Google has partnered with Garmin and Skylo for the emergency SOS feature on the Pixel 9 series

Satellite SOS is becoming a more and more common feature on new smartphones and it threatens to render devices like Garmin’s inReach messengers obsolete. But Garmin can coexist with the new phones – Google has partnered the Garmin Response emergency response coordination services for the satellite SOS feature of the new Pixel 9 series.

Currently, this service is only available in the US and only for users of the new Pixel 9 series: the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold. Older models are not supported.

Garmin Response handles over 17,000 SOS activations a year in more than 150 countries. But again, Google is only supporting satellite SOS in the US for now. That’s how Apple started too - maybe once all the kinks are worked out, Google will expand the service to new markets. Garmin is already working with a global network of search and rescue professionals, coast guards, embassies and other organizations that can get you out of trouble.

“Garmin welcomes the opportunity to expand our proven, premium satellite emergency response coordination services to the Android ecosystem, starting with Google Pixel 9 in the U.S. Each year, Garmin Response supports thousands of SOS activations, likely saving lives in the process. We are looking forward to collaborating with Google to help people connect to emergency services when they need them,” says Brad Trenkle, Garmin Co-Chief Operating Officer.

Google has another partner in this, Skylo. Skylo is a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) service provider, that is to say that it works with a number of satellite operators and carriers around the world to provide emergency connectivity in areas with no cell or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Skylo’s network works 24/7 globally, so that is not a barrier to a wide expansion of the Pixel 9 satellite SOS functionality either. And, perhaps, more than that.

Skylo has worked with both the Pixel team and the Android team at Google to build the “direct-to-device” satellite connectivity feature. Android 15 will have native support for satellite messaging, which could allow other smartphone makers to jump on board as well.

“Skylo is honored to be the satellite service partner for Google Pixel. Our service has been meticulously developed with both the Pixel and Android teams at Google as well as all our supporting ecosystem partners,” said Parth Trivedi, Co-Founder and CEO of Skylo.

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