It's a shocking video that we shareNBC Newson his YouTube channel: the occupants of a car were evacuated by helicopter after their vehicle fell into a ravine almost a hundred meters deep. If the victims survived, it was a miracle due in part to their iPhone. In fact, this made it possible tocontact the emergency services when no network was accessible in the surrounding area. Well, almost, since rather than connecting to traditional antennas, the mobile used satellite connectivity. We'll explain it to you.
The toolEmergency SOS via satellitewas presented by Apple last September. This involves communicating viaan expensive low-orbit mesh deployed by a Cupertino partner, Globalstar, to alert emergency services in the event of an accident. Users have the choice between a call and writing an SMS, with geolocation data transmitted to the teams who will then come to meet them. For two years, the service is free, but later,you will have to payto access it.
Not all iPhones are eligible
Good to know, however: the list of iPhones compatible with satellite connectivity is very limited. Indeed,only the “classic” iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max are affected. Or only devices costing more than a thousand euros each, a price not always accessible to everyone. For limited budgets, it is however possible to opt for connected watches with similar functionalities, which are more affordable, but from the competition.
According to the press, if last week's drama ended rather well, it is also thanks to iOS's accident detection. Another very practical system, which is based on the information collected, among other things, by the accelerometer and gyroscope to recognize car crashes. This time,les Apple Watchare compatible, but only the most recent models again.
Try it now!
Does the experience tempt you? No need to tempt the devil. In fact, Apple suggests that you try the emergency call via satellite using ademonstrationfrom your own iPhone 14. Here is the procedure:
- open the Settings app
- touchEmergency call
- sousEmergency SOS via satellite, touchTry the demonstration
Please note, this test does not work everywhere; your location must correspond to a country where satellite connectivity is available. This is particularly the case in France, the United States and Canada.
