Garmin continues to expand its range of satellite communicators. Interparus will tell you about the new product – inReach Messenger Plus SOS.
Garmin communicators line expansion
The well-known company Garmin has long established itself as a manufacturer of reliable satellite communication devices. The main line of compact communication devices inReach includes the following models:
- Explorer Plus is a multifunctional communicator with a large display.
- SE Plus is a satellite tracker with inReach functionality.
- Mini and the newer Mini 2 are compact communicators for receiving weather, location and SOS messages.
Supports inReach functionality, but the line does not include the following devices: Garmin GPSMAP 66i, Garmin Montana 700i and 750i.
In September 2024, Garmin introduced a new product – inReach Messenger Plus SOS. Externally, the new model of the series looks like a small square pager. The device is positioned as a compact satellite communicator for quick messaging.
Features of inReach Messenger Plus
In the new device, Garmin continues to develop the ideas laid down in the Mini 2 model. Like other devices of the inReach family, Messenger Plus can receive and send text messages, receive weather information, and also retransmit it. Garmin separately emphasizes the ability to send interactive SOS signals.
However, inReach Messenger Plus has a number of other features. For the first time on devices of this form factor, Garmin has implemented sending and receiving photo and voice messages. Returning to SOS signals: the messenger allows you to exchange photos right when a distress signal is sent. This is really useful, because thanks to the rapid exchange of information, rescuers will be able to come to the rescue faster. However, you can exchange messages not only during emergency situations.
As a reminder, all distress messages from Garmin devices are sent to the Garmin Response emergency response coordination center, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Waterproofing and battery life of inReach Messenger Plus
According to Garmin, the inReach Messenger Plus is IPX7 certified. According to this standard, the device should be able to withstand immersion to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes without any consequences. More about device protection levels and types read in this article.
The device's battery life is even longer than that of the Mini 2, which is amazing considering the new features. Garmin cites the following usage scenario as an indicator of maximum battery life for satellite messengers: continuous operation on a single charge with GPS location broadcast every 10 minutes with power-saving mode.
Mini 2 in this mode can last 336 hours, and inReach Messenger Plus – as much as 600. Please note that Mini 2 can only work with GPS and text messages, send an SOS signal. Messenger Plus, in addition to this, can also transmit photos with voice messages. For a device of this size, the result is fantastic.
Prices and possibilities of use
First, the good news: Messenger Plus can operate in several communication modes. The device must be paired with the Garmin Messenger app to be able to receive and send messages using Wi-Fi or mobile data. When inReach Messenger Plus is disconnected from Wi-Fi and mobile data, it switches to the standard “broadcast” mode via satellite communications.
inReach Messenger Plus costs 499,99$ in the official Garmin store. However, you will also need a monthly subscription to use satellite communications. Garmin subscriptions start at 14,99$ per month. Full photo and voice messaging is available when connected to a smartphone.
That said, the inReach Messenger Plus is truly a cut above its predecessors and competitors. Yes, it costs more than the Mini 2 (359,79$ on Amazon) and the original Messenger (around 300$), but it offers:
- wider functionality;
- greater autonomous work;
- more options for interacting with your smartphone.
Judging by the first reviews, the bottom line is this: if you already own a messenger from Garmin, then updating the device is in order. If you have a similar device in your arsenal, then the inReach Messenger Plus looks more attractive than previous models, although it is more expensive.
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24.09.2024
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