Google is reportedly working on offering an Emergency SOS via satellite feature for Android devices, with assistance from Garmin. This feature will allow users to contact emergency services via satellite messages when they are in remote areas without cellular coverage. The upcoming Android 14 update is said to bring SMS via satellite capabilities to compatible devices.
According to a Twitter user named Neïl Rahmouni, some UI placeholders in the Google Messages app suggest that Garmin will be involved in this collaboration. The code in the app also hints at this partnership. While Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite service is currently available only in a few countries, Garmin’s satellite SOS service covers over 150 countries worldwide, spanning all seven continents.
However, it is important to note that these findings should not be overhyped, as they are not yet officially confirmed. We will have to wait for an official announcement from Google and Garmin to know more about the details of this collaboration. With Android 14 just around the corner, we can expect to see what alternative connectivity options and satellite messaging features it will bring.
