The Galaxy S24 launch brought with it a wave of anticipation, particularly surrounding rumors of satellite messaging capabilities. While initially absent, this feature has begun to surface for some users, alongside the intriguing but flawed Galaxy AI wallpapers. Let’s delve into these two distinct aspects of the latest Galaxy experience.
Connecting to the Stars: Satellite Messaging Arrives for Select Users
Whispers of satellite connectivity for emergencies preceded the Galaxy S24’s release. Its initial absence left some disappointed, but recent developments suggest the feature is finally making its debut, albeit in a limited capacity. Certain Galaxy S24 and Z Fold 6 users, specifically those on T-Mobile’s postpaid network in the US, have reported encountering a new “Satellite Networks” option within their settings menu.
This isn’t a widespread rollout, however. Access appears restricted to those participating in the “T-Mobile Starlink” service beta program. This initiative, announced back in August 2022, aims to provide ubiquitous cellular connectivity by leveraging Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. After a considerable wait, the service is nearing its beta testing phase.
The “Satellite Networks” menu, accessible via Settings » Connections, offers a glimpse into how this technology will function. Users will be able to send and receive text messages even in areas lacking traditional cellular coverage, provided they have a clear view of the sky. The system acknowledges potential delays in message delivery and highlights the impact of weather conditions and obstructions on signal strength.
While technically compatible with any LTE-enabled device, the initial rollout is limited to select phones, with Samsung devices among the first to be supported. Reports suggest the feature became accessible after the December 2024 security patch installation. The long-term plan is to expand compatibility to all modern LTE-capable phones once beta testing concludes and a stable version is released.
This partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink isn’t an isolated venture. Starlink has also joined forces with other network operators globally, including Optus (Australia), Rogers (Canada), Entel (Chile), Kiddi (Japan), One NZ (New Zealand), Peru (Peru), and Salt (Switzerland), indicating a broader push for satellite-based connectivity.
A Pixelated Canvas: The Shortcomings of Galaxy AI Wallpapers
Beyond connectivity, the Galaxy S24 introduced Galaxy AI, a suite of AI-powered features, including generative wallpapers. This feature allows users to create unique backgrounds based on customizable keywords, offering a personalized touch.
While initially intriguing and surprisingly engaging, the AI wallpaper feature suffers from a significant drawback: poor image resolution. Despite the creative potential, the generated wallpapers lack sharpness, particularly in images with defined lines or shapes. The “AI-generated content” watermark often appears sharper than the actual image.
The issue stems from the underlying technology. Galaxy AI wallpapers utilize Android 14’s built-in generative wallpaper tool, which relies on Google’s AI algorithms. This means the limitations are not specific to Samsung’s implementation but are inherent to the Android system. Consequently, improvements must originate from Google through future Android updates.
Unfortunately, Android 15 (One UI 7) doesn’t address this issue, leaving hope pinned on potential advancements in Android 16. Until then, users seeking high-quality, sharp wallpapers are better served by dedicated apps like Backdrops and Walli, which offer a vast library of professionally designed backgrounds, often optimized for AMOLED displays, and allow for direct saving to the device.
A Mixed Bag of Innovation
The Galaxy S24’s foray into satellite messaging represents a significant step towards ubiquitous connectivity, albeit with a controlled rollout. In contrast, while conceptually appealing, the Galaxy AI wallpapers are hampered by technical limitations.
These two features paint a picture of innovation with varying degrees of success, highlighting the ongoing evolution of mobile technology. While satellite connectivity promises a tangible improvement in communication, the AI wallpaper experience serves as a reminder that even the most exciting features can be held back by underlying technological constraints.
