Google’s Satellite SOS for Pixel Phone – Accidental Leak or Upcoming Lifesaver?

Google may be prepping a potentially life-saving new “Satellite SOS” feature for future Pixel devices, based on an accidental early leak.

The unreleased feature was recently spotted by a user following an update to the Adaptive Connectivity Services app. A new Satellite SOS settings page hints at how the emergency service would work – allowing users to send texts to emergency services and share vital location data when outside of cellular or WiFi coverage.

But is this a leak of an upcoming capability for existing Pixel owners? Or a sneak peek at a marquee feature for Google’s next flagship phone, like the rumored Pixel 9?

The settings page discovered suggests Satellite SOS could come to current Pixel devices. It includes options to customize emergency info and links to purchase supplementary Garmin SAR insurance.

However, the feature may be tied to new hardware not found in today’s Pixels, like a satellite connectivity chip. This could point to Satellite SOS being a major selling point of the Pixel 9 or another future model.

While not confirmed yet, access to emergency satellite networks could be a game-changer – especially for Pixel users who frequently venture off the grid. But we’ll have to wait for an official announcement from Google to learn which devices will actually get Satellite SOS capabilities.

For now, this leak provides an exciting glimpse of how Pixel phones could one day deliver vital connectivity when you need it most. A true lifeline in remote areas far from cellular coverage.