Google may partner with Garmin to bring satellite texting to Android

Google announced that it would bring two-way communications via satellite connectivity to Android devices with the Android 14 update. While the stable update isn't out yet, it looks like the company is working with Garmin to bring two-way satellite texting to Android phones in the future.

It has been reported that Google may bring satellite-based texting features to Android phones via the Google Messages app. Developer Neil Rahmouni found a few strings of code in the latest version of the Google Messages app, and the code mentions, “For questions about your emergency, call Garmin Response at %1$s. To report a new emergency, call your local emergency number.” Google may launch this new feature after the release of the stable version of Android 14 in over 150 countries worldwide.

Garmin already has multiple products with satellite-based connectivity for texting in emergencies. The company works with Iridium, a firm that has a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites worldwide to enable satellite connectivity. Since Garmin has already developed the whole ecosystem of products, Google may plug into Garmin's tech to bring emergency texting via Google Messages.

Apple was the first mainstream smartphone brand to bring the satellite-based emergency SOS system to its devices. Later, Huawei announced a similar feature with its latest flagship phones. While Samsung was expected to bring a similar feature with the Galaxy S23, it didn't happen, and the smartphone division's head, TM Roh, said the ecosystem isn't ready yet. It is now rumored that the feature will debut with the Galaxy S24 early next year.