FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 27, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spot LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) and a leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies today announced that SPOT HUG, a new satellite-based security device for boats will be showcased this week at the 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, booth number 3055, located in the Broward County Convention Center, October 28th through November 1st.
Launched initially for the maritime community, SPOT HUG monitors the boat's position and detects any Unauthorized Movement automatically alerting a 24/7 Asset Monitoring Center with its GPS coordinates. The Asset Monitoring center will notify the appropriate parties of the event including the registered boat owner and local authorities where available. SPOT HUG also comes equipped with Sensor Alert capabilities and established SPOT messaging features for sending messages via satellite to others including an international rescue coordination center.
"With approximately 13 million registered recreation boats in the US alone and statistics showing boat theft is on the rise, SPOT HUG provides boaters with an easy-to-install, cost-effective solution that can help protect their asset from being stolen and at the same time peace-of-mind when on the water," said Peter Dalton, President of Spot LLC and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. "We are proud to demonstrate SPOT HUG and our complete line of satellite products this week in Fort Lauderdale."
SPOT HUG consists of a Tracker with built-in GPS and satellite transmitter, a Wireless Keypad and two Key FOBs. Utilizing a proprietary 2.4 GHz receiver, all three devices communicate wirelessly with each other. The Tracker establishes a virtual security perimeter around the vessel when stationary. If the boat moves outside of this perimeter without the presence of the key FOB, an automatic alert is transmitted every 5 minutes via satellite with an updated GPS location to the Asset Monitoring Center. In addition, SPOT messaging features can be activated using the Keypad or the FOB when in range of the Tracker.
Rugged and water-proof to IPX7 standard, SPOT HUG can be line powered to either a 12 or 24 volt external battery or operate solely using AA lithium batteries. Equipped with four external sensor contacts, SPOT HUG also provides Sensor Alert monitoring and notification for events such as high bilge water, low battery, door ajar and smoke detection. A message is sent to the registered boat owner and/or additional listed contacts who receive a text message and/or email with the detailed information. Additionally, SPOT HUG sends a Daily Status Alert message to the boat owner with sensor status updates and the boat's GPS coordinates.
SPOT HUG utilizes SPOT simplex technology so users can transmit location-based messages over the Globalstar satellite network. This allows boat owners to message for help in a critical emergency or let others know where they are and that they are okay. Automated Track Progress message mode lets others view a virtual "breadcrumb" trail of their location on the water.
Spot LLC is featuring its entire line of award-winning satellite GPS tracking and messaging products at the 2010 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show at SPOT booth number 3055, located in the Broward County Convention Center.
Pricing and Availability:
The MSRP for SPOT HUG is $449.95 plus an additional annual subscription price for service starting at $100 per year which includes unlimited asset monitoring and personal satellite messaging. SPOT HUG is scheduled to ship in December 2010. For more information on SPOT products and location-based satellite services like SPOT Assist Maritime with BoatUS Towing, visit www.findmespot.com.
Coverage:
SPOT satellite coverage works around the world, including all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia Northern and Central Africa, portions of South America and North-Eastern Asia and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas.
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