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Comment by dunnevens | Hacker News Reader

I think SOS would almost have to be free on iPhones for the reason you stated. Besides, it would probably pay for itself because it would be such a great selling point. Could see a fair number of Android users switching for having emergency access available anywhere.

And it would be great free advertising. I'm just imagining the first news story with a lost hiker rescued because of their iPhone. It would make a big impact.

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I am not so sure about the advertising. Apple is already doing that with people who get saved by the watch and those don't then to make huge splashy headlines.

the watch doesn't give you connectivity anywhere your phone wouldn't. the people being rescued because they called from help from their watch are being rescued from areas with good cell coverage, they just didn't bring their phone with them.

it's a different story if they're offering satellite connectivity.

Most of the people in the stories were rescued because of the watch fall detection features, which Apple wanted to highlight.

> Could see a fair number of Android users switching

LOL. If Apple is getting this then Android will get this, if not sooner (think Google Fi), since this is built in the radio chip (something Apple still buys from 3rd party).

not if they have exclusive agreements with the satellite provider

Sat providers have SIM cards just like any other provider providing the providings (remember phonejacker?)

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