News

UAE’s Yahsat Introduces Smartphone-To-Satellite Connectivity

The service also allows seamless connectivity for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and works irrespective of geographical location.

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2024

Nour Nasir

uae's yahsat introduces smartphone to satellite connectivity

Yahsat, a satellite services firm based in Abu Dhabi, has initiated a groundbreaking service known as “direct-2-device”, enabling seamless connectivity for smartphones and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, irrespective of geographical location.

In its initial phase, Yahsat aims to provide voice and messaging services within the current year, with plans to expand its offerings to include texting and IoT functionalities on smartphones by 2025, utilizing the forthcoming Yahsat Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, slated for launch later in the year.

A subsequent phase, dubbed Project BlueStar, is set to facilitate comprehensive direct-to-device connectivity through an adaptable satellite network.

This two-phase deployment encompasses voice, messaging, and data. Yahsat is set to provide a sneak peek of its D2D portfolio at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona later this month.

The integration of satellite-linked features into mobile devices is gaining traction. Owners of Apple’s iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro can already connect to satellites for emergency texting services, and similar connectivity may soon become a standard smartphone feature.

ali al hashemi yahsat group ceo

“We are excited to launch our D2D strategy to revolutionize our industry by providing billions of people, organizations and businesses across various sectors with seamless, reliable and efficient access to connectivity,” said Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO.

“This strategy is a critical and significant part of Yahsat’s wider growth strategy. We developed our D2D strategy – Project SKY, by carefully examining our strengths and capabilities and leveraging our expertise to capitalize on evolving market conditions,” he added.

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Yahsat’s five satellites currently cover over 80% of the global population and deliver C, Ku, Ka, and L-band satellite communication solutions to consumers, governments, and businesses across various land, maritime, and aerospace platforms.

In 2020, Yahsat commenced the construction of Thuraya 4, an advanced telecommunications system for Thuraya, scheduled for launch in 2024 and operational by 2025. Additionally, construction began last year on two ‘software-defined’ telecommunication satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, anticipated to be launched in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

News

DJI Teases Dual-Camera Osmo Pocket 4P For 2026 Launch

Though most technical claims for the new gimbal come from industry leaks rather than DJI’s own announcement.

Published

1 week ago

May 11, 2026

Nour Nasir

dji teases dual-camera osmo pocket 4p for 2026 launch

DJI

DJI has teased a dual-camera version of its Osmo Pocket gimbal, confirming that the Osmo Pocket 4P will launch in 2026. The teaser image is the company’s first preview of the device, following months of speculation about a more advanced model in its pocket camera range.

The image shows a slightly larger device than the existing Osmo Pocket 4, with two camera modules mounted above a compact three-axis gimbal. Reports suggest one camera may use a 1-inch sensor paired with a wide-angle lens, while the second may carry a 3x zoom lens — though DJI has not officially confirmed any of these details.

According to leaks circulating ahead of the launch, the Osmo Pocket 4P could support 4K video at up to 240 frames per second, offer 14 stops of dynamic range and include 10-bit D-Log color support. Those features are commonly used by filmmakers who require greater flexibility during color grading and post-production. Reports also point to Hasselblad color tuning, continuing a partnership that has already appeared in some of DJI’s drone cameras, along with up to 128GB of built-in storage that would reduce reliance on external memory cards during longer shoots.

Also Read: AltoVolo Releases Sigma Footage & Sets Date For Demonstrator

The device is expected to retain features from the existing Osmo Pocket 4, including a three-axis mechanical gimbal, updated ActiveTrack subject tracking and a flip-out touchscreen display. The Osmo Pocket line is aimed at content creators, vloggers, and independent filmmakers seeking compact equipment that can produce usable footage without a larger camera system.

DJI has not provided pricing or a specific launch date beyond the 2026 window. Industry observers expect the Osmo Pocket 4P to cost more than the standard Pocket 4 because of the dual-camera setup and expanded recording capabilities, though no figures have been disclosed. So far, most of the technical detail circulating around the product remains tied to leaks rather than official confirmation.