Satellite Technology Feature Article
July 21, 2009
SPOT Introduces Next Gen Satellite GPS Messenger
By Amy Tierney, TMCnet Web Editor
A Milpitas, Calif.-based provider of personal satellite messaging and emergency communications introduced its new Satellite GPS Messenger, a smaller and lighter version of the original "personal tracker."
SPOT LLC today unveiled the new "SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger," which is 30 percent smaller than the SPOT Satellite personal tracker. It features custom messaging modes, and uses a GPS chipset and satellite communications to offer enhanced reliability and performance, the company said.
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger, shown below, uses the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service center. The device also lets people track users progress in real-time via Google Maps. It also features a SOS (News - Alert)/9-1-1 Alert button to let emergency responders coordinate a rescue with the users’ GPS location, the company said.
The latest model offers globally recognized symbols for its message buttons to accommodate use in international markets and drive distribution to customers in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, SPOT, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc., said.
“Today's announcement further demonstrates our continued commitment to expand our product line and develop integrated services like SPOT Assist roadside assistance providing advanced personal satellite communications to increase safety for our customers on a daily basis,” said Darren Bassel, director of global marketing, SPOT LLC, in a statement.
The smaller design is meant to target a larger consumer market, including families and other users who spend time in the areas with unreliable cellular service, Bassel said.
Since the device was introduced, the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger initiated more than 250 rescues and sent over 10 million peace-of-mind and track-me messages around the world, the company said. As of March 31 the company received orders to ship of more than 120,000 units.
In related news, SPOT in January unveiled SPOT Assist, a roadside GPS safety service that works with the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. With the service, users can obtain roadside assistance that works on reliable satellite technology without the need for a cellular network. Unlike conventional services like OnStar, SPOT Assist combines a GPS receiver with satellite communications technologies to provide location-based messaging independent of cellular coverage, TMCnet reported.
Amy Tierney is a Web editor for TMCnet, covering unified communications, telepresence, IP communications industry trends and mobile technologies. To read more of Amy's articles, please visit her columnist page.
