Satellite messaging could be coming to Google Messages

One of the newer features we’re seeing in some smartphones these days comes in the form of satellite messaging. This allows users to still send out a text message in the event they find themselves without network coverage, making it perfect for emergency situations where they might be lost in the wilderness or a natural disaster situation that might have knocked out cell towers.

The problem is that this is kind of brand/model dependent, meaning that if you own an older model of a phone, you won’t have access to this feature. Thankfully for Android users, it seems that as long as you use Google Messages, you might not have to worry about it. This is according to X user Neïl Rahmouni who discovered evidence that suggests that satellite messaging could be coming to Google Messages.

Looks like Google Messages may use Garmin Response for the Satellite Emergency SOS

If true it could mean that Emergency Satellite messages would be available in 150+ countries👀https://t.co/egVqM6JaJV

(1st screen is a mockup, 2nd are the translations found in Google Messages) pic.twitter.com/Rza9BUxJwJ

— Neïl Rahmouni 🐢 (@neil_rahmouni) August 28, 2023

Based on the UI elements he discovered, apparently Google could be working with Garmin to develop a service of their own. Given that Garmin built a reputation for themselves with navigation hardware for cars, it might be more cost-effective for Google to leverage an already-existing infrastructure instead of building it on their own.

Garmin’s own platform is already supported in more than 150 countries, which means that Google could have an edge over other companies, such as Apple, right out of the gate. There is no mention of when this service for Google Messages will launch, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

Source: Android Authority