Satellite communication platform Iridium has announced its first satellite-powered global Wi-Fi hotspot in the Iridium GO!. The unit features support up to five WiFi-equipped devices, the capability to send texts and make phone calls from anywhere on the planet that has Iridium satellite coverage and will be compatible with its forthcoming Iridium Next satellite network.
The unit is built with both a rugged design and an SOS mode that gets in touch with emergency services. However, while it will ship with official Android and iOS apps, a developer kit and program has been announced that will let third-party software take advantage of the satellite link on any platform. Iridium plans to ship the hotspot in the first half of the year with more details forthcoming on the developer program in the near future.
