Garmin has introduced its first portable satellite communicator with voice messaging and photo sharing capability, the InReach Messenger Plus, which uses Iridium’s Certus service on the satellite company’s Next constellation.
Messenger Plus offers similar features as earlier InReach Mini devices, such as two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS capabilities. The latter includes the ability to send interactive text and voice messages and photos to Garmin Response for 24/7 emergency assistance. Voice messages can be up to 30 seconds, or text messages can be sent with up to 1,600 characters on Messenger Plus.
When paired with the Garmin Messenger app on a smartphone or tablet, Messenger Plus will connect to satellites automatically when the smart device is out of cell service range or not connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. When activating an SOS, the user can share text, photo, and voice messages with response coordinators.
Live tracking is available and GPS coordinates can be embedded into a text, photo, or voice message. Weather reports can be delivered to Messenger Plus or to the Garmin Messenger app. The app isn’t required, and Messenger Plus can be used to check in with contacts, send location updates, start or stop tracking, and send an SOS message, according to Garmin.
Battery life is up to 600 hours for sending a text message or location every 10 minutes (in low-power messaging mode). Messenger Plus can also be used to charge a smartphone “for enough charge to send custom text messages from the Messenger app,” the company said.
Retail price for the InReach Messenger Plus is $499.99, and it requires an active satellite subscription, which starts at $14.99 per month.
"[Garmin] InReach satellite communicators have proven time and time again to be an important tool for pilots to keep in their flight bag," said Jim Alpiser, Garmin's director of aviation aftermarket sales. "With the new InReach Messenger Plus, pilots can now exchange voice and photo messages outside of cell service, in addition to global two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS capabilities. Whether your mission takes you into the backcountry, overseas, or simply across the state, InReach will provide peace of mind and allow loved ones to stay in the know on your location and ensure you’ve arrived at your destination safely."
Garmin Response has handled more than 14,500 InReach SOS activations, which resulted in many lives being saved.