SOS Facebook, Twitter: New GPS Device Updates Social Networks
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CREDIT: Delorme |
A new handheld GPS device can find your position and update your social networks, even if you’re in a region that doesn’t have a cellphone signal or Wi-Fi access.
Made by DeLorme, the Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT satellite communicator provides a way to check in with friends and family from remote locations and signal for help in an emergency. The handheld GPS pairs DeLorme aerial, topo and nautical maps with the ability to type and send one-way text messages via a satellite called SPOT for check-ins and emergency response.
The SPOT communicator uses the GPS satellite network to determine a person’s location and the Globalstar network to transmit messages and GPS coordinates to others, including an international rescue coordination center.
The SPOT device can be set up to send information to your Facebook, Twitter and Geocaching.com accounts as well as sending text messages. Friends can track a user’s progress via a shared SPOT page integrated with Google Maps.
Adventurers can set up predefined check-in messages so that all it takes is one press of the check-in button on the device. An SOS button works in the same way. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide such as 911 responders in North America and 112 responders in Europe (the country's number for emergencies).
The devices meet military standards for use in extreme conditions including 810F for vibration and shock, waterproof to the IEC 529 IPX7 standard with consistent functioning in humidity levels over 90 percent and temperatures up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit.
The SPOT communicator can link up with a cellphone using Bluetooth technology.
The Earthmate GPS and SPOT satellite communicator pair costs $450 plus a $100 annual service fee.
