Android 15 Might Introduce Satellite-based Emergency Messaging [Video]

Google might be working on a beta version of its Google Messages app that supports satellite messaging, following in the footsteps of Apple, which already has a similar feature.

Within the beta version of Google Messages, version 20240329_01_RC00, 9to5Google pointed toward the following strings of text that indicate a forthcoming emergency messaging feature:

Apple’s version of satellite messaging, called Emergency SOS via satellite, lets you text emergency services or roadside assistance when you don’t have cellular or wifi coverage or can’t dial 911. It seems like Google’s implementation may work similarly to Apple’s.

The one thing that makes Google’s version of satellite messaging distinct, if the above strings do actually pan out, is that it seems like you can message other people in your contacts, not just emergency services. In theory, in an emergency, you could send a message via satellite to emergency services and also to your friends and family, so they know what’s going on.

We’ll learn more about this potential new feature …