Google has started rolling out a new interface to the Google Messages app to support emergency SOS chats via satellite.

The SOS message thread in Google Messages will still have the same familiar layout as standard text, but it will have an additional "satellite message" label. That way, users will be able to create personalized messages when communicating through emergency services, instead of using sample messages like on Apple.

However, the text input box will have a character counter, which indicates that satellite messages may have a character limit, unlike normal SMS.

In case the signal is not enough to make a satellite call, the Google dialer will automatically guide the user to switch to satellite messaging.

Of course, calling or texting via Google Messages is dependent on supported hardware and country of use.

The satellite emergency messaging feature is a useful feature for people who frequently travel to remote areas or who work in hazardous environments. If you are one of these people, you should install the Google Messages app and enable instant messaging.