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DeLorme upgrades inReach satellite communicator

inReach users can reportedly download the latest firmware version to their inReach devices at no cost.

DeLorme, a solutions provider for personal satellite messaging, tracking and navigation technology, announced the release of an upgrade for the inReach two-way satellite communicators.

Major product improvements and enhancements in the new release  the company claims, include extended battery life and recharging options. In addition, the newly-updated Earthmate app reportedly enables world topographic map downloads

inReach users can reportedly download the latest firmware version to their inReach devices at no cost. Major product improvements and enhancements in the new release  the company claims, include extended battery life and recharging options. In addition, the newly-updated Earthmate app reportedly enables world topographic map downloads.

Introduced to the market in November 2011, inReach is a satellite communicator offering two-way personal text messaging with delivery confirmation, SOS alerting and Follow-Me/Find-Me tracking and location.

inReach operates over the Iridium satellite network with a reported end-to-end message delivery in less than 60 seconds anywhere on Earth. inReach, the manufacturer claims, pairs with popular smartphones and tablets for two-way global messaging in the 90% of the world’s surface not served by cellular phone networks. According to an official release, the ruggedised handheld inReach device has an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, is impact resistant and works under extreme high and low temperatures.

With the new upgrade, battery life has reportedly been doubled from 60 to 125 hours for standard Lithium AA batteries, with ten-minute reporting intervals. The Earthmate app now enables, the company claims, downloading of seamless topographic maps of the world from DeLorme’s new Digital Atlas of the Earth (DAE). DAE detail includes elevation contours, land cover, place names, major roads as well as connectors and urban streets, railroads, transportation hubs and places of interest including museums, landmarks, dams, stadiums, ports and more.

“DeLorme is committed to a programme of continuous improvement for our products,” said Patrick Shay, DeLorme vice president and general manager. “We listen carefully to the voices of our customers when developing upgrades that will enhance the inReach experience.”