Smartphone SOS / Sat comms

[Dexter]

Just wondering if anyone has done the deep dive on the current state of phones and their SOS and satellite communication capabilities and reliability? I dislike ditching phones that work perfectly well, but I might be tempted to upgrade for this safety feature if it's worth exploring.

From what I've read so far, there's two paths for this feature. iPhone 14 or newer, or a Pixel 9. I'm guessing what telco you're with makes no difference, unless they have any kind of option to block it? It seems Pixel has two years free subscription and then you pay. What you are expected to pay after that I don't know. Is the apple's offer similar?

I'm pretty agnostic to what phone OS I use, and swapped between them a couple of times.

[warnesy]

I have one that does it, seems pretty straightforward. Haven’t progressed to ditching the EPIRB, phone batteries die etc, but a handy feature to have.

Not sure I’d replace the phone to have it till you needed an upgrade.

[Aushiker]

I believe (stand to be corrected) that Apple's product is US only. Not sure about Google.

[Son of a Beach]

I believe (stand to be corrected) that Apple's product is US only. Not sure about Google.

Apple's function for SOS via satellite works in several countries, including Australia. See: https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2023/ ... w-zealand/

Apple's function for messaging via satellite works in only USA and Canada for now, but they are planning to expand over time (presumably to include Australia). See: https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/i ... ada%20only).

[Aushiker]

Whilst this is US only by the looks at present, it does seem that there is movement in the Android world, according to AndroidAuthority.

Code within a Google app suggests that Google is working on a new Settings page to accommodate carrier-driven satellite SOS functionality.

[johnrs]

Is there any tracking on the emerging Smartphone satellite options?

[Aushiker]

HMD has launched its Off Grid product in Australia. It apparently weighs 60g, lasts three days on the battery.

OffGrid is designed to provide a seamless satellite connectivity solution, ensuring users can stay in touch even in areas without traditional mobile coverage. With 70% of the world’s landmass lacking mobile network access, OffGrid offers a vital communication lifeline for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and remote workers.

The device, now available on Amazon for Au$329.00, operates using the L Band satellite radio spectrum, allowing Android and iOS users to connect directly to satellites without relying on standard cellular networks. It features two-way messaging and live location tracking via the OffGrid app, along with a 24/7 emergency response service provided through Overwatch x Rescue.

The above quote is from Ausdroid. More details on the product at HMD

[Aushiker]

A look at inReach versus Apple Satellite service [USA]

As I started reactivating my device, I saw the $15 monthly fee and thought, “Okay, that’s a bit steep, but I’ll just pay for a month and deactivate it after my trip.” But then I scrolled down and saw the $40 activation fee—$40 on top of the $15 monthly charge! I was floored. Still, I needed a way to stay in touch with my family while I was away, so I begrudgingly paid the $55 total for what was essentially a five-day trip. Completely absurd.

I knew my iPhone had satellite capabilities, but I hadn’t really tested them yet. So, I decided this was the perfect opportunity to compare it to the inReach while on my trip. Watch the video to see what I learned below, and read on for a full breakdown.

More details at Bikepacking.com

[wildwanderer]

While I agree Garmin is shooting themselves in the foot with their high ongoing inreach charges, the problem with relying on apple (or a future android) mobile phone for emergency satellite sos is it's a single point of failure device that uses battery and is often used for many other things. Such as photography, navigation etc during the trip.

A number of recent lost in the bush situations requiring rescue have been because phone batteries have gone dead and the person has no ability to navigate out or call for help.

[wildwanderer]

HMD has launched its Off Grid product in Australia. It apparently weighs 60g, lasts three days on the battery.

OffGrid is designed to provide a seamless satellite connectivity solution, ensuring users can stay in touch even in areas without traditional mobile coverage. With 70% of the world’s landmass lacking mobile network access, OffGrid offers a vital communication lifeline for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and remote workers.

The device, now available on Amazon for Au$329.00, operates using the L Band satellite radio spectrum, allowing Android and iOS users to connect directly to satellites without relying on standard cellular networks. It features two-way messaging and live location tracking via the OffGrid app, along with a 24/7 emergency response service provided through Overwatch x Rescue.

The above quote is from Ausdroid. More details on the product at HMD

I'm curious about the large sos button on the hmd. Does it have a cover? Otherwise I foresee many accidental activations

[Son of a Beach]

While I agree Garmin is shooting themselves in the foot with their high ongoing inreach charges, the problem with relying on apple (or a future android) mobile phone for emergency satellite sos is it's a single point of failure device that uses battery and is often used for many other things. Such as photography, navigation etc during the trip.

A number of recent lost in the bush situations requiring rescue have been because phone batteries have gone dead and the person has no ability to navigate out or call for help.

That's where a PLB comes in. Cheap to buy, and no ongoing fees at all.

So a PLB plus a smart phone with satellite messaging, if/when it becomes available in Australia, may be the optimal solution for now (well... not for now... but when it eventually becomes available).

[ChrisJHC]

While I agree Garmin is shooting themselves in the foot with their high ongoing inreach charges, the problem with relying on apple (or a future android) mobile phone for emergency satellite sos is it's a single point of failure device that uses battery and is often used for many other things. Such as photography, navigation etc during the trip.

A number of recent lost in the bush situations requiring rescue have been because phone batteries have gone dead and the person has no ability to navigate out or call for help.

That's where a PLB comes in. Cheap to buy, and no ongoing fees at all.

So a PLB plus a smart phone with satellite messaging, if/when it becomes available in Australia, may be the optimal solution for now (well... not for now... but when it eventually becomes available).

Of course, as you stated above, satellite messaging is available in Aus right now on iPhones, but not yet on Android.


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