How to Talk when Mobile Network is Down
Here comes an always-on satellite smartphone for active lifestyle consumers. Claimed to be the world’s first integrated cellular-satellite smartphone, GENUS targets today’s ultra-mobile consumer – from the extreme outdoor adventurer and action sport enthusiast to the recreational boater.
Offered by mobile communications provider, TerreStar Networks Inc., the new phone can help you stay connected even in remote locations or when the cellular network is down.
The TerreStar GENUS brings satellite devices to the mainstream consumer. The company says now you can forget about traditional clunky, brick-style satellite devices.
[ Also Read: Why Marketers are Chasing the Mobile Mirage ]The new phone features a sleek design, internal antenna and satellite support that combines cellular and satellite connectivity for voice, data and messaging.
With just one phone number and one device, users with a line of sight to the southern sky can gain access to expanded voice and data roaming coverage in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and in territorial waters.
[ Also Read: Google Enables Delta to Offer Internet in the Air ]The device may be purchased online by visiting www.terrestar.com/consumer.
Additional features include:
- Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system experience
- Form factor: 4.7 inch x 2.5 inch x 0.8/0.6 inch
- Lightweight at 4.6 oz.
- Integrated Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), USB and GPS connectivity
- Touch Screen, QWERTY Keyboard
- Memory: 100 MB
- Multimedia features you’d expect from your everyday smartphone, including: Windows Mobile Media Player; 2.0-megapixel camera; camcorder format (H.263 simple profile); video and audio playback features and digital voice recording
“The GENUS smartphone is ideal for adventure-seekers, skiers, boaters, hikers and anyone who lives on the edge, but still wants to stay connected,” said Jeffrey W. Epstein, president and chief executive officer, TerreStar.
“The GENUS provides the ultimate wireless backup capability; helping ensure users are prepared and have access to mobile communications in case of an emergency, disaster, or even an unforeseen weather condition, despite location or cellular network signal strength.”
About the size of a deck of cards, the phone connects to the AT&T cellular network for primary ground-based wireless connectivity, and gains satellite access connectivity through TerreStar-1, a commercial communications satellite, which acts as a cell tower in the sky.
TerreStar has created a “how it works” video highlighting key differences in using the GENUS as compared to a traditional cellular-only device.
The new phone was introduced Monday, Nov. 22.
