StarlinkSpaceX’s satellite internet division, brought its own for the first time satellite connection on a smartphone, specifically an unmodified Galaxy S21 Ultra. This is the first step on the path that Elon Musk’s company hopes to take in the coming years. Allowing a data connection via satellite on all smartphones, without the need for dedicated hardware.
Starlink brings its satellite connection to a smartphone
Elon Musk ha recently announced that Starlink has achieved maximum download speeds of 17 Mbps for satellite-to-phone connectivity using a “phone Samsung unmodified“. This is the company’s best result since it announced last fall that it had begun working on its satellite-based smartphone connection.
According to what Android Headlines reports, it seems that Starlink has carried out the test on a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultraan unmodified model of 128 GB on Verizonproving that Starlink can operate with devices intended for the public without any hardware customization. And that, one day, we could all make use of the SpaceX company’s satellite connection — all just by subscribing on the official website.
The future of satellite connections
The move of Starlink opens up new possibilities. Collaborating with T-Mobilethe company is exploring the terrain of calling and messaging in remote areas without cell phone coverage. Satellite connectivity directly from our standard phones could become the norm, ensuring basic communications even in isolated locations.
A decidedly more convenient solution than the dedicated chips seen in the latest iPhones or those from Bullitt (a company that has since gone bankrupt). Especially because will be accessible on all smartphones, including those of medium or low range.
I 17 Mbpswhile they may seem modest for streaming standards and high definition video calls, they are more than sufficient for voice calls and messaging. Furthermore, in emergency situations, this connection could prove to be a real lifeline, communicating ours location to emergency services.
Starlink is not the only one who wants to bring satellite connections to smartphones
He’s not alone Starlink wanting to lay the foundations for the future of satellite communications. Giants like Samsung e Google they are promising direct connections in their future devices. A screenshot leaked last week shows the settings page of a Galaxy device with One UI 6.1, scheduled to debut with the Galaxy S24 series. This page, full of useful features in case of emergency, suggests that we may soon say goodbye to partnerships with operators and embrace one exclusively satellite connectivity.
But this will happen, if possible, in the future. Current speeds may not be sufficient for everyday smartphone needs. There is a growing need for a significant upgrade to support data-intensive applications and video calls. Starlink and its competitors are already working on solutions: larger satellites, with higher throughput, multiple access technologies. And then other questions remain: the response times of the satellites, the problems when you are in covered areas (watching a series in streaming on the subway seems impossible with a satellite connection).
For the foreseeable future, we will continue to focus on antenna connections with our feet firmly on the ground. But satellites will increasingly play a critical role in the future of connectivity — or at least, that’s what he’s banking on Starlink.
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