Google Messages may soon get support for satellite-based text messaging

Google is reportedly joining forces with Garmin to bring satellite-powered text messaging to Google Messages.

Google Messages satellite messaging | Google Garmin satellite connectivity

Last year, Google confirmed that Android 14 will support satellite connectivity. (Express Photo)

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Google is reportedly working on bringing a satellite-based text messaging feature to its in-house Messages app. The upcoming functionality is speculated to make use of Garmin’s emergency SOS via satellite service, which is already available in more than 150 countries spanning 7 continents.

According to a post shared by Neil Rahmouni on X (formerly Twitter), strings of codes were found in the latest version of Google Messages, which suggests the tech giant may be partnering with Garmin to bring satellite-based text messaging features.

For those wondering why Google would tie up with Garmin, the latter already has multiple satellite communication products, including emergency response centres that can coordinate to rescue people. This makes sense for Google since it won’t have to invest in satellite infrastructure.

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

Since none of this is official at the moment, we recommend you take this information with a grain of salt because things may change later on. Google has already confirmed that Android 14 will natively support satellite communication, but it is still unclear which devices will gain this capability, as it also requires special hardware.

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Apple already offers satellite-based emergency SOS services on the iPhone 14 series using Globalstar satellites. While Apple’s service is free (for now), it is currently limited to a handful of regions and not available in India.

Earlier this year, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X75 modem, which supports the latest 5G technologies and Snapdragon Satellite, the world’s first satellite-based solution with support for two-way messaging, which is expected to be a part of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.