Trend: Satellite communications are penetrating downwards, and wireless communications will become a useful supplement to mobile phones

As a highly differentiated technology, satellite communication functions have begun to gradually move from flagship models. For example, the previously launched Nubia Z60S Pro is one of the representative products.

In fact, the popularization of new technologies has never been a smooth road, and satellite communications are no exception. While the function continues to increase market penetration, it has also generated some controversy. The focus of the contradiction is that it is not a rigid demand for most users at this stage.

After all, except for a few groups such as outdoor sports enthusiasts, most users rarely use their mobile phones in areas that require satellite communications. Therefore, for consumers who pursue practicality more, the satellite communication function is more like an additional cost.

Although the cost of satellite communication modules has dropped significantly with the advancement of technology and the maturity of the related industrial chain, the hidden costs associated with hardware cannot be ignored.

Especially for models with relatively low positioning, in order to meet the needs of satellite communications, it is also necessary to optimize the internal component layout, improve the antenna design, etc., which will obviously bring additional cost burden.

It is also worth mentioning that if users want to use the satellite communication function, they still need to activate the relevant package, which is not cheap.

For example, in the city or in the countryside, unstable mobile network signals may cause call interruptions or poor data connections, and using satellite communications to make up for it is too luxurious. The previous solution to similar pain points was walkie-talkies, but such products are rarely used by most users.

In response to this situation, vivo announced that it will work with MediaTek to launch the "kilometer-level network-free communication technology" for the first time on the new X200 series of mobile phones, providing a more economical and practical solution.

It is reported that this technology adopts special protocols and algorithms, and based on Bluetooth LoRa (long range) spread spectrum, it can achieve a maximum communication capability of 1.5 kilometers in an environment without network coverage, and will be provided on mobile phones in the form of a walkie-talkie application.

It is not difficult to find that this function fills the blank area between satellite communications and mobile networks, and can play an important role when mobile network signals are interfered with or have insufficient coverage in crowded places, underground parking lots, etc.

What is wireless communication

Network-free communication refers to the direct point-to-point communication between two devices without external network connection (such as mobile base stations, Wi-Fi, etc.). Compared with traditional communication methods, this method has significant flexibility and independence.

Many users may think of wireless walkie-talkies and Bluetooth technology, both of which can be considered specific examples of wireless communication. In these scenarios, communication usually relies on direct connection at short distances, with low loss rate and no external interference.

Network communication is the mainstream communication method, which is usually supported by operators, has a wider coverage and higher bandwidth, and is suitable for a large number of users to access and use the Internet. However, this method is insufficient in some remote areas and critical situations.

In extreme conditions (such as natural disasters or geographical barriers), the advantages of wireless communication become increasingly obvious because it can establish connections directly between devices without the need for intermediary network support.

Off-network communication has significant advantages in functionality, privacy, security and cost, and is particularly suitable for fast, efficient and secure communication in specific scenarios.

Application scenarios of offline communication

The biggest attraction of wireless communication lies in its unique value proposition, which is convenience: users can communicate directly between devices without the need for complex network settings.

Strong adaptability: In remote areas or emergency situations, offline communication can easily realize information transmission.

Low cost: It does not consume mobile data and has low usage fees.

Privacy protection: Information transmission does not go through external networks, which can better protect user privacy.

For example, in an underground garage, if the mobile phone signal disappears, users can still get in touch with friends with the help of wireless communication; during outdoor adventures, team members can maintain seamless communication without worrying about network signal problems; in the event of a natural disaster, even if the base station signal is lost, wireless communication can achieve the necessary communication for emergency rescue.

Current layout of mobile phone manufacturers without network communication

Off-network communication has gradually become a new focus for mobile phone manufacturers, especially in the fiercely competitive market, where finding differentiated advantages has become the norm for manufacturers.

For example, the off-network communication technology launched by vivo can achieve point-to-point communication up to 1,500 meters, supporting SOS broadcasting, voice intercom and map location sharing.

Another manufacturer, OPPO, has developed a technology called MeshTalk that can achieve free transmission of text and voice within 3,000 meters. These technologies not only improve the user's interactive experience, but also bring broader possibilities for various application scenarios of mobile phones.

Xiaomi's "Xingchen Communication System" goes a step further, claiming to provide the industry's first kilometer-level wireless communication, supporting two-way calls within a 3.5-kilometer radius.

By utilizing the private protocols developed by various companies and trying to expand on the basis of Bluetooth, all this shows that wireless communication technology is rapidly maturing and moving towards practical application.

Ending:

In short, developing private protocols to further enhance the communication capabilities of terminals and meet user experience in special scenarios has become a common choice for manufacturers. The global unified standard protocol has deficiencies in flexibility and customization, which provides a certain development space for private protocols.

Whether this trend will continue to expand and whether new manufacturers or technology alliances will emerge remains to be seen.

References: Fresh Date Classroom: What is "off-network communication"?; Sanyi Life: Satellite communication penetrates into mid-range mobile phones, and off-network communication becomes a beneficial supplement; Off-network communication: New trends and application scenarios of future communication technology; 36Kr Brand: It's China's turn to define the mobile phone competition

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