Tough Call

By The Editors
April 18, 2014 9:00 am
Iridium
Dwayne Brown Studio

Here’s the good news: with the little doodad pictured above, you’ll be reachable anywhere in the world, at any time.

Here’s the bad news: you’ll be reachable anywhere in the world, at any time.

Credit — or blame — goes to the Iridium GO!, the world’s first satellite hotspot, taking pre-orders now.

Iridium, creators of the first satellite phone and major client of the Department of Defense, have basically crafted a handheld global router for consumers.

Iridium GoThis is no clunky satellite caller. It’s rugged, waterproof and about the size of two card decks.

And it’s easy to use: just flip up the GO!’s stubby antenna. Then put it on the ground, throw it in your backpack, mount it to your boat … whatever.

Now turn on your regular Apple or Android smartphone/tablet. Or up to five of them.

Voila, you can now make calls, send photos, do GPS positioning, send one-touch SOS alerts — even give social network updates (“@tomhanks stranded on an island with a volleyball. #irony #FML”) from literally anywhere in the world.

South Pole? They’re already on the network.

It’s perfect for your remote summer adventures: ocean-faring, far-flung vacations, Third World hiking expeditions.

Cost: about the price of an unlocked iPhone.

Getting away from it all? Overrated.

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