The SPOT Satellite Messenger ($150), available through sports outfitter REI, enables users to visually track their current location as well as send messages to friends, family, or emergency responders. The small tracking/messaging device is designed for outdoor enthusiasts to keep them in contact with friends, family and emergency services, independent of cellular coverage.
`SPOT’s unique function and low price point make it a great extension to our wide selection of personal safety devices,” said Mike McCarty, Product Manager for REI. It features:
- Alert 9-1-1 notifies emergency responders of your GPS location
- Ask for Help sends a request for help to friends and family
- Check-In lets contacts know where you are and that you are OK
- Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows contacts to track your progress using Google Maps
Whereas GPS devices tell you where you are, the SPOT Satellite Messenger lets other people know where to find you. It uses both GPS to determine a customer’s location and the SPOT network, a subsidiary of satellite phone company Globalstar, to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service center.
Service fees include a $99/yr basic subscription which includes unlimited usage of ALERT 9-1-1, CHECK IN and ASK FOR HELP services. A $50/yr upgrade allows for real-time TRACK PROGRESS.
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