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Satellite connectivity is relatively new on smartphones, and the coming Motorola Defy might be joining the party. A previous report on the actual technology is made possible thanks to a collaboration between Bullitt Group and MediaTek. But a few more partners are working to make this service a success.
At CES 2023, Bullitt Group confirmed that this two-way satellite service will debut on a Motorola device. Also, satellite connectivity will be made possible in collaboration with Skylo. Detailed information on this device is still bleak at the moment.
Bullitt Group says that information on the coming Defy device with two-way satellite messaging will soon be available. For the device’s launch date, sources believe that it will hit the market in Q1, 2023. There are a few things to take to mind regarding this coming Motorola device and its satellite connectivity.
Two-way satellite connectivity on the coming Motorola Defy goes beyond emergencies
Being a rugged device, the coming Motorola Defy will sometimes find itself in areas with low connectivity. At times like this, the device will rely on the two-way satellite connectivity service from Skylo for communication. Yes, basic communication will be possible with this service, not just SOS emergency messaging.
To access this service, users of the Motorola Defy will rely on Bullitt’s messenger app. According to Bullitt Group, this app will be available for download on both Android and iOS devices. This will enable others to reply to messages sent from the Defy device using satellite connectivity.
The service will first be available in Europe and North America in Q1, 2023. Other regions will get access to this service within the year. To use the two-way satellite messaging service, Bullitt Group requests a monthly subscription of $4.99.
Without the app, other people can still get messages sent from the Motorola Defy device via a satellite. But the messages will come in as an SMS and the recipient won’t be able to reply. Bullitt also says that the SMS will come with a prompt to download the app and reply to the message.
Details and specifications of this device are not available at the moment. Bullitt will also launch a CAT smartphone that uses a MediaTek processor and supports two-way satellite messaging. This device will bring intelligent switching between satellite and cellular connectivity, which isn’t available on the coming Motorola Defy.