# Garmin InReach Messenger Plus: Revolutionizing Satellite Communication
In the realm of outdoor activities and distant explorations, maintaining communication with family and emergency services can be critical. Garmin, a frontrunner in GPS and satellite communication technology, has made a remarkable advancement with the **Garmin InReach Messenger Plus**. Differing from its earlier version, the original InReach Messenger, the Messenger Plus incorporates multimedia features, enabling users to transmit **images and voice messages** via satellite, in addition to the standard text communications. This enhanced functionality positions the Messenger Plus as an indispensable tool for adventurers off the beaten path.
## Essential Information
Below are the notable aspects of the **Garmin InReach Messenger Plus**:
– **Multimedia Communication**: The Messenger Plus is Garmin’s inaugural satellite communicator to include **photo and voice messaging**, in conjunction with global two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS capabilities.
– **Improved SOS Features**: Users can now furnish more context in emergencies by transmitting photos and voice messages, which could be vital in illustrating the situation or pinpointing the location.
– **Robustness and Battery Performance**: The device is designed with **IPX7 water resistance** and offers an astonishing **600 hours of battery life** with 10-minute check-ins, or can remain in standby for up to a year.
– **Price**: The InReach Messenger Plus retails for **$499**, with a satellite subscription beginning at **$14.99 each month**.
## Advancing Beyond the Original InReach Messenger
The **Garmin InReach Messenger Plus** enhances what was established by the original InReach Messenger, a device recognized for its dependable satellite communication abilities. The Plus model, however, makes a significant leap: **multimedia messaging**. This advancement allows users to convey **full images**, **30-second audio clips**, and **lengthier text messages** (up to 1,600 characters) through the Garmin Messenger app on their smartphones. This new capability is exceptionally beneficial for adventurers wishing to keep their loved ones informed with more than mere text during their remote journeys.
The device functions as a satellite relay, enabling the sending of these multimedia messages even in areas lacking cellular coverage. Nevertheless, to utilize these features, users must subscribe to Garmin’s satellite service, which starts at **$14.99 monthly**.
### SOS with Additional Detail
A crucial aspect of any satellite communication device is its ability to transmit an **SOS signal** during emergencies. Like its predecessor, the Messenger Plus features a **protected SOS button** that can be activated to request assistance. However, the new version enhances this function by allowing users to send **photos and audio messages** to Garmin Response, the company’s round-the-clock emergency monitoring service.
This extra context could prove transformative during emergencies. For instance, if you’re hurt in a secluded area, you can now send an image of your surroundings or a voice note detailing your condition, which could aid rescuers in grasping the situation more accurately and responding more effectively. Garmin Response has already managed **14,500 SOS activations**, and the newest multimedia capabilities could simplify their task.
## Sturdy Design and Extended Battery Life
When exploring the wilderness, durability and battery longevity are vital. The **Garmin InReach Messenger Plus** is engineered to endure harsh conditions, featuring an **IPX7 water resistance rating**, which means it can endure submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This reliability makes it an ideal companion for strenuous outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, and kayaking.
The device also boasts a remarkable **600 hours of battery life** (approximately 25 days) with 10-minute check-ins, which is slightly less than the **28-day battery life** of the original InReach Messenger. However, this duration is still ample for most extended excursions. In standby mode, the Messenger Plus can function for up to a year, ensuring it’s ready when needed.
Moreover, the device offers **Safety Charging**, allowing it to charge your smartphone in emergencies. This feature could be a vital asset if your phone’s battery dies while you’re disconnected from the grid.
## GPS Tracking and Location Sharing
Mirroring its predecessor, the Messenger Plus provides **GPS tracking** and **location sharing** capabilities. It integrates with the **Garmin Explore app**, which permits offline map downloads and real-time location tracking. Users can also relay their location to family and friends, enabling them to follow your journey and stay aware of your whereabouts at all times. This function is especially beneficial for solo adventurers or those exploring remote areas devoid of cellular service.
Additionally, the device can offer **weather updates** via the InReach network, assisting you in staying updated about shifting conditions throughout your journey.
