LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spot LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) and a leader in personal satellite communications and DeLorme, the innovation leader in mapping and GPS technologies, today jointly announced the world's first rugged, handheld GPS and satellite communicator product. The DeLorme Earthmate(R) PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator will be the first handheld GPS navigation device capable of sending customized text messages even when the user is operating far beyond the range of cellular communications. The product is scheduled for general availability in the Spring of 2010 and will be unveiled this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6958
The revolutionary SPOT Satellite Communicator, designed exclusively for the new PN-60w, merges SPOT satellite message functionality and DeLorme state-of-the-art GPS mapping via wireless. Together, this product pairing offers broader messaging capabilities. Users can send freeform text messages using the PN-60w's keyboard to select individuals or groups from the field even from remote areas world-wide.
Established SPOT technology allows real-time location updates and the ability to summon help in an emergency. Custom messages and waypoints can easily be shared with social networking sites like SPOTadventures.com, Geocaching.com, Twitter, and Facebook. As an emergency back-up, the SPOT Satellite Communicator has stand-alone capability to send location-based SOS notification to an emergency response center.
"Today's announcement combines the latest in sophisticated handheld GPS with SPOT satellite communications providing one-of-a-kind, custom messaging and sharing of geo-location information with others in real-time," said Peter Dalton, President of Spot LLC and Chief Executive Officer of Globalstar Inc. "We are excited to partner with DeLorme in bringing to market a new wireless GPS solution to consumers."
"For the first time, people will be able to type custom text messages using the Earthmate PN-60w internal keyboard and then transmit wirelessly to the unique DeLorme SPOT Communicator for sending satellite messages around the globe," said Caleb Mason, DeLorme Vice President.
Users of the PN-60w can easily manage their profile online including custom maps and message history utilizing a fully integrated user interface designed by SPOT. Information can be kept fully private or shared with family and friends using custom tools like SPOT Shared Pages and SPOTadventures.com.
As a stand-alone GPS, the Earthmate PN-60w delivers premium navigation features including a 32-channel GPS chipset, blazing-fast dual-core processor, 3-axis electronic compass, sensitive barometric altimeter, elevation profiles, and GPX file transfers.
At CES, DeLorme also will be announcing new worldwide map data for the PN-60w, including high-resolution color aerial imagery.
SPOT will also be showcasing its SPOT Satellite Messenger product family and satellite-based services at CES including the award winning SPOT Personal Tracker(TM) and the new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(TM). Learn about new SPOT Assist services, including SPOT Assist Roadside, providing the only satellite-based roadside assistance and SPOT Assist Maritime providing direct access to BoatU.S. Towing services with the push of a button.
Availability
The PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator is scheduled to be available in spring 2010 at retail locations and online sites specializing in GPS, outdoor recreation and electronics products. They can also be ordered from DeLorme at www.delorme.com or by calling 800-561-5105.
At CES
Learn more about the Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator at CES. DeLorme and SPOT will both be exhibiting in the IT Wireless Zone, South Hall 4; DeLorme is at Booth 36432 and SPOT is at Booth 35829.
About Spot LLC
The SPOT product family 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 call center. Spot LLC, 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 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 users live to tell about it -- from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes -- visit www.findmespot.com.
About DeLorme
DeLorme is the longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS solutions for both consumer and professional markets. Based in Yarmouth, ME, DeLorme offers a unique set of core competencies across the complex areas of map data creation and management, software development, and integration with GPS. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in the fast-changing navigation world provides a distinct competitive advantage. DeLorme is one of a handful of mapmakers that still own and produce their own content, and its Street Atlas USA, Topo USA, XMap, and Earthmate GPS products have introduced countless first-to-market innovations. To learn more, go to www.delorme.com.
Notes to Reporters:
A high-resolution image of the PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator plus a media fact sheet can be found at www.delorme.com/media. High-resolution photos of SPOT Satellite Messenger Products are available at http://findmespot.com/en/pressroom/.
Safe Harbor Language
This press release contains certain statements such as, "The product is scheduled for general availability in the Spring of 2010 and will be unveiled this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas," that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including demand for our products and services, including commercial acceptance of our new Simplex products, including the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger; problems relating to the ground-based facilities operated by us or by independent gateway operators; the pace and effects of industry consolidation; changes in technology; our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel; worldwide economic, geopolitical and business conditions and risks associated with doing business on a global basis; and legal, regulatory, and tax developments, including changes in domestic and international government regulation.
Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statements. Additional information on factors that could influence financial results is included in Globalstar, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
