Google May Partner Garmin To Bring Satellite Connectivity On Android Smartphones

A developer named Neil Rahmouni has found code strings in the newest version of the Messages app and according to them, Google may be bringing the feature in collaboration with Garmin.

Google is likely to bring satellite connectivity to Android smartphones and it may join hands with US-based wearables major Garmin for that, the media has reported. The tech giant has mentioned that it would bring two-way communications through satellite connectivity to Android smartphones with the Android 14 OS update. A developer named Neil Rahmouni has found code strings in the newest version of the Messages app and according to them, Google may be bringing the feature in collaboration with Garmin. 

"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://garmin.com/en-US/satellite-communicators/interactive-sos-and-garmin-response/ (1st screen is a mockup, 2nd are the translations found in Google Messages)," Rahmouni posted from his handle @neil_rahmouni.

Olathe, Kansas-headquartered Garmin produces consumer, professional aviation and marine devices that make use of the GPS for navigational assistance, and has multiple products with satellite-based connectivity for texting during emergencies. Garmin works with Iridium, which has a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites globally to enable satellite connectivity.

While Google is yet to roll out satellite connectivity for Android phones, Apple introduced the feature last fall with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models wherein the emergency SOS feature via satellite can be used to text emergency services when there is no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. Android may get an edge over Apple as Garmin's emergency satellite SOS services are being offered in more than 150 countries across all seven continents.