Advertisement

Delorme's inReach two-way satellite communicator gets iOS support, sends iPhone texts from Timbuktu (video)

If you're an iPhone or iPad owner, you might have been disappointed that the Delorme inReach two-way GPS communicator launched with app support only for Android users. That's fine if you're trekking with a Casio G'zOne Commando, but not so hot if you're of the Apple mindset and get stranded canoeing down the Amazon. Thankfully, Delorme just posted an iOS version of its Earthmate app that will let your Cupertino-designed gear send either text messages or SOS beacons through a paired-up inReach unit. As before, the handheld relies on its own GPS positioning and embedded locations in messages to keep friends and rescue crews updated anywhere the device can get an Iridium satellite lock-in. It'll still cost you $250 for the device and $10 per month to stay linked up; even so, there's a real chance you'll be texting your friends from your iPhone in Mali, assuming you haven't had to call a rescue helicopter first.


Show full PR text

DeLorme inReach™ Two-Way Satellite Communicator Now Connects With
iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® touch

Two-way messaging, interactive SOS, global coverage and
Follow-Me/Find-Me Tracking and Location now available to vastly
expanded mobile device user base

YARMOUTH, Maine – May 22, 2012 – DeLorme, an innovation leader in
navigation technology, today announced that its award-winning inReach™
is now compatible with iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® touch. This innovation
makes it possible for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to access an array
of two-way satellite communications capabilities with the inReach and
the DeLorme Earthmate App.

inReach turns an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into a global two-way
satellite communicator for use outside traditional wireless coverage
areas.

Users can send and receive messages to and from cell phones, email
contacts and other inReach users, anywhere in the world. inReach can
also be used to post messages to Facebook and Twitter.

"DeLorme is now extending the unique inReach two-way SOS, personal
communication, and tracking capabilities to a far broader universe of
users worldwide," said Mike Heffron, DeLorme CEO. "This underscores
our commitment to making affordable two-way satellite communication
solutions available to as many people as possible."

inReach, launched in the fall of 2011, is the first
consumer-affordable satellite communicator with two-way SOS and
personal text messaging, message delivery confirmation,
Follow-Me/Find-Me Tracking and Location, and global coverage. iPhone,
iPad and iPod touch users can now benefit from all those capabilities.

inReach is a game-changing communication solution for anyone whose
activities take them beyond cell phone range. Compact and lightweight,
inReach is dustproof and waterproof, buoyant, and impact-resistant.
inReach uses its internal GPS for remote tracking and embedding
precise location coordinates in sent messages.

In the event of an emergency, the interactive SOS capability of the
inReach provides an automatically triggered remote tracking service.
Users can accurately describe their situation so proper resources can
be deployed, and both user and responders can provide ongoing updates
until help arrives.

Because inReach provides reliable two-way connections through Iridium,
the world's furthest-reaching satellite communications network, it can
be used with complete confidence anywhere in the world on land, at sea
or in the air.

"This is an excellent example of how Iridium global connectivity,
married with partner innovation, simplifies consumer connectivity and
provides remote communication from familiar devices to existing
Internet consumer communities as well as direct personal
communications such as email," said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium.

Since late last year, inReach has earned several prestigious awards
including: 2012 Backpacker Editors' Choice, 2012 National Marine
Manufacturers Association Innovation Award, 2012 CES Innovations
honors, 2011 Popular Science Best of What's New, and 2011 Gear of the
Year awards from both Men's Journal and National Geographic Adventure.

Suggested retail price for inReach is $249.95, with annual satellite
subscriptions beginning at $9.95 per month. Four-month seasonal plans
are also available.

inReach is available in the U.S. and Canada at better retail and
online outlets offering electronics or outdoor recreation gear. To
learn more go to www.delorme.com/inreach.

The DeLorme Earthmate App is available free from the App Store on
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

To view an informative video, visit: http://tinyurl.com/inReachVideo