Ever since Apple introduced it starting with the iPhone 14, Android phone manufacturers have been developing features to compete with the iPhone's emergency SOS feature via satellite Now, thanks to some sharp-eyed Pixel users, we have reason to believe that Google may soon include a life-saving feature on Pixel phones

As discovered by 9to5Google this week, a new "Satellite SOS" option now appears in the Pixel phone's "Safety & Emergency" settings between "Emergency SOS" and "Car Collision Detection" both the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a confirmed this

For those who don't know, Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, as the name implies, is intended for emergency use as a way to broadcast a user's location to emergency services when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is not active Essentially, it allows users to call their cell phone for help by connecting to a satellite instead of a cell tower This feature has already been credited with saving several lives when iPhone users were stranded in areas with no cell phone reception

As for Google's potential rival in the Pixel phone, nothing currently happens when the satellite SOS option is tapped It's as if Google accidentally pushed out the menu option before the feature was ready Whatever the reason, it is clear that the search giant is preparing to add satellite connectivity to the Pixel series

When the team at 9to5Google dug a little deeper, they found several screens in the Pixel's code that appeared to be related to the satellite SOS feature through a rooted phone, the team was able to access a potential menu of features, including the following text was: "With Pixel, you can send messages to emergency services and share your location when you can't connect to a cellular or Wi-Fi network

Another text at the bottom of the page further elaborates: "When you connect with emergency services via satellite, your name, email, phone number, location, device information (IMEI, language, model, battery life), and emergency information are shared with emergency services and satellite service providers

Telegram's Google News channel also shares screenshots

By the looks of it, users can customize their emergency contacts and set automatic alerts for emergencies The privacy disclaimer states that when Satellite SOS is enabled, your name, email, phone number, location, emergency contacts, and device information will be shared with both emergency services and satellite service providers

The page includes a "Try Demo" or "Test Real Mode" option that is not currently working and a link to a (not yet live) Google support page for countries supported by Satellite SOS There is also a link to the Garmin Search and Rescue Insurance plan, suggesting that Google may be partnering with Garmin Garmin's vast network covers over 150 countries on every continent, providing search and rescue and global emergency response coverage

It remains to be seen when Google will make this capability available to users Likewise, it is also unclear if Satellite SOS will be limited to Pixel devices or if it will be available on all Android devices However, the fact that Google has already released the shortcut is a good indication that we do not have to wait long