SPOT Introduces the New SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger
The new SPOT X offers SOS technology combined with 2-way messaging.
SPOT has introduced SPOT X, a 2-way satellite messaging device. The new product offers 2-way message capabilities with an onboard backlit keyboard, GPS location tracking, social media linking and direct communication with emergency services in one portable, lightweight device.
SPOT X features proven S.O.S. emergency notification technology combined with new text messaging functionality for safety and peace of mind even when you don’t have cell service. “Our team has worked tirelessly to develop an all-in-one product that is rugged and easy to use. SPOT X will make connectivity in remote regions easier and more effective than ever before,” said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO at Globalstar.
SPOT X is the latest addition to the award-winning SPOT family of products. Through a direct connection to the GEOS International Emergency Coordination Center, SPOT has triggered nearly 6,000 rescues around the globe within the last ten years. With the new messaging device, users can better communicate during their adventures with 2-way satellite messaging to keep in touch with family and friends, or if necessary, emergency personnel. Lone travelers can check-in and provide detailed status of their situation when in the wilderness or remote areas. In addition, the Spot X provides users with a unique, personal mobile number that allows either party to initiate conversations at any time.
“The ability to send a text message regardless of cell coverage with an easy-to-use device like SPOT X will be so comforting for my family and friends when I am on my next adventure,” said Dale Sanders, the oldest man to hike the Appalachian Trail in a year and solo paddle the Mississippi River.
Key Features of SPOT X:
- 2-WAY SATELLITE MESSAGING: Send and receive messages and short emails with family, friends or colleagues beyond cellular.
- S.O.S.: Emergency notification and direct 2-way message communication with 24/7 Search and Rescue services through the GEOS IERCC in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
- GPS TRACKING: Waypoints tracked via Google Maps™ at intervals of 2.5, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minutes.
- CHECK IN: Users can let contacts know they are “OK” with the push of a single button.
- POST TO SOCIAL: Link to Facebook and Twitter accounts to share adventures with followers.
- NAVIGATION: Built-in compass and programmable waypoints.
- KEYBOARD: Easy to use illuminated QWERTY keyboard that is usable in any light setting.
- BATTERY LIFE: SPOT X has a rechargeable battery averaging a battery life of 10 days when tracking in tracking 10 minute intervals.
Device Specifications:
Length: 6.54 inches
Width: 2.9 inches
Thickness: 1.75 inches
Weight: 7.0 oz
SPOT X retails for $249.99 with several service plans available, beginning at $11.99 per month on a yearly plan and monthly plans starting at $14.95 per month. More pricing and coverage details are available at FindMeSPOT.com
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A neat idea… but EXPENSIVE due to the service costs. And their “Flex” plan is even worse. I had the original Spot when it first came out but canceled it after the first year because of the cost. I also had a Globalstar satellite phone prior to that, and got rid of it because their satellite network was so poor I could rarely make a call with it… it never found service, even in wide-open areas. Garmin’s InReach has some nice additional features like GPS mapping, but their service costs are even worse, on top of the unit itself costing a lot more than the Spot X. So unless you’re rich or spend a LOT of time in places where you might need one, it’s not at all cost-effective.
Good point Rob. The prices have creeped up over the years making it harder to afford what is a valuable safety device. Looks like Spot just released a new ‘Basic’ plan though that starts at $11.95 per month ($143 per year). Not bad for those that primarily want the S.O.S. feature and the ability to send messages now and then.
I’ve read a couple of early reviews of this, and it sounds like the coverage is still quite slow / poor (failed messages in open places, or messages take up to 45 minutes to send)..
How long until you have a real hands on review of the device? I like that spot offers vehicle recovery and medical / rescue insurance with their products, but it’s not much good if you cannot count on it to work when needed.
Hey Travis. We should be getting our hands on an evaluation unit soon. We’ll keep you posted!
I’m also interested in a hands on evaluation. Specifically, an eval of an “emergency” SOS notification inbound into their system, and their response to it. That is, the “base” product. For a one off test, do they “get it right”? So many times I’ve read that the service behind the SPOT radio equipment completely fails. Emergency response teams get sent to the wrong location, or never arrives. Too many stories like that. So, if you can test the base service, please do so. If it fails, specifically what is the “point of failure” from a phone call query into their response team (Two officers in the silo handle inbound responses). Yeah, they’re not gonna like you testing it, and maybe you do not notify them beforehand that you *are* going to test it, something to consider. Now for the added services. Decide on a “standard length” message, and test how long it requires to appear in someone’s “reliable” email account after initiating the “send” at the SPOT, and maybe do this a few times, at different times of day / night, to determine an “average” transmit / receive time. A rechargeable internal battery is a new feature, so how long does that last, from a full recharge, with using just the “base” tracking service? You’ll need to figure a way to keep the SPOT moving, since the device shuts off when not moving for some time (10 minutes? an hour? I’m not sure). Finally, is the internal rechargeable battery user replaceable? These would be valuable tests.
Good unit but PISS POOR coverage for Australia and Asia …, I hope there is dramatic price reductions to plans for the dramatic reduction in functionality
… otherwise I will be buying the inreach mini which is half the size.
I recently purchased the Spot X and been testing the messaging and so far they’ve all been received and I’ve received their replies. Yes the platform (old Blackberry style) feels very dated considering we’ve all upgraded from those ‘dinosaur’ devices, but to those reporting messaging hasn’t worked, they’ve been working for me. My personal experience!