At the August 20 Made by Google event, Google announced its flagship Pixel 10 series of smartphones. A few days after the introduction, the tech giant revealed a hitherto unidentified important new function on the latest phones. Google claims that voice and video calls via WhatsApp will soon be supported by the Pixel 10 series. This functionality is new because it will function over a satellite network in places without Wi-Fi or a cellular network.
WhatsApp Calls on the Google Pixel 10 via Satellite
Google posted on X (previously Twitter) to announce the satellite-based communication feature. Starting on August 28, the Pixel 10 series will be able to make and receive audio and video conversations on WhatsApp over a satellite network. The latest flagship smartphones from the tech giant will go on sale on this date.
We learn more about the operation of the feature via a teaser video that goes with the X article. A satellite will appear in the status bar when a WhatsApp call is received over a satellite network. After that, users can receive voice or video calls from WhatsApp as usual, but this time the connection will be made through a satellite network rather than cellular or Wi-Fi.
However, according to Google, there will be some rules and limitations that apply. First, only participating carriers will be able to make voice and video calls on WhatsApp using a satellite network. Additionally, using this service may result in additional fees.
The Pixel 10 series will be the first smartphone globally to offer satellite-based WhatsApp calls when it launches, as expected. There is no information available, though, regarding WhatsApp’s ability to deliver text messages via satellite. Currently, satellite-based communication allows you to send messages in places without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
This expands on the Google Pixel 10’s previous announcement at the Made by Google event of the extension of satellite-based communication capabilities. According to the business, Pixel 10 users can use satellite-based sharing to share their location with Google Maps or Find Hub. Thanks to Google’s collaboration with non-terrestrial network operator Skylo, this feature is operational.
