Device is First-to-Market with Affordable, Two-Way Global Satellite Messaging
Yarmouth, Maine — November 8, 2011 — DeLorme today announced that it has been named an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for its newest breakthrough product, the inReach™ Satellite Communicator. Products considered for this prestigious honor are judged by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products across 32 categories.
inReach is DeLorme’s new personal communication device that offers, for the first time, affordable, two-way satellite messaging and SOS emergency communications from anywhere in the world through the Iridium network. Retail availability is expected in late November.
At $249, inReach can serve 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. When paired with an Android phone or DeLorme’s Earthmate PN-60w GPS, the inReach enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS functionality.
"We are thrilled to receive such a prestigious accolade among our industry," said Jim Skillings, DeLorme Vice President for Commercial Products. "inReach represents a game changer in the outdoor communication market and dramatically expands what’s possible for recreation and professional endeavors in remote or high risk environments."
Messages are relayed by inReach to and from Iridium satellites, which make up the world’s furthest-reaching network. The inReach is built around the Iridium 9602 short-burst data transceiver, enabling its global, two-way connectivity.
"This CES award is yet another validation of the building anticipation around this differentiated product’s commercial availability," said Patrick Shay, Iridium vice president and general manager for data services. "The inReach is a terrific example of the Iridium partner ecosystem now extending satellite connectivity through Android smartphone technology. The inReach is well-poised for market demand thanks to its attractive pricing, and its two-way, global messaging and data connectivity never before available to the consumer market."
The Innovations Design and Engineering Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow. Products chosen as Innovations honorees reflect the best in innovative design and engineering of the entries. Honorees reflect the first time various technologies are combined in a single product as well as dramatic enhancements to previous product designs. Examples may include the first time various technologies are combined in a single product or dramatic enhancements to previous product designs.
inReach has also received other prestigious accolades, including National Geographic Adventure Fall-Winter Gear of the Year honoree, and from the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show, Outside Magazine Gear of the Show and GearJunkie Best of Show.
inReach will be displayed at the 2012 International CES from January 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV. Honoree products will also be displayed at CES Unveiled: the Official Press Event of the International CES from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, in the Venetian Ballroom of the Venetian. In addition, all honoree products are featured on the website www.CESweb.org/Innovations.
About DeLorme
DeLorme is the longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS solutions for commercial and government markets. Based in Yarmouth, ME, DeLorme offers a unique set of core competencies across the complex areas of map data creation and management, software development, and integration with GPS. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in the fast-changing navigation world provides a distinct competitive advantage. DeLorme is one of a handful of mapmakers that still own and produce their own map content, and the company has received several prestigious awards in recent times for its innovative GPS mapping solutions that integrate satellite communications, serving both commercial and government needs. To learn more, please visit www.delorme.com.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ever-expanding ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. The company has a major development program underway for its next-generation network – Iridium NEXT. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM.