what you need to know
- Google seems to be developing satellite messaging functionality for Android 15’s Google Messages.
- The recent Google Messages beta has given us a better understanding of how satellite messaging in Google Messages works.
- The feature appears to be more useful than Apple’s SOS via satellite feature, as Google wants to let you text anyone (not just first responders and roadside assistance) — even if there’s no emergency.
Google has been working on satellite messaging for Android behind the scenes, and a new Google Messages app beta reveals how the company is implementing the feature in Android 15. In March, we learned that Google wanted to let Android users send messages to anyone via satellite, and wasn’t planning to limit the functionality to emergency and roadside assistance calls. Now, the latest Google Messages beta offers further evidence that you’ll soon be able to message anyone over a satellite connection.
9to5Google disassembled the Google Messages beta APK, which contains the version number 20240329_01_RC00. The website reports that the following string was found in an APK related to satellite connectivity:
- To send and receive, stay outside with a clear view of the sky
- Satellite messages may take longer and cannot contain photos and videos
- You can send a message to anyone, including emergency services personnel
These strings outline what you can and cannot do using satellite messages in Google Messages. The company recommends users stay outside to have the best chance of establishing a good connection with high-altitude satellites. This follows similar guidance to other satellite-based features released in the past, such as Apple’s SOS via satellite. Additionally, Google says you can’t share photos and videos via satellite, which makes sense.
Notably, the strings explain that satellite messaging lets you “message with anyone.” This is different from SOS via satellite, as the iPhone feature only works in emergency situations where the user needs to contact emergency services, roadside assistance and emergency contacts.
9to5Google also spotted Android 15 system notifications that revealed satellite connectivity. When cellular network is unavailable, users will receive an “Automatically connect to satellite” notification. This explains that users can “send and receive messages without a mobile or Wi-Fi network.”Can interact via system notifications Open message and how it works buttons.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about satellite connectivity in Android 15, such as which companies will help support the feature. Google has reached out to T-Mobile and Garmin for satellite connectivity services, but this has yet to be confirmed.