Navigation technology developer DeLorme has announced the Fall 2011 release of DeLorme inReach, which it claims to be the first Iridium-based personal communicator to deliver truly global two-way satellite text messaging; delivery confirmations; SOS capabilities; remote tracking; and an Android smartphone interface. The core communications component of the inReach is the Iridium 9602 short-burst data (SBD) transceiver, which provides a two-way communications connection via a satellite network. According to DeLorme, inReach users can send and receive messages anywhere on the planet. The GPS-enabled inReach can be used by itself or paired with either an Android smartphone or a DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w. When paired with an Android or the PN-60w, users enjoy full-featured, two-way text messaging (up to 160 characters per message) to and from e-mail addresses and cell phones. In case of emergency, Android or PN-60w users can describe their predicament so responders can better prepare, and an ongoing dialog can be maintained.
www.delorme.com