Apple have announced an emergency SOS call via satellite on their new phone. I’ve been wondering when this would happen. Information on the feature is scant, it appears it is just an emergency SOS at this point, no tracking, messaging etc, but that would be easy to expand on. Plus, its free for the next 2 years, all emergency sat devices are currently subscription based. I also saw a mention of apple tackling Garmin head on with their new watch, Garmin is currently the clear leader in the gps/emergency/watch space, IMO.
I looked at the Zoleo product over a year ago when I was looking to upgrade my tracking/emergency device. (Would I have even known about this product if not for hearing about it on some investment platform?) It’s features and cost fell well short of the Garmin.
When I compared the Zoleo product to the Garmin, 3 big advantages stuck out.
1. A monthly sub was available, which meant you could activate the device when needed.
2. The mapping/gps function
3. Different models to choose from, size, weight, features, battery life
Spot also have 1st mover advantage in certain activities. For example, in paragliding they were adopted and became the sports standard. Everyone was trackable on the same platform, a game changer in improving safety for pilots and retrievals. This mass adoption within a user group makes it difficult. If not impossible to use a different product.
Currently we have a spot, about $300 pa (I think without looking it up) because of paragliding. I do take it on hikes/mtb as a backup or I’m with someone who has a Garmin. I’m looking at a remote solo hike next year and have a Garmin on my buy list, as it has better functionality than the Spot.
Finally in the past the iridium sat phones that Beam had were used by serious 4wd’s. (The size and weight are irrelevant when you are in a car.) Recently I heard from a friend about the “wifi” nomads in the outback are using starlink sat’s to work from their camp setups. So, it appears the sat phone may have had its days too. I’m guessing one day I’ll be able to use my iphone as a sat phone.
As a long-term user of these products, I don’t see the beam product as having any serious uptake in recreational users. There may be a market there in commercial applications, but I haven’t looked into that.
This info is based on my research over a year ago and the Zoleo product may have changed since then. I just thought my user experience may be of value to anyone watching this stock.
