Pixel 10 Series Users Can Access WhatsApp With Satellite Connectivity

Google allows the use of satellite connectivity for WhatsApp access (photo: X @madebygoogle)

JAKARTA Google made a new breakthrough in satellite connectivity on Pixel phones. If previously the feature only worked on SMS on Google Messages, now the feature works on the WhatsApp application.

This capability can be seen in the newly launched Pixel 10 series, as displayed by Google through an X account previously known as Twitter. This means that users can make voice and Video calls using satellite connectivity.

"The Pixel device will be the first (device) to offer voice and video calls on WhatsApp via satellite networks," Google wrote via a makebygoogle account. Google also says that this feature can be used starting August 28.

This announcement shows that the feature will be available on the latest Pixel models, namely the Standard Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Most likely, this feature is also available on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

This is an improvement for the satellite connectivity feature. This will provide a new communication experience for users who have difficulty accessing the internet, especially when they are often in remote locations.

The average internet service provider only offers satellite services that are limited to SMS and MMS. In fact, Starlink Direct to Cell capabilities only allow access to SMS and regular voice services. No service has yet allowed access to third-party applications.

It is not yet known whether Google will expand this capability to a longer Pixel series. Google also does not explicitly explain whether users can exchange messages with satellite connectivity on WhatsApp. The reason is, Google only shows the ability to make calls.

This service will only be available to participating cellular operators and may be subject to additional costs. It is not known exactly which operators are involved.