Is this WiFi or messages via GPS? How does the reliability stack up against say, an EPIRB? Lastly, is it dependent upon the phone app, or can it operate independent of that?
It's very pricey... the MSRP is $450, plus $15/month for 20 messages. $50/month for unlimited. You have to REALLY need this to warrant that kind of cost.
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There are already (years ago) better and cheaper options on the satcom market for low orbit mobile satellite communications. Search in google before committing to purchase this.
Most of the options were developed to find a low cost alternative to geostationary satellites, which were controlled by the Inmarsat consortium working as a monopoly, that enabled the sea shipping industry to have man overboard distress location and coms for each sailor on duty and also to allowed the real time tracking of the large numbers of assets (containers and trucks) that logistic companies shipped worldwide thru multimodal transport.
So the tech is from 2008 and it came quite cheap at the time with self contained equipment and batteries that lasted 24 month getting and sending location signals 24/7.
This is trying to solve a problem that has been solved years ago by a more beautiful solution.
There is no need to kickstart a product whose alternative is better and cheaper.
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I pre-ordered this device and it just came in the mail. It's amazing! Light years ahead of spot and Inreach. The platform is so smooth and simple. Two way texting works with ease in complete phone dead zones. It weighs almost nothing. I also love the weather update option that provides you with all the basic details you would need to know as part of your plan. The ability to share your location with other device owners makes meeting up in the backcountry or national parks a breeze. This is going to be a turning point for sat devices and might finally be the jumping point to it being an additional option on your phone.
Pros:
lightweight, simple to use, tons of features, SOS button does not require phone
Cons:
Minor but need a phone ( SOS is it's own button and works without)
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How does this compare to the Garmin satellite messengers?
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Nice concept ..interesting how does it work?
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@ojogwa_isaac it uses satellite connectivity to power a special app on your phone. You can share simple text messages and your location..
OpenCNAM
Material Design Palette Deck
I pre-ordered this device and it just came in the mail. It's amazing! Light years ahead of spot and Inreach. The platform is so smooth and simple. Two way texting works with ease in complete phone dead zones. It weighs almost nothing. I also love the weather update option that provides you with all the basic details you would need to know as part of your plan. The ability to share your location with other device owners makes meeting up in the backcountry or national parks a breeze. This is going to be a turning point for sat devices and might finally be the jumping point to it being an additional option on your phone.
Pros:lightweight, simple to use, tons of features, SOS button does not require phone
Cons:Minor but need a phone ( SOS is it's own button and works without)
Creatoor AI