Qualcomm collaboration enables standalone satellite SOS and messaging on wearables, powered by Skylo’s commercial NTN service.
Skylo and Google today announced the expansion of satellite connectivity to the Pixel 10 Series and introduced the Pixel Watch 4, the first smartwatch with integrated, standards-based satellite communications.
Powered by Skylo’s commercial Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and Qualcomm Technologies’ new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platforms, the Pixel Watch 4 offers standalone emergency messaging – without a phone or cellular plan.
“This launch isn’t just a new feature — it redefines what’s possible with satellite connectivity in everyday devices, including the one that’s in your pocket or on your wrist,” said Parthsarathi Trivedi, CEO and co-founder of Skylo Technologies.
“By embedding Skylo’s service into phones and wearables, we’re making coverage accessible to people in the moments that matter most.”
Last year, the Pixel 9’s satellite connectivity — powered by Skylo — emerged as one of its most celebrated features, winning the “Best Smartphone” Global Mobile Award at MWC Barcelona 2025. At the same event, Skylo was recognized as the industry’s Best Non-Terrestrial Network provider for a second consecutive year. This year, Skylo has deepened its collaboration with both the Pixel and Android teams at Google to deliver new satellite experiences that are even more intuitive and extend to more devices.
In a major industry milestone, the Pixel Watch 4 becomes the world’s first device to integrate NB-NTN satellite connectivity using Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. Purpose-built for wearables, the world’s first wearable platform with NB-NTN support enables direct, standalone access to Skylo’s satellite network, giving users the ability to connect to emergency services and share their location straight from their wrist, even without a phone. Optimized for ultra-low power consumption, Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 supports longer battery life without compromising performance or user experience.
“By integrating Skylo’s satellite service with our Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 platforms, we’re empowering device makers to deliver life-saving connectivity anywhere — without needing a phone, tower, or terrestrial signal” said John Kehrli, Senior Director, Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies Inc., “This collaboration not only enhances the capabilities of wearables but also opens up new possibilities for users to stay connected in remote or emergency situations, ultimately setting a new bar for the industry.”
On the Pixel 10 Series, Skylo powers new features such as the first satellite-based location sharing in Android 16. Without cellular coverage, users can send their live location over Skylo’s network. Recipients will see a satellite icon on the shared location pin, clearly indicating off-grid status. Whether staying connected with loved ones or reaching emergency services, Pixel 10 keeps users covered when it matters most. This new feature will be available on the Pixel 9 Series as well.
Skylo’s satellite capabilities across the Pixel lineup include:
- Satellite SOS: Direct connection to emergency services in US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, on Pixel 9 & 10 Series, and on Pixel Watch 4 in the continental US with more regions to follow
- Location Sharing via Satellite: Send your live location from remote areas using Google Maps or Find Hub.
- Satellite Messaging: carrier-dependent, included in some cellular plans
Skylo’s proven satellite network, which has powered satellite SOS on the Google Pixel 9 series since August 2024, has already enabled a growing number of life-saving rescues — from hikers lost in the wilderness to vehicle accidents on highways.
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