LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spot LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) is proud to announce today that SPOT Connect, a new SPOT satellite communicator capable of sending messages via satellite from today's leading smartphones, has earned this year's CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award. Judged by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media, products submitted in this prestigious program are reviewed and honored for outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics across 35 product categories.
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Unveiled this week at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, SPOT Connect transforms select smartphone operating systems into a global personal one-way satellite communicator. For the first time ever, consumers will enjoy peace of mind knowing they can send custom text messages with GPS position from their smartphone over the Globalstar satellite network from virtually anywhere in the world.
By simply downloading the SPOT Connect app on the smart device, SPOT Connect wirelessly synchs via Bluetooth. Users can send custom Type and Send messages served as SMS text or a short email to their friends and family, post messages to Facebook and Twitter and request help in emergencies from remote regions.
"It is truly an honor to be recognized as innovative leaders in design and engineering by such a reputable program," said Peter Dalton, President of Spot LLC and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. "Today's announcement of SPOT Connect offers a revolutionary new way for consumers worldwide to stay connected from their smartphone despite the inherent limitations of cellular or wireless connectivity."
The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:
- Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used
- Aesthetic and design qualities
- The product's intended use/function and user value
- Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive
- How the design and innovation of the product compares to other products in the marketplace
The Innovations Design and Engineering Awards have been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976. It is sponsored by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the producer of the International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow.
Spot LLC's SPOT Connect will be displayed at the 2011 International CES, which runs January 6-9, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honorees by product category in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For a complete list of Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering honoree products, visit www.CESweb.org/Innovations.
Spot LLC is showcasing SPOT Connect and its entire line of award-winning satellite GPS tracking and messaging products at CES at booth number 35647 located in the IT Wireless Zone, South Hall 4.
Pricing and Product Information:
SPOT Connect will retail for $169.99 MSRP plus a required annual subscription service starting at $99.99 per year and is scheduled to begin shipping this January to retail locations and online sites specializing in GPS, outdoor recreation and personal electronics.1 For more information on SPOT Connect and other SPOT products and location-based satellite service offerings like SPOT Assist Roadside and BoatUS Towing Services, visit www.findmespot.com
About Spot LLC
Spot LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), provides emergency notification technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. The SPOT product family uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the Globalstar network to transmit messages and GPS coordinates to others including an international rescue coordination center. Thanks to this affordable, cutting edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how Spot LLC is helping others stay connected - from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure – visit www.findmeSPOT.com.
The SPOT Adventures Logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6660
1Authorization as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission is pending. This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
