"Qualcomm and Iridium's Partnership Demise Spells the End for Snapdragon Satellite"

Qualcomm has scrapped its plans to offer a satellite SOS feature for Android phones, called Snapdragon Satellite, which would have rivalled Apple's Emergency SOS feature. The partnership with satellite communications company Iridium was terminated due to a lack of interest from smartphone makers. Qualcomm will continue working with Iridium on standards-based solutions for satellite connectivity. The lack of interest may be attributed to potential payment issues and smartphone makers' preference for controlling the relationship with satellite companies. Apple's satellite connectivity service is currently being offered for free, and it remains to be seen if users will be willing to pay for it. Iridium is hopeful that phone makers will eventually show interest in the feature.