Millions of Android owners to receive major free ’emergency’ upgrade that could be a lifesaver

ANDROID owners might be about to receive two-way emergency satellite messaging, according to hidden snippets of Google code.

It was only a matter of time before Google rolled out the coveted feature to Android users, following the success of Apple's emergency SOS.

The code suggests Google is planning on using technology from GPS gadget maker Garmin, according to developer Neil Rahmouni.

Contained within the code are references to "Garmin" and "messaging by satellite." 

For now, there has been no official announcement from Google or Garmin.

Keen Android owners will have to wait until the Android 14 launch later this year to see if the rumour will amount to anything.

"If true it could mean that Emergency Satellite messages would be available in 150+ countries," he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The service would make devices with 'no signal' able to contact emergency services or an emergency contact - and it could be a lifesaver.

Garmin's satellite messaging services, that it uses in its InReach Messenger and InReach Mini 2 devices, uses a constellation of 66 satellites in low-Earth orbit.

Currently, satellite technology in smartphones is quite limited.

It's expected that Google will leverage Qualcomm's chips and the semiconductor maker's Snapdragon Satellite plans to create ground-to-satellite connectivity.

According to Qualcomm, Snapdragon Satellite will first support emergency texts, with regular messages to follow after.

When Android users need emergency services, the feature will first connect to the 66-strong satellite Garmin Response system.

It will then forward the Android owners' GPS coordinates to local firstresponders.

Although, under Qualcomms current plans, there will be a 140-byte limit per message, and satellite-based voice calls and mobile data support won't be on the cards for a long time.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk