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The new Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the brand’s first satellite communicator to offer photo and voice messaging alongside global two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS capabilities. Find all the details here…
On the heels of the iOS 18 satellite messaging capability announced yesterday, Garmin has officially released its all-new Garmin inReach Messenger Plus device, offering the ability to send photos and voice memos, which is a step above the Inreach Messenger we reviewed last year. Garmin claims the Plus version has a battery life that lasts for weeks, reliable satellite communication as a standalone device or when paired with the Garmin Messenger mobile app, and allows users to send group texts, photos, voice messages, and share their location.
The device has a relatively compact and lightweight design that measures 3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″ (7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm) and weighs 4.1 ounvrd (117.2 grams). It’s rated IPX7 for water resistance and can handle incidental water exposure up to one meter for 30 minutes.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus has an internal rechargeable lithium battery that delivers up to a claimed 600 hours of life when sending texts or location updates every 10 minutes in low-power mode, up to 120 hours with a text message or location sent every two minutes in low-power messaging mode, or up to 70 hours in performance messaging mode. Garmin claims that the battery can last weeks, months, or even up to a full year, depending on usage and sky coverage. Additionally, it offers safety charging for smartphones, providing enough power to send custom messages via the Messenger app.
The Messenger Plus can operate as a fully functional, standalone device that doesn’t require a cell phone, but when paired with the Garmin Messenger app on a smartphone, users can message via Wi-Fi or cellular connection when available. When out of cell service range, the Messenger app will automatically switch to satellite connection. In either mode, the inReach Messenger Plus offers several new and enhanced messaging and navigation capabilities. Find a list from the Garmin press release below:
- 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 forecasts for your location or destination delivered directly to the device or to the Garmin Messenger app.
The inReach Messenger Plus is available now for $499.99 and requires an active satellite subscription. Monthly subscription plans are available starting at $14.99 per month. Learn more at Garmin.com.
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