Garmin unveils inReach Messenger: a $300 device to send texts over satellite

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The new Garmin inReach Messenger

Smartphones sending messages through satellite tv for pc has been a scorching matter currently after bulletins from T-Cell/SpaceX and Apple. Nonetheless, that has been a operate supplied by Garmin for years now, albeit with exterior {hardware}. The Garmin inReach Mini and Mini 2 had been standard, compact choices, now the corporate has come out with a brand new one the Garmin inReach Messenger.

In contrast to the iPhone 14 sequence, you need to use satellite tv for pc messaging for normal textual content chats and never simply emergencies. And also you dont must manually intention it at a satellite tv for pc. However you do want a subscription and most of these include a restricted variety of texts simply 10 with the fundamental $15/month plan, every message after that’s $0.50. This wants extra rationalization, however properly get to that.

The new Garmin inReach MessengerThe new Garmin inReach MessengerThe new Garmin inReach MessengerThe new Garmin inReach MessengerThe new Garmin inReach Messenger
The brand new Garmin inReach Messenger

The extra attention-grabbing factor revealed in the present day stands out as the Garmin Messenger companion app. Its a normal chat app that sends messages over Wi-Fi or mobile knowledge when these can be found and over satellite tv for pc if you end up out within the wild. The app will mechanically swap between the most effective methodology, so that you dont have to fret about checking connectivity first (messages over Wi-Fi and mobile are free, in fact).

Your telephone must be linked to the inReach Messenger gadget to ship and obtain texts over satellite tv for pc. Nonetheless, you possibly can create particular person and group chats to communicate with family and friends even when they dont have a tool of their very own they may want an Web connection, in fact, however the app is a good way to guarantee them that every part goes easily. Earlier inReach gadgets might ship texts, e-mail and even Tweets, however this app ought to make for a extra easy person expertise.

The new Garmin Messenger app can send a message from anywhere in the worldThe new Garmin Messenger app can send a message from anywhere in the worldThe new Garmin Messenger app can send a message from anywhere in the worldThe new Garmin Messenger app can send a message from anywhere in the world
The brand new Garmin Messenger app can ship a message from anyplace on this planet

And if issues go arwy, the Messenger has an SOS button that may get you in touch with Garmins Worldwide Emergency Response Coordination Heart (IERCC), which is staffed 24/7 and can get in contact with rescue providers close to you.

The inReach Messenger is constructed for lengthy treks with battery life as much as 28 days within the default settings. That features sending out a location report each 10 minutes, in order that your family members can keep watch over your progress (and in order that emergency providers can discover you). The Messenger is rated IPX7, that means it may possibly survive a 30 minute dip in 1m of water.

The gadget itself is pretty easy and has a small show sufficient to point out incoming messages and information you again alongside your path if it’s essential to retrace your steps. Nonetheless, it’s primarily meant to be used with a smartphone and different Garmin gadgets: handhelds, marine and aviation tools in addition to Garmin wearables.

Garmin unveils inReach Messenger: a $300 device to send texts over satellite

The Garmin inReach Messenger is offered now for $300 from garmin.com, making it a less expensive choice than the $400 inReach Mini 2. And it has higher battery life too, the mini solely lasts 14 days with 10 minute location stories.

Under are the costs for the month-to-month plans. You possibly can simply subscribe and cancel each month, however you will get a reduction for those who pay for a full yr (e.g. Security falls to $12/mo with a 12-month subscription). Additionally, limitless SOS activations can be found with every plan, so even the fundamental one will do if all you need is a peace of thoughts. With every subscription you can too ship limitless preset messages (e.g. I’ve arrived, Im heading dwelling, and so on.) totally free, solely the free-form texts depend in direction of the month-to-month allotment.

Plan (month-to-month)
Security $15/mo 10 messages $0.50 after that
Recreation $35/mo 40 messages $0.50 after that
Expedition $65/mo Limitless

Observe that Garmin makes use of the Iridium satellite tv for pc community (you possibly can be taught extra about its protection right here). In addition to messaging, the community also can ship climate forecasts, however these value cash, particularly extra detailed ones geared toward sailors.

If you have already got an inReach Mini or related Garmin gadget with satellite tv for pc messaging capabilities, the corporate is engaged on including assist for a few of them within the Messenger companion app, although it didnt say which of them precisely or when that replace would possibly arrive.

You possibly can obtain the app for Android from the Play Retailer and for iOS from the App Retailer

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