Garmin is a technology company that built its reputation on GPS navigation and has since expanded into a broad portfolio of other related areas, including satellite communication. It's one of the top brands for satellite communicators, which combine GPS location tracking with basic satellite messaging and emergency services. These products have been extremely popular with outdoor enthusiasts and are a viable emergency communication backup for mobile users.
Garmin inReach is a line of satellite communicators focused on global two-way messaging, SOS emergency response, and tracking via the Iridium satellite network for off-grid and remote travel, and Garmin recently launched updates to the popular inReach Mini devices - the inReach Mini 3 and Mini 3 Plus.
The new Mini 3 provides several upgrades, including a color touchscreen, faster multi-band GNSS, enhanced on-device navigation UI, and improved messaging.
Additionally, the Mini 3 Plus adds new satellite communication capabilities via Iridium's faster Certus network, which enables photo and voice messaging and higher transmit power. The Plus version also includes a speaker and microphone.
The standard Mini 3 costs $449, and the Plus version is $50 more at $499.
It's important to note that these specialized communicators face much greater competitive pressure now that direct-to-cell technologies are deployed and growing, enabling many of the same satellite connectivity functions on a standard smartphone. Direct-to-cell technologies are developing quickly, so check out our most recent satellite industry update for the current status of these technologies.
Even with a smartphone's ability to stay connected off-grid via satellite, there are still cases where a dedicated satellite communicator makes sense. These devices are more rugged than smartphones, lighter, and have much longer battery life. They also have a long track record of reliability, especially in emergency and rescue situations, and better global coverage than current direct-to-cell options. Potential customers should carefully consider their use cases and needs to determine whether a satellite communicator like the new Mini 3 line is the right choice.
Key Mobile Internet Related Considerations:
- Garmin's new inReach Mini 3 series expands the capabilities of the Mini 2 in several areas.
- The Mini 3 Plus model now supports voice and photo messaging via Iridium's Certus network.
- Potential customers should assess their needs to determine which satellite communication option best suits their situation.
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Related Content at the Mobile Internet Resource Center:
- Gear Center: Satellite Communicators
- Guide: Mobile Satellite Internet Options
- Guide: Mobile Internet Travel Planning
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