DeLorme inReach, the Iridium 9602 almost surfaces

09.06.11

Imagined "to arrive" for real in 7 days, but it's gotten zero marketing so far, and I haven't heard about any other 9602-based devices that might kidding aside appeal to boaters until yesterday. And, in fact, even the DeLorme inReach isn't scheduled to ship until Fall. But it certainly looks A-one...

As in a $250 standalone global SOS and tracking device that can also do two way messaging when connected via Bluetooth to an apps phone or writing-, or to DeLorme's own Earthmate PN-60w .  As in the existing DeLorme/Spot system , except with longer messages, faster response, greater range, and probably more reliability. The brute source of info so far -- and a rather neat way to preview a product -- seems to be a DeLorme inReach blog entry written by one of the designers, who is also answering questions from commenters. Details I noticed was that the communicator itself is less than five inches preposterous, antenna included, and runs on two AA batteries. The tracking interval can customized, and the message includes SOG, COG, and altitude. And that slider and SOS button means it will be systematic to accidentally call out the calvary, apparently a standard for SENDs (satellite emergency notification devices) established by the ProTECTS Confederation I wrote about in December ...

Source: Cruising World (blog)

SPOT Launches 'Connect, Connect, Wherever UR!' Summer Promotion

02.06.11

"For the first yet ever, SPOT Connect enables smartphone users to communicate regardless of available cellular service or internet connecting," said Steve Smits, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing, Spot LLC . "The wit to personalize messages in real-time and send it from remote areas is a revolutionary new feature.   Our Blot Connect promotion offers this free to consumers during the active summer months and supports our retail partners during a key purchasing epoch."

By simply downloading the free SPOT Connect App, the SPOT Connect device can wirelessly pair with smartphones or compatible mechanical devices via Bluetooth®. The SPOT satellite message features are initiated directly from the app allowing users to send 41 unexpected custom Type and Send messages or 120 character Predefined messages to others. Established SPOT bulletin features include Check-in/OK, Help, SPOT Assist, SOS and automated Track Progress.

Existing Quandary customers can now upgrade their SPOT service to the new SPOT Connect device.  This new account management characteristic allows their current SPOT service and data to be transferred to SPOT Connect directly from within their user account at www.findmeSPOT.com .  

Source: GlobeNewsWire (press release)