After my deep skepticism about yesterday’s news about Apple’s satellite communications potential in the iPhone 13 in a few weeks’ time, there are new, reliable reports out Bloomberg this indicates a compromise:
- A much simpler tech approach that could hit an iPhone in 2022 or later.
- And it’s simple SOS messaging, no backup when 3G / 4G / 5G services are not available, nor high-speed connection for calls.
Shortly:
- Apple has reportedly been working on an “Emergency Satellite Message” that would “allow users to send emergency calls and contacts over a satellite network when there is no cell signal available” and “display with gray message bubbles instead of green or blue”.
- Another concept is intended for a crisis: “An instrument to report major emergencies such as plane crashes and sinking ships, also via satellite networks.”
- Both sound useful and important, and the tool is codenamed “Stewie,” which is fun.
- Bloomberg compared the system to Garmin’s inReach device and you can see the challenges Apple will have in integrating this into a standard iPhone, with an extended antenna that looks like a device from the early 2000s.
- There is no doubt that Apple, like other smartphone manufacturers, is examining all communication options. The key is knowing when a feature like this is ready for millions of users.
Here is the crucial paragraph:
- “And while the next iPhone could have the hardware needed for satellite communications, the features are unlikely to be ready before next year,” said another person, who asked not to be identified as the plans are not yet public are. “The functions could also change or be discarded before they are published.”
⚖️ Late news: South Korea passes anti-Google bill to curb Google, Apple’s in-app payments commission, and prevent companies from forcing developers to use their in-app billing. Interestingly, the penalty here is 3% of South Korean sales for companies failing to comply. Could Apple or Google just say no? Australia could follow next, targeting Apple, Google, and WeChat (TechCrunch).
📁 Samsung is showing off a double foldable Galaxy Fold prototype, and it’s a long boi (Android authority).
📱 Samsung’s new Z Flip and Z Fold get battery protection function: limit charging to 85% if you want for a long life (The edge).
🔋 Otterbox launches a nifty foldable wireless power bank aimed at gamers (Android authority).
⌚ Fossil Gen 6 guide: what you need to know about the new smartwatches that are tough competition for the Galaxy Watch 4 (Android authority).
⌚ This official Samsung app turns the Galaxy Watch 4 into a walkie-talkie (Android authority).
👉 Online gaming in China is severely restricted for under 18s: only three hours a week at fixed times on the weekend, with the game developers already implementing the restrictions (Android authority).
🎂 Speaking of children: That’s why Instagram is now asking about your birthday (Gizmodo).
🤖 Here is Hyundai’s Robotaxi, which will be available on the Lyft app in 2023 (The edge).
🍎 Apple is building a classic music streaming app after purchasing Primephonic, but Apple bizarrely retires within a week or so. Classic fans are now stuck (Engage).
📸 The DSLR is fading as mirrorless becomes the first choice (CNET).
🤑 PayPal is considering a stock trading platform for U.S. customers, though approvals may take until 2022 (CNBC).
📈 The $ 150 Million Machine That Keeps Moore’s Law Alive: A great look at Dutch company ASML that has been and will have been powering TSMC, Samsung, and Intel for years. Incidentally, China has been prevented from buying all of them (Wired).
⚔️ How Lord of the Rings changed the battles on the big screen forever(CNET).
💡 “What is the most intellectual joke you know?” (I only link to these because they mostly have explanations!) (R / askreddit).
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