Skylo 스마트워치용 Direct-to-Device 위성 연결

Smartwatches, even Bluetooth or cellular models, heavily rely on terrestrial networks, resulting in communication failures in areas without cell service, such as mountains or seas, during emergencies.

Direct satellite connectivity has been in demand because it can be critical for survival.

Skylo uses standard NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) technology to allow smartwatches to connect directly to satellites, enabling the transmission of SOS signals, location information, and simple messages [88].

First搭載 on the Google Pixel Watch 4 in August 2025 [89], it allows users to request emergency assistance from anywhere in the world with just their watch, without a mobile phone.

The innovation lies in implementing what previously required dedicated satellite communication devices into general consumer wearables. Based on the 3GPP Release-17 standard, it is easily expandable to other devices in the future. Ultimately, it elevates the safety net function of smartwatches to the next level.

While the direct buyers are general consumers (B2C), the technology clients are smartwatch manufacturers (B2B). Currently collaborating with Google, with potential adoption by Samsung and others in the future.

Skylo is already providing global NTN services and plans to supply this functionality to numerous wearables and IoT devices in the future.

Likely to appeal to mountaineers, sailors, travelers, etc., establishing itself as a premium service. Furthermore, functional expansions such as two-way text communication are also expected in the future.

Highly praised as a “must-have survival feature for wearables.” Following the iPhone 14's satellite SOS (mobile phone), its support in smartwatches is seen as a paradigm shift in safety [90].

High confidence in the technical realization, with few overestimation factors. However, practical aspects such as delays and cost structure in actual emergencies need to be monitored.