Garmin Launches inReach Messenger Plus with New Messaging Capabilities
OLATHE, Kan. / Sept. 18, 2024 / PR Newswire — Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has unveiled the inReach® Messenger Plus, a state-of-the-art satellite communicator featuring photo and voice messaging capabilities. This new device also includes global two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS functionalities. Designed to endure harsh conditions, Garmin’s inReach devices are perfect for adventurers who venture beyond the reach of traditional cell coverage—whether on land, in the sky, or on water. With an impressive battery life that can extend for weeks, the inReach Messenger Plus ensures reliable and seamless satellite communication, either as a standalone device or when paired with the Garmin Messenger mobile app on a compatible smartphone. This allows for the exchange of group texts, photos, and voice messages, as well as location sharing with loved ones.
Emergency Communication and SOS Capabilities
In critical situations, the inReach Messenger Plus, in conjunction with the Garmin Messenger app, can send interactive SOS messages to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 international emergency assistance center. This feature allows users to share photo and voice messages during emergencies, providing response coordinators with detailed insights into the situation. Garmin’s inReach technology, trusted by hundreds of thousands globally, has been pivotal in over 14,500 SOS activations, saving numerous lives. For more success stories, visit the Saved by Garmin blog.
Enhanced Messaging Features
Dan Bartel, Garmin’s Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, highlighted the personal touch that the new messaging capabilities bring to users. “The inReach Messenger Plus offers a more heartfelt way to communicate with friends and family when cell service is unavailable. Whether you want to inform your family about a delay, share a breathtaking view with friends, or exchange voice messages for reassurance, this device is invaluable. Its rechargeable battery, which can last for weeks, safety charging feature, and SOS capabilities make it an essential tool for any adventure.”
The inReach Messenger Plus, when paired with the Garmin Messenger app, allows messaging over Wi-Fi® or a cellular connection when available. If out of cell service range, the app automatically switches to satellite technology. Here are some of the enhanced messaging and navigation features:
- Photo Sharing: Share moments of your adventure by sending selfies from summits or photos of stunning sunsets.
- Voice Messages: When text isn’t sufficient, use your voice to check in, tell friends and family they’re missed, or reassure them of your safety with 30-second voice messages.
- Two-Way Group Text Messaging: Send text messages up to 1,600 characters on the device, or use the Garmin Messenger app to exchange texts, send emojis, react to messages, or start group chats.
- Interactive SOS: Trigger an interactive SOS message in emergencies. Once activated, text, photo, and voice messages can be exchanged with response coordinators, who will provide updates on the rescue efforts.
- Route Sharing: Share your GPS location and route with live tracking. GPS coordinates can be embedded into texts, photos, or voice messages.
- Off-Grid Navigation: Plan trips, see tracks, save activities, and view course highlights showing the remaining distance to your destination when paired with the Garmin Explore app on a compatible smartphone.
- Weather Updates: Receive weather reports and forecasts for your location or destination directly on the device or the Garmin Messenger app.
Like all inReach devices, the inReach Messenger Plus functions as a standalone device, eliminating the need for a cell phone. Users can easily notify contacts of their progress, send location updates, start or stop tracking, and send SOS messages directly from the device.
Durability and Battery Life
Built for adventure, the inReach Messenger Plus is rugged, durable, and compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It is temperature resistant and water-rated to IPX7, meaning it can withstand incidental water exposure up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. The device’s 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. Depending on usage and tracking modes, a fully charged battery can last for weeks to months, and in some cases, up to a full year. Additionally, the safety charging feature allows users to restore a depleted phone by connecting it to the inReach Messenger Plus, ensuring enough charge to send custom text messages from the Messenger app.
Availability and Pricing
The inReach Messenger Plus is available now at a suggested retail price of $499.99. An active satellite subscription is required to use the communication features, with monthly subscription plans starting at $14.99. For more information, visit garmin.com/inReach.
About Garmin
Garmin International Inc., a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN), is renowned for engineering products that enhance the lives of adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors, and outdoor enthusiasts. Garmin is dedicated to creating products that enrich experiences, provide peace of mind, and foster innovation. For more information, visit the Garmin Newsroom, connect with @garminoutdoor on social media, or follow Garmin’s blog.
Legal and Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. These statements are based on management’s current expectations. Forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release might not occur, and actual results could differ materially due to known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin. For more details, refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0001-411180). The report is available at Garmin Investor Relations. Forward-looking statements are valid only as of the date they are made, and Garmin undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement publicly.
Contact Information
Carly Hysell
Garmin International, Inc.
Phone: 913-397-8200
Email: [email protected]
Public Company Information
NYSE: GRMN
Note: An active satellite subscription is required for communication features. Some jurisdictions may regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. Users are responsible for knowing and following applicable laws.
For more details on water ratings, visit Garmin’s water rating information page.
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