At the CES trade show in Las Vegas, DeLorme announced a partnership with SPOT/Globalstar to release a new outdoor GPS device that will use the SPOT satellite system to communicate text messages from remote locations where cell phones don’t have coverage.

The PN-60w will connect wirelessly to a small device called SPOT Communicator and be able to send free form text messages to friends and family as well as to websites like Twitter and Facebook.

Delorme is also working on delivering new geocaching features leveraging this wireless connectivity.

Wireless connectivity with other PN-60w users
In addition to that deLorme is also preparing a new feature that will be delivered to PN-60w users through a firmware update in the fall.

This feature will allow users to create wireless networks with other PN-60w owners and see everyone’s locations on their device.

“Current testing has shown an average range of around half a mile with results varying by terrain and line of sight.”, said Delorme.

Along with being able to see the location of other PN-60w users, it will be possible to exchange waypoints, tracks, and routes through the wireless network—allowing users to share geocache locations or a mountain bike trail with friends at the trailhead.

With this impressive product release Delorme is demonstrating its innovation capabilities on a market highly occupied by Garmin. Developing smartphone-like capabilities outside of cellular range is clearly a great product differentiator for Delorme.