Technology never ceases to amaze. The smart cookies at goTenna have developed a way for you to stay in touch when there’s no phone coverage or wifi available.
While that situation would usually mean you’re off the grid so to speak, goTenna allows you to still use your Smartphone to send texts and GPS locations. As with most technology these days, goTenna uses an app to pair with your smartphone and then relies on VHF radio waves to transmit messages and location information to other goTennas in the area.
Similar to a walkie-talkie, the range depends on your environment with expectations set at between six to eight kilometres in open areas, and one to one-and-a-half kilometres in congested environments. However, the highest current user range recorded is 43 kilometres.
Sold in pairs to ensure you can always be in contact with at least one other person, the goTenna also creates its own network so you can communicate with multiple others in the area. The lightweight, sleek design is waterproof, with a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery; Micro-USB for easy charging; flash memory with capacity to store hundreds of meessages; two-watt VHF radio, extendable antenna and nylon attachment strap.
So what can you do with goTenna? Firstly, it allows you to send private messages, group messages or broadcast to any goTenna nearby; an incredibly handy feature if you’re on your own and need help. You can also download offline maps of any location in the world, with goTenna allowing you to use GPS even without cellular service. Need to share or request location information? You can allow trusted contacts to automatically receive your location whenever they need it.
The walkie-talkies of the future, goTenna is the new high-tech buddy system that is perfect for your next outdoors trip. Looks like the eternal search for wifi may finally be over.
RRP: approximately $264 from goTenna (which will hopefully ship to Australia soon).
Related articles:
World’s first translating earpiece
Five best portable battery chargers
How to bathe in the bush
