Device could change communication in backcountry
By Axie Navas, Outdoors
Wouldn’t it be nice to communicate directly with the other members of your party without having to rely on shaky cell service or WiFi?
Thanks to goTenna, a new communications device that launched Thursday, you can. The rugged off-the-grid tool pairs with your iPhone or Android via BlueToothLE to enable users to send and receive text messages (160 characters max) and share their GPS locations. It’s a bit like a super walkie-talkie with a range of up to 50 miles, depending on terrain.
The big bonus: it only costs $150 per pair, with no subscription fees. Field radios or sat phones can cost 10 times that.