You May Be Able To Satellite Message Anybody, Not Just Emergency Services, With Google Messages
We’ve got the people at 9To5Google to thank for this one, as their teardown of one of the APKs for one of the beta releases of Google Messages has revealed some pretty interesting information regarding the satellite messaging feature that we know the app is prepping up for.
There was one particular line of code in the APK that tells us something very interesting:
You can message with anyone, including emergency services
Previously, we assumed that Google Message’s satellite function would work similarly to most other implementations by being a savior in moments when you’re out of cellular coverage and someone really needs help or assistance of any kind. However, it seems like you’ll be able to message absolutely anyone in your contacts list. It’s not clear whether they’ll be able to respond without a phone with similar capabilities.
In addition, the APK also tells us that you’ll need to be in a place with a clear view of the sky to use this feature—which makes sense considering it’ll need a direct line of sight to whichever satellite it’ll use to connect. It’s also not going to support sending any form of media, and it’s going to take longer to transmit than your regular cellular connection.
Google’s Intended Implementation Could Beat What Apple Has Going On
If this is actually what Google brings to the release version of Messages, it’ll be pretty impressive. Even though Apple has had a similar feature for about two generations of phones now, it’ll certainly beat only being able to talk to emergency services.
After all, there are times when you want people to know you’re fine even though you’re out of cellular range. In such cases, you don’t need to talk to 911 or rescue services. Plus, texting through this feature is inconvenient enough that you’ll probably only use it for occasional check-ins and when necessary, but again, it is great to have, especially for the more outdoorsy people.
The truth is, as the average smartphone user, you’re very unlikely to find a time when you’ll need to use this feature, so by its nature, it’s a bit gimmicky. However, when you do find yourself in a situation where this will save your life or get you help, it’ll be great for you to have. As long as there are no downsides to having it, I have no reason to complain.
