Google May Team Up With Garmin for Android-Based Satellite Service
Google has said satellite connectivity is on tap for the next version of its mobile OS, and it may be working with Garmin to get that done in Android 14.
As reported by SamMobile, developer Neil Rahmouni found multiple strings of code in the latest version of the Google Messages app that hint at a collaboration between Google and Garmin.
The code string, which Rahmouni tweeted, is titled "Messaging by satellite ended," with the subtitle "For questions about your emergency, call Garmin Response." This "could mean that Emergency Satellite messages would be available in 150+ countries," Rahmouni says.
The stable version of Android 14 is on the horizon, and with Garmin's experience in satellite-based products, it shouldn't be too difficult for Google to plug into the existing ecosystem.
Garmin is no stranger to satellite communications. Its partnership with Iridium, a leading company with an expansive constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites, has enabled it to offer satellite-based texting, particularly for emergencies, SamMobile notes.
The move comes amid a rising trend of satellite communication features in smartphones. Apple introduced satellite-based Emergency SOS on the iPhone 14. And in February, Samsung said it had developed modem technology that can facilitate wireless 5G communication between a smartphone and orbiting satellites. "Based on this technology, Samsung's future Exynos modems will support two-way text messaging as well as high-definition image and video sharing,” the company said at the time.
Also in February, half a dozen phone makers agreed to adopt Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite technology, which will bring features similar to Apple's Emergency SOS to Android devices.
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