Preface:

In the past month, the smartphone market has witnessed a wave of launches.

At the launch events, manufacturers have showcased dazzling parameters and concepts. Among them, one term has successfully captured attention: offline communication.

Author| Fang Wensan

Photo source| Network

Further penetration of satellite communication functionality

As a highly differentiated technology, satellite communication functionality has gradually begun to trickle down from flagship models, with the previously released Nubia Z60S Pro being a representative product.

In fact, the popularization of new technologies has never been a smooth journey, and satellite communication is no exception. While its market penetration continues to increase, it has also sparked some controversy. The focus of the contradiction lies in the fact that it is not a rigid demand for most users at this stage.

After all, besides a few groups such as outdoor sports enthusiasts, most users rarely encounter scenarios that require satellite communication when using their mobile phones. Therefore, for consumers who prioritize practicality, the satellite communication feature more resembles an unnecessary cost.

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

Especially for models with a relatively lower positioning, to meet the demands of satellite communication, it is necessary to optimize the layout of internal components and improve antenna design, which will obviously bring additional cost burdens.

It is also worth mentioning that to use the satellite communication feature, users also need to subscribe to relevant packages, which are not cheap.

For instance, in rural areas or on the outskirts of cities, where mobile network signals are unstable and may lead to call interruptions or poor data connections, using satellite communication to compensate seems extravagant. Previously, walkie-talkies were a solution to similar pain points, but such products are rarely used by most users.

In response to this situation, vivo announced a partnership with MediaTek to launch the "kilometer-level offline communication technology" on the new X200 series, providing a more economical and practical solution.

It is reported that this technology employs special protocols and algorithms, utilizing Bluetooth LoRa (long range) spread spectrum to achieve a maximum communication range of 1.5 kilometers in areas without network coverage, and will be provided in the form of a walkie-talkie application on mobile phones.

It is not difficult to see that this feature fills the gap between satellite communication and mobile networks and can play a crucial role in densely populated areas, underground parking lots, and other places where mobile network signals are interfered with or insufficiently covered.

What is offline communication

Offline communication refers to direct point-to-point communication between two devices without external network connections (such as mobile base stations, Wi-Fi, etc.). This method exhibits significant flexibility and independence compared to traditional communication means.

Many users may think of wireless walkie-talkies and Bluetooth technology, both of which can be considered specific examples of offline communication. In these scenarios, communication usually relies on close-range direct connections, with low loss rates and no external interference.

Online communication is the mainstream method, typically supported by network providers with broader coverage and higher bandwidth, suitable for large numbers of users and internet applications. However, this method may falter in remote areas and critical situations.

Under extreme conditions (such as natural disasters or geographical obstacles), the advantages of offline communication become increasingly apparent, as it can establish connections directly between devices without intermediary network support.

Offline communication boasts significant advantages in functionality, privacy security, and cost, making it particularly suitable for quick, efficient, and secure communication in specific scenarios.

Application scenarios of offline communication

The greatest appeal of offline communication lies in its unique value proposition: convenience. Users can directly connect between devices without relying on complex network settings.

Adaptability: In remote areas or emergency situations, offline communication can easily facilitate information transmission.

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

Privacy protection: Since information transmission does not pass through external networks, it can better protect user privacy.

For example, in an underground garage where mobile signals may disappear, users can still contact friends via offline communication; during outdoor adventures, team members can maintain seamless communication without worrying about network signal issues; in the event of natural disasters, even if base station signals are lost, offline communication can still enable essential communications for emergency rescue.

Current layout of offline communication by mobile phone manufacturers

Offline communication is gradually becoming a new focus for mobile phone manufacturers, especially in a competitive market where seeking differentiated advantages has become the norm.

For instance, vivo's offline communication technology enables point-to-point communication up to 1500 meters, supporting SOS broadcasts, voice intercom, and map location sharing.

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