New IPhone = Sat Phone device

[Poser]

Backcountry snowboarder Jeremy Jones has developed a global hotspot device that syncs with your IPhone to use a Satellite phone network for talking and 2 way text as well as a stand alone SOS feature.

Jeremy Jones Launches Device That Turns Your iPhone into A Sat Phone | Teton Gravity Research

 

[Titan_Bow]

I watched their promo video and the do not see mention of voice. The website also says sync to iPhone for SMS, email and alerts. No mention of voice.. It uses the same Iridium network that InReach and Spot use, so really comes down to features of the device, durability, etc. They all pretty much do the same things. I keep my InReach on and synced to my phone already, just using the connectivity of the InReach for my phone. Sounds like this is the same thing, or does this offer a true hotspot data connection? Good to see there are more options out here though. Will make shopping for my next comms device a little tougher maybe.


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[Brendan]

No mention of voice anywhere. Looks like another version of the Inreach.

 

[jlaner0408]

Regardless of not having voice communication, I’m interested to see how this goes. Being as you can pause subscriptions on a month to month basis, it might force garmin and spot to retool their pricing structures to be more competitive. As with most things, the pricing model competition will only make it better for the consumer in the long run.

 

[Titan_Bow]

I thought you could pause InReach billing already? You could when I first started, I admit I just pay it month to month now because I am always using it for something. I’ve even used it while traveling internationally in India and in Germany. I’m taking it to NZ with me this year too


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[Beendare]

After the whole GAIA thing....it makes sense this was next and essentially the reason I haven't bought an Inreach....that and the fact there are some problems with them sending messages.

Its likely this new system will experience the same issues with satellite reliability as Inreach.

 

[jmez]

You can pause your InReach subscription.

 

[Brendan]

I thought you could pause InReach billing already? You could when I first started, I admit I just pay it month to month now because I am always using it for something. I’ve even used it while traveling internationally in India and in Germany. I’m taking it to NZ with me this year too


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You can. I'm not seeing a difference.

 

[Titan_Bow]

After the whole GAIA thing....it makes sense this was next and essentially the reason I haven't bought an Inreach....that and the fact there are some problems with them sending messages.

Its likely this new system will experience the same issues with satellite reliability as Inreach.

I’ve got two of the original ones and I’ve used them all over and never had an issue. You do have to ensure you have clear view of. The sky and understand it takes a couple minutes to send out a message sometimes


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[jlaner0408]

You can pause Garmin as well, but the price increase just to be able to pause it makes it more expensive. The difference between this and the smaller Inreach is where this new platform looks to possibly be better since they do practically the same thing. The only minute advantage to the larger Inreach model is you are able to use it as a standalone gps, albeit a clunky one.

 

[Brendan]

You can pause Garmin as well, but the price increase just to be able to pause it makes it more expensive. The difference between this and the smaller Inreach is where this new platform looks to possibly be better since they do practically the same thing. The only minute advantage to the larger Inreach model is you are able to use it as a standalone gps, albeit a clunky one.

The larger Inreach also has double the battery life, which is the more significant advantage if you ask me.

There is no fee to pause, but the Garmin plans are more expensive.

 

[Blockcaver]

I sure like my Garmin InReach SE. In a year and a half the message count is up to 742 sent and 900 messages received! None dropped, nor any issues with the unit. It's been used for 3 weeks under Arctic conditions in Nunavut, 3 weeks in the NWT, 7 weeks in Northern BC, all over central BC, down in AZ, etc. Battery life is awesome and it pairs with an iPhone seamlessly. I change plans several times per year to save $. Obviously I use the unlimited plan when I am hunting in remote areas. My wife...the account manager...likes Garmin's straight forward dealings with no shady issues like we have had with cell phone providers and our previous messenger company.

That said if I was buying today it would be a Garmin InReach Mini for the weight savings and compact frame.

Whether the new unit being discussed is up to the Garmin standards for less $ remains to be proven.

 

[sneaky]

It connects to iPhones only? I'm out. I've had zero issues with my Delorme unit.

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[jp0212]

Definitely a cool device, but I would prefer an InReach device. The Somewear appears to be 4oz, and the Garmin InReach Explorer+ comes in at 7.5oz. For 3.5oz you get added redundancy. I like the idea of having a backup to use if my phone takes a crap.

 

[Phaseolus]

InReach worked fine in the middle of the Pacific Ocean between Fiji and Australia, nice to have some coms on a 35’ sailboat on a passage.

 

[tater]

Looks like a startup with bad timing: they probably began r&d right as Garmin bought Delorme and then they decided to chance it and bring it to market rather than lose the investment.

My Inreach Mini is a proven product in a smaller package by a company with bigger dollars and a longer track record behind it.

I admire the get up and go, but unless i am missing something they are probably out of business in a year.