MediaTek announces partnership with Bullitt to offer satellite connection

Ten months after Qualcomm announced the launch of the functionality for devices Android, MediaTek enters the satellite connection market for smartphones through a partnership with Bullitt. Two new high-resistance devices were also announced, but both do not yet have a release date in Brazil. Check out all the information right now.

MediaTek announces investments for 2024

The processor manufacturer announced the Dimensity 9300 on November 06th for premium smartphones focusing on generative AI. He counts on 22,7 billion transistors, in addition to being the first in the world with All Big Core technology (Large Core Design in direct translation).

With the promise of this chipset to be 40% faster than the Snapdragon 8 Gen3, the company explained that the technology All Big Core enough to leave the small low-performance and low-power cores to deliver high performance through three groups in the format 1 + 3 + 4 cores. Are they:

• A maximum performance Cortex X4+ that reaches a maximum speed of 3,25 GHz;
• Three Cortex X4 that reach 2,85 GHz
• Plus four high-performance Cortex-A720s that run at up to 2,0 GHz.

It is important to highlight that when leaving low-power cores aside, the MediaTek becomes the first to do this on smartphones. A Qualcomm, with the launch of the processor Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 in October 2022, did this on notebooks with 5G connectivity.

We had a very good year for MediaTek, maintaining our market leadership, introducing new processors with cutting-edge technology, whether for mid-range SG equipment or flagship smartphones, and with investment in new technologies, such as Wi-Fi 7, 5G and NTN .

Samir Vani, director of business development at MediaTek for Latin America

A Motorola attended the MediaTek event to highlight that their partnership goes beyond offering cheaper models. Thiago Masuchette, head of product at Motorola Brazil, highlighted that only in 2023, two models with Mediatek processors: the Edge 40 Neo motorcycle and Moto edge 40.

Motorola's mission is to consistently bring innovations and features to more consumers. The strategic partnership with MediaTek has reinforced our company's fundamental values, such as offering the democratization of access to technology and the best experiences for users

Thiago Masuchette, head of product at Motorola Brazil

In its plans for 2024, the MediaTek also announced the launch of the modem M60 RedCap, which will be present in the processors of wearable devices, such as smart watches, smart glasses and more, which it prepares for next year.

It can offer 5G speed connections with a 70% energy consumption compared to traditional modems and a 75% reduction in energy consumption in 5G speed networks. The modem can offer up to 227 MBPS when using downlink and up to 122 MBPS when using uplink.

According to IDC data for the third quarter of the year, the MediaTek expanded its leadership in the global smartphone processor market, jumping from a global share of 34% in the third quarter of 2022, to 39% in the second quarter of 2023. In Latin America, the company also leads the market, with a 46% share in the smartphone chipset market, and in Brazil the company remains the leader, with a 30% share in the sector

Satellite communication (NTN – Non Terrestrial Network) with Bullitt

On November 10, 2023, the Qualcomm discontinued its satellite communications service for smartphones Android due to low adoption by US manufacturers and operators. Furthermore, with the current situation, the service would be priced too high for customers. The novelty was announced during CES 2023 and was focused on requesting help in the event of an accident, but it didn't go as far as Apple's functionality for iPhones.

A MediaTek is keeping an eye on this market and will work with Bullitt to offer this to processors arriving on the technology market in 2024. There will be three uses:

• Sending location to security contact via Google Maps;
• Sending SMS (for daily conversations or requests for help);
• Support for signal in places without coverage.

As expected, you will need to pay a fee for the service to work on your smartphone. The processor will be ready to receive a satellite signal, but it will only use the features of the Bullitt if you are a subscriber to the plans. Are they:

• Unlimited SOS assistance: free for 12 months;
• Essential: with up to 30 messages per month: US$4,99 per month;
• Daily: with up to 125 monthly messages: US$9,99 monthly;
• Premium: up to 250 messages annually: US$59,99 monthly.

There's a space race going on right now in the mobile device industry, as carriers, equipment manufacturers, and component and technology suppliers try to understand how to best utilize satellite communications to fill the inevitable gaps in cellular network coverage. Bulllitt's groundbreaking partnership with MediaTek has produced the world's first truly two-way commercial satellite messaging service using NTN technology based on 3GPP standards, which is now available in Europe and North America, coming soon to Latin America .

Juan Carlos Ortiz, vice president of sales at Bullitt for Latin America.

At first, the launch of the functionality will be focused on the USA and Europe, with no prices or specific date of arrival in Brazil. We will update the article as soon as the information is released.

New Motorola Defy and Defy Satellite Link

The event held in the city of São Paulo ended with the announcement of two new devices that do not yet have a release date or price for Brazil.

The first is a smartphone with Android 12 and processor Dimensity 930 from MediaTek. Focused on high resistance, it has passed 100 rigorous durability and resistance tests in the world to ensure that it can be used in cases of different impacts or in different climates. The device has 128 GB of internal storage (expandable via SD card) and 6 GB of RAM to run applications and features.

With a full-bodied look, its screen measures 6,6 inches with PHD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. The device has 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E and support for satellite connection from Bullitt.

A Motorola confirms that the cell phone's 5000 mAh battery can last for up to 2 days and can be recharged using a 15W power source, in addition to supporting wireless charging. Its main rear lens is 50 MP and the front is 8 MP. Among the resistances, we have:

• Drop-proof;
• Waterproof;
• Dustproof;
• Scratch resistant;
• Vibration proof;
• High humidity levels;
• Extreme temperatures (high or low);
• Washable and Sanitizable.

Another device shown was the Defy Satellite Link, which looks more like a Galaxy Tag from Motorola, but with better resistance. It supports connecting to 5G networks, via Wi-Fi and satellite connection. Weighing 70 grams, the device also vibrates and has buttons for sending alerts and requests for help to previously registered contacts.

Its 6000 mAh battery promises to last for a long time and, proving its high resistance, the device works even if it is immersed in water (up to 1,5 meters for up to 30 minutes through IP68 protection) and also if it comes into contact with dust .

Motorola and Bullitt will work on selling the devices in North America and Europe, if they see the need to launch both in Latin America, they will only release this information in 2024. What did you think of all the news announced today? Tell us Comment!

See also other features

Who is MediaTek? Meet the world's largest smartphone chip maker

Who is MediaTek? Meet the world's largest smartphone chip maker

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 29 / 11 / 23.