A closer look at satellite communication tools

The latest generation of smart watches is looking to the sky to expand their communication capabilities. the Apple Watch Ultra 3 The second prevailing smart watch (not the Garmin Fenix ​​8 Pro) will be to support satellite communications, and the new connection feature is one of some of the upcoming changes on the device. Other promotions include the S10 chip, which is a slightly larger screen, a larger battery that lasts up to 42 hours, supported 5G, as well as high blood pressure features and as a result of sleeping to the 11 series (and also Apple Watch Ultra 2 and many old Apple Watch models).

Although I continue to review series 11 before spending more time with Ultra 3 (and SE3), I wanted to share something like using satellite communications on the approach that can be worn, and how it differs from the approach to Pixel Watch 4. To be clear, I have not yet received a review of the Pixel 4, so my impression is based on a recorded experimental process. For Watch Ultra 3, I have a review unit and use the built -in Test display tool for satellite communication.

You can launch satellite communications on the Ultra 3 watch in several ways. Add it to the control center or as a multiplier to any hour of an hour, and you will get options to send messages, share your site, or contact emergency services. The first two requires a paid cellular service for your smart watch. The device will also suggest automatic satellite connectivity when they are connected to the Internet, although this is a situation that I have not yet met. Regardless of where you use, a lot of industrial moon connection is similar to those on the iPhone 14 and the latest. If you haven’t tried it before, wait tightly, as I will explain the steps a little bottom.

Satellite Satellite Emergency Cases on Apple Watch Ultra 3

There is also another screen in which you may face a satellite connection – in the phone disk. Whether you are on the watch or iPhone, you imagine the Apple (and I hope it most likely) that the contact of the local emergency hotline is your first step. Here in the United States, this number is 911. Of course, as a social person, I didn’t want to burden emergency services unnecessarily and did not try this myself on the Ultra 3 watch.

As a reminder, the SOS process in the satellite emergency situations differs from using messages or finding the satellite via the satellite because users are likely to request their local services first and foremost. Only when this fails, the satellite interface will start in emergency situations. Once the SOS emergency option is determined via the satellite that appears after a few seconds or when your watch is discovered that you are in a non -connection, you will show a list of instructions, recommend that you be outside with a clear view of the sky and explain that the transmission will take longer than send cellular networks.

After that, a series of multiple selection questions will be provided to inform the rescue services about your condition and your environment. Thanks to the largest Watch Ultra 3 screen, it was not difficult to see, and I could see options along the arm. Later on a few clicks, we chose some answers that indicate that we are “lost or trapped”, alone, unresolved and close to the sharp terrain. The Apple actor, who also chose our illustrative presentation, has chosen the emergency contacts prepared on the Ultra 3 watch.

Once you are completed, the watch showed an interface similar to the version on the iPhone, which features a glowing bow and a transparent image of the Earth. “Try to get a clear vision of the sky,” the words said on the screen. After creating a link, the phrase “Report send” with a tape presented below.

We had to wait a minute and a half until the message passed, which is very long, but perhaps this was not the usual time. In about 25 seconds, it seemed that the call was lost and it had to be re -established. This may seem long to carry your wrist, but Apple said you just need to raise your arm while creating an artificial moon connection and not while sending information. I think a delegate only raised his arm so we can see the screen more easily.

Finally, when the report was delivered, we took the Watch Ultra 3 to the message window, which was found to confirm that the request had been received. He also informs her wearer of responding to “stop” if emergency services are no longer required or no longer required.

Using satellites to send messages and your location

Outside the use of satellite connections when you need emergency services, you can also send messages or share your site when you are outside the network. This, again, the iPhone version of this service reflects. You can go to Find My Apty on Watch Ultra 3 to share your site when you are out of coverage, and your position can be shared once every 15 minutes to previously added contacts. In the messaging app, you can contact the people you spoke with in the last 30 days.

In my experience, it was easier to add the satellite as complications for the face of the watch. Clicking on the button will bring the satellite screen with options to try the illustration, move to messages, share your site or contact emergency services. As in iPhone, the illustration is present for users to learn about the process of communication with the satellite, so it is completely uncommon in high pressure situations.

Unfortunately, since I spent most of my time with Ultra 3 so far in areas that had a good coverage and signal, I have never received an opportunity to try to send a message or my site via the satellite. First I know the problems of the first world. I will start an adventure in the pre -term state soon to verify this, and I will reach again after that.

Those who are not familiar with messages or finding the satellite on iPhone can ask about the reason for these features. Not only the trivial desire to play with a new feature. You can send texts, expressive symbols and technical responses for treatment to inform one of your family members that you have arrived in the desert safely to burn the man, for example. The texts pass through a delivery message saying, “It was sent via the satellite,” so the recipient will understand that you have a limited connection and you cannot get in a full session in tea tea at that time.

Or, if you are like my partner and sometimes I go to camp in the middle of anywhere, then share your site when you reach your camp site can bring some peace of mind. (Note: I do not go to camping.) My partner tends to prefer forest areas, where he will face satellite connection with dense foliage, which hinders its benefit.

To be very clear, SOS will be supported in satellite emergency situations on all Watch Ultra 3 models, but the satellite communications of the messages and find my country require a paid cellular plan. With all Ultra 3 purchases, Apple offers two years of satellite service for emergency and messages and find my country.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Pixel Watch 4: Satellite Comparison

This is somewhat similar to Google’s approach Pixel 4 watchWhere sos satellites are included “without any additional fees for two years after launch.” However, only LTE models in the pixels support their satellite feature, which are only available in the United States at the present time. The Google version also uses NB-NTN, and it depends on the Sky and Audio signs similar to the Ultra 3 viewing in the delivery process. One of the areas that seems to be different is that the Pixel 4 will provide the “Verification Responses” button Google says “Re -call to get updates from emergency services as needed.”

Meanwhile, the Apple’s Find’s My and Emerynce Satellite features will work in 18 countries at launch, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, Australia and others. The messages across the satellite are limited to Mexico, Canada and the United States at the present time.

Other test impressions from Apple Watch Ultra 3

I also continue to put Watch Ultra 3 Through its steps, it is worth noting what is the change of the last model to its predecessor. As I mentioned, it contains a larger screen while maintaining the same size, thanks to the insomnia edges (Apple said it was 24 percent thinner). It also uses the LTPO 3 panel that always allows a faster update in mode, as well as a wide -angle OLEDS for easy reading in angles outside.

I have found a lightweight and comfortable Watch Ultra 3 watch to wore it, and I enjoy clicking on buttons or reading messages on a 49 mm screen. Unfortunately, I am also a person wearing long -sleeved shirts that revolve around the wrist, making the larger hours the most selling operations, especially since the weather is cooler here in New York. I found that it is fun when the night position is running at any time, I put Ultra 3 under my sleeve, which turned the face, complications and other elements in red.

Watch Ultra 3 gets 5G support, high blood pressure notifications and as a result of sleeping 11, along with Watchos 26 promotions such as Workout Buddy and SILED Glass. I need another a few days with Ultra 3 before I can include the battery estimate for 42 hours, but it is good to see longer operating times on the endurance hour.

It will be my assessment of these new features and whether it adds up to a package with a full -time meaning in a full review. Meanwhile, Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for pre -order and will reach stores on September 19.