In today’s digital era, smartphone manufacturers continuously strive to outdo one another with groundbreaking features. Huawei has made a significant leap in this race with their Mate 60 Pro, boasting satellite communication capabilities previously only seen in specialized phones for remote travelers. But as one TikTok user demonstrated, this innovation may not always align with safety protocols.
Satellite Calls on a Commercial Flight: A Tech Triumph or Troubling Trend?
Satellite communication on smartphones seems like a feature straight out of a science fiction novel. This reality became palpable when a video surfaced on TikTok where a user aboard a commercial flight unveiled the Mate 60 Pro’s unique feature. The process involved activating the satellite link on their device, establishing a connection, choosing a contact, and then making the call. Impressively, the call went through.
For passengers on an airplane, options to stay connected are limited. Beyond in-flight Wi-Fi, satellite communication is the only alternative. The Mate 60 Pro, remarkably, has brought this feature to the mass market, distancing itself from the league of ordinary smartphones.
The Challenges and Costs of Sky-High Calls
However, this feat doesn’t come without its challenges. Establishing a satellite connection isn’t instantaneous. Some users pinpoint the necessity of being seated close to or directly beside the plane’s windows. The coverage area, despite these precautions, can sometimes remain minimal, posing challenges for a stable connection.
Additionally, accessing satellite communication isn’t as simple as tapping into your regular mobile plan. It’s more of a premium feature. In regions like China, this service is exclusively available via China Telecom cards, with rates starting at 100 yuan for 80 minutes.
Safety First: Huawei’s Stance on In-Flight Satellite Use
Though technology enthusiasts might be enthralled by the Mate 60 Pro’s capabilities, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Utilizing the satellite feature on a plane, as showcased in the TikTok video, breaches aviation safety regulations. Recognizing the potential hazards, Huawei’s Smart Devices CTO, Bruce Lee, issued a statement on Weibo, actively discouraging users from such practices. Instead, he emphasized the importance of adhering to airplane mode protocols while in flight.
The Mate 60 Pro: An Overview
Beyond its satellite prowess, the Mate 60 Pro is equipped with the Kirin 9000 mobile chipset, ensuring compatibility with 5G network connections. For now, the device remains exclusive to the Chinese market, retailing at 6,999 yuan. Huawei is yet to unveil plans for a global release.
Conclusion
In the digital age, the line between innovation and safety can sometimes blur. While the Huawei Mate 60 Pro’s satellite communication feature is undeniably impressive, it serves as a reminder that with great technological power comes a responsibility to use it wisely and safely.
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is one of the first smartphones to offer satellite connectivity. This feature has the potential to revolutionize the way that emergency services respond to disasters and other critical events.
Satellite connectivity allows the Mate 60 Pro to connect to a global network of satellites, even in areas where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. This means that users can always make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and access data, even in the most remote locations.
This feature could be a game-changer for emergency services. In the past, emergency responders have often been hampered by the lack of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage in disaster areas. This has made it difficult for them to communicate with each other and with the public.
Satellite connectivity would allow emergency responders to communicate with each other and with the public, even in the most remote locations. This would help them to coordinate their response to disasters and to provide timely assistance to those in need.
Of course, there are also some potential pitfalls to satellite connectivity. For example, satellite calls can be more expensive than traditional cellular calls. Additionally, satellite connectivity can be slower than cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
However, the potential benefits of satellite connectivity for emergency services outweigh the pitfalls. Satellite connectivity could help emergency services to save lives and to mitigate the damage caused by disasters.
Overall, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro’s satellite connectivity feature is a significant development. It has the potential to revolutionize the way that emergency services respond to disasters and other critical events.