MILPITAS, Calif., Nov. 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- SPOT Inc. today announced that Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor clothing and gear, has signed an agreement to carry the SPOT Satellite Messenger in its retail stores nationally and online at www.rei.com. The revolutionary new product is designed to raise the safety factor for millions of people around the world -- particularly outdoor enthusiasts with a vital line of communication to friends, family and emergency services, independent of cellular coverage.
"REI is the true outdoor gear store that outdoor enthusiasts already know and trust, and we're excited to work with REI to get this product into the hands of some of the people who want it most," said Jim Shriver, National Sales Manager for SPOT Inc. "Whereas GPS devices tell you where you are, the SPOT Satellite Messenger lets other people know where to find you. We're confident that this key difference sets SPOT apart as a product offering and will prove irresistible to REI customers looking for the kind of value, utility and peace of mind it affords."
"SPOT's unique function and low price point make it a great extension to our wide selection of personal safety devices," said Mike McCarty, Product Manager for REI. "Whether you're a hiker, backpacker or cross-country skier, and out of cell phone range, the Check-In feature, in addition to Alert 9-1-1, makes SPOT especially compelling."
SPOT enables users, based on varying levels of need, to send messages to friends, family, or emergency responders, and to visually track the location of the SPOT Satellite Messenger:
* Alert 9-1-1 notifies emergency responders of your GPS location * Ask for Help sends a request for help to friends and family * Check-In lets contacts know where you are and that you are OK * Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows contacts to track your progress using Google Maps(tm)
Weighing just more than seven ounces and priced at REI at less than U.S. $150, the SPOT Satellite Messenger is ideal for the growing market of more than 64 million estimated outdoor enthusiasts in the U.S. specifically for backpacking, camping, hiking, ice and rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing or recreational maritime activities.
SPOT is now available through REI, the SPOT - Web site (www.findmespot.com) and additional retail locations to be announced soon.
About SPOT, Inc.
The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world's first satellite messenger, uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service center. SPOT Inc., a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc., (Nasdaq:GSAT) provides lifesaving communications technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the company offers people unmatched 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 Inc. is helping users live to tell about it(tm) -- from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes -- visit www.findmespot.com.
About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores -- http://www.rei.com and http://www.rei-outlet.com -- and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.