an off-grid status.Tom's Guide

  • T-Mobile's T-satellite: Reported to expand data support on October 1, suggesting future device expansion.Tom's Guide

  • Pixel Watch 4: The first smartwatch to support satellite SOS messaging (two-way). There are restrictions based on region and model (LTE version).Tom's GuideTechRadar



9. Factors Affecting Quality and Cost

  • Latency: Satellite links have significant round-trip latency, making conversation overlap likely. Caution about latency and quality was noted at the time of announcement.9to5Google

  • Cost##HTML_TAG_

← Back to Article List