Garmin introduces inReach Messenger Plus SOS satellite communicator with photo and voice messaging
OLATHE, Kan./Sept. 18, 2024/PR Newswire — Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the inReach Messenger Plus, its first satellite communicator with photo and voice messaging in addition to global two-way texting, location sharing and SOS capabilities1. Lauded for a durable and temperature-resistant design, Garmin inReach devices are built for those that explore beyond cell coverage – on land, in the sky or on the water. With a battery life that can last for weeks, the inReach Messenger Plus provides seamless and reliable satellite communication either as a standalone device or when paired to the Garmin Messenger mobile app on a compatible smartphone so users can exchange group texts, photo and voice messages and share their location with friends and family.
In the event of an emergency, the inReach Messenger Plus and Garmin Messenger app can send an interactive SOS text message to Garmin Response, a 24/7-staffed international emergency assistance coordination center. Photo and voice messages can also be shared during an SOS, giving response coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency firsthand. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of users globally for communication and peace of mind, Garmin inReach satellite technology has contributed to more than 14,500 SOS activations being responded to, resulting in many lives being saved.
“The new and enhanced messaging capabilities of the inReach Messenger Plus gives users a more personal and emotional way to communicate with friends and family when cell service isn’t available. Tell your family you’ll be home late, send a photo of the epic view to your friends or simply exchange voice messages to hear the person on the other end of the line. Plus, with a rechargeable battery that can last for weeks, safety charging to help restore a depleted phone and the ability to trigger an SOS message, the inReach Messenger Plus is an invaluable tool for any adventure.”
–Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales
Enhanced messaging and navigation
When paired with the Garmin Messenger app, users can message via Wi-Fi or the cellular connection of their compatible smartphone when available. When out of cell service range, the Messenger app will automatically switch to satellite technology. On or off the grid, the inReach Messenger Plus offers many new and enhanced messaging and navigation capabilities to keep users connected, including:
- Photo sharing: Show your adventures by sending a selfie from the summit or a photo of your view of the sunset.
- Voice messages: When a text isn’t enough, use your voice to check in to tell friends and family they’re missed or reassure them that you’re safe by exchanging 30-second voice messages.
- Two-way group text messaging: Send text messages with up to 1,600 characters individually on the device, or use the Garmin Messenger app to exchange text messages, send emojis, react to messages or start a group chat.
- Interactive SOS: Explore with peace of mind knowing that in case of an emergency, an interactive SOS message can be triggered. Once an SOS is activated, text, photo and voice messages can be exchanged with response coordinators, who will provide updates on the status of the response effort.
- Route sharing: Share your GPS location and route anytime with live tracking. GPS coordinates can also be embedded into a text, photo or voice message.
- Off-grid navigation: Plan the trip, see the track, save an activity and view a course highlight showing the remaining distance to your destination when paired with the Garmin Explore™ app on a compatible smartphone.
- Check the weather: Get weather reports and forecasts1 for your location or destination delivered directly to the device or to the Garmin Messenger app.
Like all inReach devices, the inReach Messenger Plus can operate as a fully functional, standalone device that does not require a cell phone. Users can check in to easily notify contacts of their progress, send location updates, start or stop tracking and send an SOS message directly from the device.
Built to last
Rugged, durable and built for adventure, the inReach Messenger Plus features a compact and lightweight design that fits in the palm of your hand. Temperature resistant and water rated to IPX7, it can withstand incidental water exposure up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes2.
The internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 600 hours of battery life with a text message or location sent every 10 minutes in low-power messaging mode, and depending on usage or tracking modes, a fully charged battery can last for weeks to months – up to a full year. Plus, with safety charging to help restore a depleted phone, simply connect the inReach Messenger Plus to a smartphone for enough charge to send custom text messages from the Messenger app.
Available now, the inReach Messenger Plus has a suggested retail price of $499.99. An active satellite subscription is required to communicate using an inReach Messenger Plus. Monthly subscription plans are available for as little as $14.99 per month. Learn more at garmin.com/inReach.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.
1Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is your responsibility to know and follow applicable laws in jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
2 See Garmin.com/waterrating for more details.
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This looks like a HUGE improvement for the already well-developed inReach sat coms system. While the photos and voice clips are certainly nice added features, they are only possible because the new Messenger Plus uses Iridium’s relatively new “Iridium Messaging Transport” (IMT) instead of their Small Burst Data (SPD) protocol. And I gather that IMT means all sorts of improvements in what an inReach messenger can do, and how fast it can do it. I look forward to learning more, but it sure looks like Garmin — including the inReach team still here in Maine! — just introduced a distinctly new option in beyond-cell communications.