Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

At the CES Unveiled press display, this gadget caught my eye.  SPOT is the world’s first satellite messenger, allowing you to send your GPS location and/or selected messages (like I’m OK) to let everyone know where you are.  Pretty handy for those that travel into the wilderness, traverse the sea (sorry, South Atlantic service varies), like Les Stroud, survivalist who stars in his show on the Discovery channel. Many times, your cell phone won’t get you out of trouble.

SPOT is designed to do 5 basic things:

• Alert 911 to your location and will send a message every 5 minutes until power runs out or 911 is canceled.
• Ask for help, sends a message every 5 minutes until canceled.
• Check in, allowing you to ease the minds of cared ones by letting them know you are OK.
• Allows you to track your travel via Google Maps, SPOT will send a message every 10 minutes for 24hrs.

The unit works by using GPS for location and a commercial satellite network. The unit is relatively small, has a belt clip and is something I would consider bringing on an adventure.  The design seemed very simple to use.

Catch the SPOT Satellite Messenger at REI, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops or online for $169..

Product page [findmespot]