3 Minutes
Google and WhatsApp bring satellite calling to the Pixel 10
Following Google's recent Made by Google launch, new details continue to surface about the Pixel 10 lineup. Google announced that Pixel 10 phones will be the first devices to support voice and video calls on WhatsApp using satellite connectivity. The feature, teased in a short announcement video on the Made by Google account, is slated to arrive with the Pixel 10 series launch on August 28.
Product features
WhatsApp over satellite
Pixel 10 users will be able to place and receive end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp voice and video calls when traditional cellular or Wi‑Fi networks are unavailable. The integration is designed to work through Google's satellite connectivity layer, routing calls via satellite network relays to keep conversations live when you're off the grid.
Practical capabilities and limitations
Expect best-effort audio and video quality that depends on line-of-sight to the satellite, available bandwidth, and latency inherent to satellite links. Battery use and call duration may be constrained compared with LTE/5G calls. Google’s demo showed an incoming WhatsApp call accepted while the Pixel was in satellite mode, illustrating seamless app-level handling.
Comparisons and market context
Unlike earlier implementations of satellite features that focused on emergency SOS messaging, Pixel 10's WhatsApp satellite support targets everyday communication — voice and video — via a mainstream messaging app. Apple has provided SOS satellite tools for emergencies on iPhone, but does not offer full third-party voice/video calling over satellite at scale. The Pixel 10 move signals a shift: bringing consumer satellite connectivity into the hands of messaging app users and potentially accelerating partnerships between OS makers, apps, and satellite operators.
Advantages and use cases
Key advantages include uninterrupted communication for hikers, sailors, remote workers, journalists in the field, and disaster-response teams. For travelers and professionals who frequent remote areas, WhatsApp over satellite means fewer interruptions and a familiar calling experience without switching to dedicated satellite handsets.
Market relevance and implications
Offering WhatsApp satellite calls gives Pixel 10 a tangible competitive edge at launch and raises expectations for carrier and app support of satellite services. This integration could broaden the consumer market for mobile satellite connectivity, influence regulatory discussions, and encourage other messaging platforms to explore similar capabilities.
Final thoughts
With the Pixel 10 debut on August 28, Google and WhatsApp are taking a significant step toward mainstreaming satellite communications for everyday app-based voice and video. While the technology will have practical limits, its arrival on a flagship smartphone marks an important milestone for connected services off the grid.
Comments