Panasonic Goes 3G Only - No More GSM Phones

Both Bullitt and Qualcomm have just announced new solutions for putting satellite connectivity in Android phones. Both services offer full two-way messaging for non-emergency use, in addition to an SOS service.

Sep 6, 2023
Gabb has announced its newest watch for kids, the Gabb Watch 3. The new model offers significant upgrades from the Watch 2, including full text messaging (via voice or keyboard), wireless charging, and Bluetooth pairing (to the parent's phone).

May 17, 2022
For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple is announcing several new accessibility features coming to iOS "later this year", possibly in iOS 16. A new feature called Door Detection uses the camera and LiDAR sensor in higher-end iPhones and iPads to help blind or low vision users "locate a door upon arriving at a new destination, understand how far they are from it, and describe door attributes — including if it is open or closed, and when it’s closed, whether it can be opened by pushing, turning a knob, or pulling a handle."

Jun 23, 2022
Samsung Electronics has announced a new camera sensor for phones with 200 megapixel resolution. While Samsung already makes 200 megapixel camera sensors, the new ISOCELL HP3 sensor has pixels that are 12 percent smaller, enabling "approximately 20 percent reduction in camera module surface area, allowing smartphone manufacturers to keep their premium devices slim."

Sep 12, 2024
This morning, a SpaceX rocket successfully took five new satellites into orbit that will eventually provide satellite service (including 5G data) for existing AT&T and Verizon cell phones in places without cellular coverage. The launch of these "BlueBird" satellites operated by AST SpaceMobile follows a successful testing campaign using "BlueWalker" test satellites (already in orbit) to validate the technology.