The Huawei Watch Ultimate is a pioneering smartwatch that supports satellite SMS technology, specifically two-way Beidou satellite messaging in China. However, there are several limitations and considerations when using this feature:
1. Geographical Availability: The satellite SMS feature is primarily available in China, and there is no current roadmap for its global rollout. This means users outside of China may not be able to access this functionality[7].
2. Technical Limitations: The watch uses miniaturized RF modules and a suspended antenna design to achieve signal transmission in a compact space. However, the process of sending satellite messages requires high power, which can be challenging in low-temperature environments. Huawei has developed a battery intelligent heating solution to address this issue[5].
3. Activation Method: The satellite messaging feature is activated by holding a specific button on the watch, which is designed for quick access in emergency situations[7].
4. Battery Life Impact: While the Huawei Watch Ultimate has impressive battery life, using satellite messaging could potentially drain the battery faster due to the high power required for signal transmission[5][7].
5. Quota and Cost: Although Huawei has not explicitly mentioned a quota for the Watch Ultimate, other Huawei devices have a quota of 30 free satellite SMS per month. It is unclear if the Watch Ultimate will follow a similar model or if the feature will be charged after the public test phase[1].
6. Compatibility Issues: The feature is not compatible with iPhones, as many Huawei smartwatch features require an Android device for full functionality[3].
7. Message Length and Complexity: While there is no specific mention of character limits for satellite SMS on the Watch Ultimate, other Huawei devices have limitations on message length when sending SMS via traditional means[4]. It is likely that similar constraints apply to satellite messaging due to technical limitations.
Overall, while the Huawei Watch Ultimate offers innovative satellite SMS capabilities, its use is constrained by geographical availability, technical challenges, and potential future costs.
Citations:
[1] https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-has-sufficient-satellite-sms-quota-for-everyone-cto/
[2] https://celest-watches.com/tag/huawei-watch-ultimate/
[3] https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/content/en-us15958510/
[4] https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/content/en-us15842614/
[5] https://www.vopmart.com/blog/post/Huawei-Watch-Ultimate-Review
[6] https://patriotmobile.com/faq
[7] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate-review_id5760
[8] https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-certifies-watch-ultimate-2-with-uwb-and-satellite-sms-support/
[9] https://root-nation.com/gadgets-en/wearables-en/en-huawei-watch-ultimate-review/
[10] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/huaweis-new-phone-uses-satellites-for-image-sharing-no-internet-required/