DeLorme today announced that its inReach™ 2-Way Satellite Communicator has received a coveted National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award for Consumer Electronics. The award was presented at the 2012 Miami International Boat Show, America’s premier event of its kind.
The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; and cost-effectiveness.
For areas without cell phone service — which includes over 90 percent of the Earth’s surface — inReach is the first consumer-affordable satellite communicator to offer two-way SOS and personal text messaging, delivery confirmation, “follow me” remote GPS tracking, and worldwide coverage via the Iridium network.
The two-way text messaging capability is especially crucial in SOS situations. Boaters or other in-distress users can describe their situation so that search-and-rescue authorities know what assets to deploy.
They can also exchange updates with the response center, including sharing information on subsequent injuries or damage, changing weather conditions and revised responder ETAs.
For friends and family at home, the “follow me” remote tracking feature lets them see the user’s travel progress online, at programmable intervals. It also has the capability for family and friends to ping the remote device to determine locations on demand.
For free-form two-way messaging, inReach can be paired with either an Android smartphone or a DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w handheld GPS receiver. It can also be used as a standalone device, allowing pre-programmed messages and SOS alerts to be sent via the device’s pushbutton interface, with confirmation of delivery. Remote tracking can also be activated.
“inReach represents a game changer in the communications market and dramatically expands what’s possible for recreation and professional endeavors beyond cell phone coverage, especially in remote or high-risk environments,” said Jim Skillings, DeLorme Vice President for Commercial Products.
Messages are relayed by inReach to and from Iridium satellites, which make up the world’s furthest reaching communications network. The DeLorme inReach is built around the Iridium 9602 short-burst data transceiver, enabling its global, two-way connectivity.
Since this past fall, inReach has also received numerous other prestigious accolades including 2011 Popular Science Best of What’s New, 2011 Gear of the Year awards from both Men’s Journaland National Geographic Adventure, and 2012 CES Innovations honors.
