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Starlink Texting Launches on Big Three Phone Carriers Today. Check if You’ll Get It for Free

Satellite texting is now available, and data access through third-party apps like X and WhatsApp will be available in October.

T-Mobile’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is finally here, enabling customers to send texts from anywhere in the country, regardless of their proximity to a cellular tower. The direct-to-cell messaging service, called T-Satellite, is also be available to AT&T and Verizon cellphone customers.

T-Mobile says its goal is to «eliminate mobile dead zones for good» by way of 657 Starlink satellites that’ll be used exclusively for cellphone service. T-Satellite has been in beta testing since December 2024, with nearly 1.8 million users signing up so far.

The direct-to-cell messaging service represents a major step forward in mobile technology: It works with most phones made during the last four years, according to T-Mobile, instead of requiring dedicated hardware. It’ll be available to T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon customers for $10 a month — or free for anyone on T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans. 

«At the end of the day, it’s nice to be able to send a selfie when you’re in a place where there is no coverage, but it’s vital to be able to connect to emergency services,» Mike Katz, T-Mobile president of marketing, strategy and products, told CNET’s Jeff Carlson. «We just think that with a technology like this, no customer should ever be in a situation where they are unconnected in an emergency.»

Sadly, T-Mobile has already had a reason to test out this emergency service, when it enabled T-Satellite earlier this week in communities affected by massive flooding in Central Texas. T-Mobile customers in the area are able to use text-to-911 and basic text messaging, and they can receive emergency alerts on compatible devices.

In the future, T-Satellite will be free for emergency uses across the country. The company said 911 texting will be available later this year to «any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier or whether or not they are subscribed to the service.» 

What is T-Satellite?

T-Satellite is a partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink that will allow direct-to-cell SMS messaging accessibility in areas where there is no cellular coverage. Starlink has more than 7,000 low-Earth orbit satellites in the sky, and now, 657 of them will be devoted entirely to T-Satellite. The goal is to expand coverage into the 500,000 square miles of the US that traditional cell towers can’t reach, says T-Mobile.

«When you leave the terrestrial network and you go to a place where there’s no network, your phone will automatically search for and connect to the satellite network, which is quite different than any other of the satellite systems that are out there that force you to manually connect, and you have to point your phone up to the sky,» says Katz.

Satellite connectivity in cellphones isn’t exactly new — iPhones have had it since 2022 — but it’s typically been reserved for SOS messaging to connect you with an emergency dispatcher. On July 23, T-Satellite users will be able to send SMS texts on iPhone and Android. Android users will also get MMS immediately, with iPhone support «to follow.» 

This means users will be able to send images and audio clips in addition to standard text messages. In October, the service will expand to include data support in third-party apps like AccuWeather, AllTrails, WhatsApp and X. The access takes advantage of hooks built into iOS and Android software, so developers can make their apps capable of sending data through the narrow amounts of bandwidth available via satellite.

This is far beyond what the other phone carriers have launched so far in the satellite realm — largely due to T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink. AT&T and Verizon have both partnered with AST SpaceMobile for satellite messaging, and Verizon told CNET’s Eli Blumenthal last year that it’s still planning on working with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which launched its first 27 satellites on April 28, 2025.

«Despite things that our competitors have said, they are way, way behind on this technology,» says Katz. 

How much does T-Satellite cost?

T-Satellite is available to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon customers for a standalone $10 per month. But there’s one exception: Customers on T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan ($100 per month for one line) or the Go5G Next plan will get the service for included in the cost of the plan going forward, and those on the Experience More plan ($85 per month) will get it through the end of the year. 

Even if you don’t pay the $10 a month, T-Mobile says 911 texting will be available later this year «to any mobile customer with a compatible device, regardless of carrier.»

If you’re a Verizon or AT&T customer, you’ll have to activate T-Satellite as a second eSIM on your phone to take advantage of the service. You can find instructions on setting up the eSIM here

Which phones are supported?

Most phones released in the past couple of years will work with T-Satellite. Here are the devices that are currently compatible:

Apple

  • iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 (all models)

Google

  • Google Pixel 9
  • Google Pixel 9A
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Motorola

  • Moto G Stylus 2025
  • Moto Razr 2024 
  • Moto Razr Plus 2024 
  • Moto Razr 2025
  • Moto Razr Plus 2025
  • Moto Razr Ultra 2025
  • Moto Razr Ultra Plus 2025

Samsung

  • Samsung Galaxy A25 5G SE*
  • Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A36
  • Samsung Galaxy A36 SE
  • Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A54 5G*
  • Samsung Galaxy S21
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
  • Samsung Galaxy S22
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 FE
  • Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
  • Samsung Galaxy S24
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
  • Samsung Galaxy S25
  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
  • Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
    *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable.

Motorola

  • Motorola Edge 2024
  • Moto G 2024
  • Moto G Stylus 2024
  • Moto G 5G 2024
  • Moto G Stylus 5G 2024

Samsung

  • Samsung Galaxy A14
  • Samsung Galaxy A15*
  • Samsung Galaxy A16
  • Samsung Galaxy A35
  • Samsung Galaxy A53*
  • Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
    *Some non-T-Mobile device variants are not satellite-capable.

T-Mobile

  • T-Mobile Revvl 7
  • T-Mobile Revvl 7 Pro

Technologies

The FDA Just Upgraded an Egg Recall to the Highest Severity Level. Are You Affected?

Over 6 million eggs were caught up in a salmonella-related recall in September. Now, the FDA says there’s a «reasonable probability» of serious illness.

