The next time you or your loved one take to the great outdoors, you might want to consider bringing along a device called the SPOT Satellite Messenger. This device (created by SPOT Inc. of course), is designed to allow users to notify friends, family, or an international 9-1-1 emergency call center with status messages based on their situation and need. The SPOT Satellite Messenger incorporates both GPS and commercial satellite technology and gives users three message notification options and the ability to create a record of their progress for later retrieval using Google Maps.

The four main functions are as follows:

• Alert 9-1-1 Alert 9-1-1 – this notifies emergency responders of your GPS location
• Ask for Help – sends a request for help with your location to friends or family
• Check In – lets your 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

The SPOT Satellite Messenger weighs just over 7 oz, is designed for extreme conditions, floats in water, is waterproof, and works between -40 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit.  The device costs $169.99 and annual service fees will run you $99.99 a year in the U.S. There are optional features at additional costs such as automatic tracking service (SPOTcasting) and guaranteed extraction service for countries or regions with non-responsive emergency services.

Of course.. one wonders what happens when the battery dies in the middle of nowhere…  Check the comments from SPOT about the battery within the SPOT Satellite Messenger.

[Check it out]

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