Thuraya
Latest
Thuraya's SatSleeve docks your iPhone onto its satellite network, charges it too (video)
Despite the Gorilla glass, we're not sure if it's a great idea to bring that iPhone to K2. Still, if you can fire it up, you can now make satellite calls from Apple's iPhone 4 and 4s handsets thanks to Thuraya's SatSleeve. Always-on globetrotter types can slip one of those models into a cradle, dial their pals from virtually anywhere via the company's own satellite network and even place emergency calls without the handset. The device also includes a built-in battery pack to stretch call times by charging your phone -- though given satellite rates, you may get charged more than you think. Thuraya said that an iPhone 5 version's also in the works, but if you're okay with Cupertino's prior models, hit the break for more.
Softbank will offer satellite phones for use during natural disasters
Japanese mobile service provider Softbank announced today that it will sell satellite phones that can be used during tsunamis, earthquakes, or other events during which traditional mobile phone service may be unavailable. The carrier has partnered with Dubai-based Thuraya, a satellite phone and service provider, to sell satellite-based phones to its home market. Softbank, which is in the midst of a $20.1 billion acquisition of US carrier Sprint, has been slower than other Japanese carriers to restore critical mobile services after natural disaster-caused outages. Satellite phone sales will primarily target essential services such as government officials, energy providers, and local media, though private citizens will be able to buy the phones through retail outlets in order to stay connected during critical events. No word yet on price, though Japanese consumers can expect these phones on the market by February.
Thuraya one-ups Globalstar, unveils new "lightest satellite phones"
We love ourselves a good back-and-forth battle between two competitors, and it looks like Thuraya is diving in the ring head first (and finally bringing the goods) to take on the highly-praised Globalstar. While the GSP-1700 sports a relatively slim, sexy design and weighs just 7.1 ounces, it has already become second place thanks to a pair of new satellite phones by Thuraya. The firm's SO-2510 (purely SAT) comes in at just 4.59 ounces, and sports a 4.66- x 2.09- x 0.74-inch enclosure, but still manages to include a 1.5-inch LCD, GPS / satellite services, USB connectivity, and a battery providing 2.4 hours of talk time (plus 40 hours in standby). The slightly larger (albeit GSM-equipped) SG-2520 rocks Tri-band capabilities, a 1.9-inch LCD, 1.3-megapixel camera, 128MB of internal memory, an SD slot, and still manages to hit the scales at just 6 ounces. Both phones are listed as "coming soon," but we're a bit more inclined to believe it this time around with all the buzz hovering over its main competitor.[Read - Thuraya SO-2510, via MobileWhack][Read - Thuraya SG-2520, via MinistryOfTech]