Scan your shelves for cartons from Black Sheep Egg Company. The company voluntarily recalled more than 6 million eggs after the US Food and Drug Administration found environmental samples at one of its processing centers tested positive for salmonella.

Read more: How Long Do Eggs Really Last in the Fridge? An Expert Explains

«Of the samples collected, 40 environmental samples were positive for salmonella including seven different strains of salmonella,» said the initial recall alert from the FDA. «Some of these strains are known to cause human illness.»


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While multiple Black Sheep Egg Company products have been affected by this recall, the FDA identified 12- and 18-count cartons of Black Sheep Egg Company Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs as Class 1.

This is the agency’s highest-severity level recall, and it warns against consuming a product that could «cause serious adverse health consequences or death.»

Which products are affected by the recall?

The recall doesn’t affect every Black Sheep Egg Company egg carton, but check the eggs in your fridge.

You should get rid of the following products if they have a Best By date between Aug. 7 and Oct. 31, or a UPC code that reads 860010568507 or 860010568538:

  • Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 12-count cartons

  • Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 18-count cartons

  • Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose-packed in boxes

  • Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose-packed in boxes

  • Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose open skid

  • Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose open skid

  • Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, loose open skid

  • Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, loose open skid

  • Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, 12-count cartons

  • Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, 18-count cartons

Additionally, Black Sheep Egg Company is a supplier for Kenz Henz in Texas. Kenz Henz is also issuing a voluntary recall of the following product if it has a Best By date between Oct. 11 and Oct. 17 and a UPC code of 86949400030:

  • Grade AA Large Pasture Raised eggs, 12-count cartons

Where did the affected eggs come from?

According to the FDA, the salmonella samples were found in Black Sheep Egg Company’s Arkansas processing center.

While Black Sheep Egg Company cooperated with the FDA and voluntarily recalled the potentially contaminated eggs, it had already shipped products to other companies within Arkansas and Missouri. These eggs may have been repackaged and further distributed to other states, so this recall could expand over time.

What should I do if I find the affected eggs in my fridge?

If you find a recalled Black Sheep Egg Company or Kenz Henz product in your refrigerator, discard it immediately. If you’ve eaten any eggs, monitor yourself for signs of illness.

«Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days,» the FDA statement said. «Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.»

If you believe you’ve developed symptoms of a salmonella infection, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

If you find affected eggs in your home, carefully sanitize any countertops, surfaces or containers the eggs have touched. Wash utensils and cooking implements with hot soapy water, then wash your hands afterward.

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Technologies

Samsung TVs Now Can Provide Weather Forecast, Find a Pizza Place

The company is adding a Perplexity AI app to all of its new TVs and even older ones.

You’re sprawled on the couch, watching the latest stream of your favorite show. Why not plan your next vacation while you’re at it? That’s the thought behind Samsung’s latest AI innovation, the Perplexity TV app. It’s a standalone AI agent available on all 2025 Samsung TVs and, later this year, on 2023 and 2024 TVs with the latest OS upgrade.

Earlier this month, at the Berlin consumer-electronics show IFA 2025, the company introduced Samsung Vision AI, which allowed TV viewers to access more information about the shows and actors they were watching. Viewers can also use the Vision AI Companion in other ways, such as receiving recommendations for shows and movies. The Perplexity TV app builds on Vision AI’s skillset.


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Samsung integrated AI across a wide range of its products, including smartphones, appliances, earbuds, tablets and TVs, as part of the company’s vision to «leap forward as an AI-driven company that makes the best use of AI, works with AI, and grows with AI,» executive Roh Tae-Moon said at the 2025 Tech Forum in Silicon Valley last week.

‘Curiosity can strike at any time’

Samsung partnered with Perplexity, a self-proclaimed «free AI-powered answer engine.» Samsung says its Perplexity TV app can provide the weather forecast, find you the closest pizza shop or tell you the date of the Kentucky Derby.

Ryan Foutty, Perplexity’s vice president of business, said creating an AI app for TVs makes sense because «curiosity can strike at any time» and that consumers should be able to access information from AI regardless of the AI-driven interfaces they are using.

Use the apps tab on your Samsung TV to access the Perplexity TV App, or hit the AI button on your remote to access Samsung’s Vision AI Companion. You can also ask the AI questions by speaking into the built-in microphone on the remote and TV, or using the on-screen keyboard.

CNET expert isn’t yet sold

CNET’s David Katzmaier saw Samsung’s AI-enhanced TVs earlier this year at CES 2025, and isn’t quite convinced that this is a vital addition.

«At first blush, a built-in AI agent doesn’t seem to me like a good reason to choose one TV over another,» Katzmaier said. «To make it worthwhile, Samsung needs to prove that it’s better than, say, Perplexity on your phone.»

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Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Oct. 22, #394

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle No. 394 for Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.


How much do you like basketball? If it’s your game, today’s Connections: Sports Edition is for you. If you’re struggling but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.

Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Big Apple hoops.

Green group hint: Hoops winners.

Blue group hint: Shoes.

Purple group hint: Look at the logo.

Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group: New York basketball teams.

Green group: Last four NBA champions.

Blue group: Famous sneakers.

Purple group: Found in NBA team logos.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is New York basketball teams. The four answers are Knicks, Liberty, Nets and St. John’s.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is the last four NBA champions. The four answers are Celtics, Nuggets, Thunder and Warriors.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is famous sneakers. The four answers are Air Jordan, Foamposite, Pump and Question.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is found in NBA team logos. The four answers are bridge, music note, pickaxe and ship.

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