Satellite messaging could come to Android 14

Whereas Apple was the first to introduce Two-way emergency satellite messaging For the masses, we all knew it wouldn’t be long before Google brought this feature to Android users.After all, Apple’s emergency feature is on the iPhone A lot of exposure recently.

Also: A compact satellite communication device packed with reliable functions

Code snippet found by developer neil lafmouni (via sam mobile) suggests that Google Messages will have an emergency satellite messaging feature.

Google Messages May Use Garmin Response for Satellite Emergency SOS
If true, it could mean emergency satellite messages will be available in over 150 countries 👀https://t.co/egVqM6JaJV
(1st screen is a mockup, 2nd screen is a translation from Google Messages) pic.twitter.com/Rza9BUxJwJ

— Neil Ramuni 🐢 (@neil_rahmouni) August 28, 2023

References to “Garmin” and “satellite messaging” are included within the code.

There is no official announcement from Google or Garmin at this time. We’ll have to wait for the Android 14 release later this year to see if this becomes an official feature.

Also: Best satellite phones and gadgets for reliable off-grid communication

Garmin has a variety of satellite messaging devices. inreach messenger and Inreach Mini 2. These devices utilize Iridium’s 66 constellation of satellites and, according to my testing, work extremely well, are incredibly reliable, and are a handy backup if things go wrong. .

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Garmin inReach Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator

Small, rugged, and lightweight satellite communicators enable two-way text messaging in areas without cell phone coverage.

But to bring satellite messaging to smartphones, Google would need devices with satellite capabilities, which are currently very limited.

smartphones such as Cat S75 The has a built-in satellite antenna, but if Google plans to bring this feature into Android 14, mainstream manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola could add satellite support.

However, there is the issue of cost.

Currently, emergency SOS by iPhone satellite is “2 years free after activation of iPhone14 or iphone14 proThese devices are less than a year old, so we don’t know how much Apple will ultimately charge for them.

Also: I tested this little satellite communicator on an off-grid adventure.this is my verdict

All I know is Garmin inReach Satellite Subscription Not cheap.

The basic consumer plan is $14.95 per month, the minimum fee required to access the SOS messaging feature. I doubt the average consumer will pay this kind of bill, but just like the iPhone, we expect this feature to be paid for by Google and made available free to owners of new high-end Android devices. Masu. invoice.

have emergency access to Satellite networks can save livesthe more devices with this, the better.