Google could let users text anyone via satellite messaging: report

Google has been working on adding satellite messaging support to its Messages app for a long time. Now, a new report sheds further light on how the feature works and what it can offer. Google Messages with satellite connectivity will reportedly provide two-way communication, allowing people to talk to each other without the need for a mobile network or internet connection. Last week, a report highlighted that the tech giant has started rolling out a new beta version of the Google Messages app integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Gemini.

spot 9to5Google said that details about the satellite messaging feature in Google Messages can be found in the latest beta version of the app, 20240329_01_RC00. The publication has seen a string of code that contains three different interpretations of the feature. The first instruction is, “To send and receive, stay outside with a clear view,” and the second instruction is, “Satellite messages may take longer and cannot contain photos and videos.”

But the most interesting is the third explanation string, which says: “You can send messages to anyone, including emergency services.” This wording is noteworthy because it suggests that users can send text messages to anyone in their contact list , as long as they also enable the service. This is completely different from what Apple offers on the iPhone, where users can only contact emergency services, roadside assistance and share their location through Find My. While users can share conversations with emergency responders with their emergency contacts, it does not allow users to communicate directly with other users.

The report highlights that Google is able to provide two-way communication thanks to its partnership with GPS navigation giant Garmin, which already offers this feature. It’s unclear whether users will see this feature before Android 15 officially rolls out to the public. The next version of the Android operating system will reportedly come with an “Automatically connect to satellite” notification as well as a satellite icon in the status bar.

Google Messages is also working on improving its core functionality. Recent reports suggest that the messaging app is improving its image-sharing interface, specifically upgrading the ability to send multiple images captured by the in-app camera.