Forgoing all the fancy extras, Somewear relies heavily on users’ phones to power its wearable hotspot. But does that ease of use make for reliability headaches? We put the app-based satellite communicator to the test.
Simplicity can help save lives in an emergency. That seems to be the mantra behind the Somewear Global Hotspot, which works exclusively through an app for its two-way communication and location tracking. Beyond an SOS activation button, the device is free of all standalone functionality.
This design simplifies the hardware side of things and makes use intuitive. But it also adds another burden to a phone’s battery life. Launched in spring 2018 on Kickstarter, Somewear released to the public for $350 in November. Subscription plans on the Iridium satellite network range from $100 per year for very little usage (10 messages and 24/7 SOS monitoring) to $50 per month for unlimited messages and pin drops.
I tested the unit for a couple weeks leading up to its debut.
In short: The Somewear hotspot is an extremely easy-to-use global satellite messenger. Because all functions other than SOS work through an app, sending a message or coordinates is as simple as sending a text. Tracking also proves near effortless to start and share. And the app opens up the potential for other functions, like the now-available weather reporting. Because the limiting factor is the user’s phone battery life, Somewear is an ideal companion for shorter adventures.
Minimalist Hardware
Somewear Labs took the minimalist route with this device. The unit measures 3 x 3.6 x 0.8 inches and carries a verified weight of 4.2 ounces. Its semicircular shape bears no corners or edges to catch on gear or stray branches. And there is an elastic clip to secure it to a pack or gear loop. The exterior surface remains void of buttons or a screen, just a blinking LED light that indicates battery and power status.
A cap shields the SOS button, which must be pressed for six seconds to activate an emergency transmission. Once SOS is activated, LEDs confirm the status of the message: sent or received. Plus, the user can also cancel an SOS with proof of cancellation.
User Interface
Using the Somewear app (Apple and Android) was super intuitive. I didn’t require instructions of any kind to successfully send messages, location, initiate and share tracking, or get weather updates. And sending a text message (U.S. or Canada phone numbers) or email proved as simple as sending normally through the phone alone.
Although messaging services were available to the recipient without the use of the app, having the free app on both ends of the exchange streamlines the user experience by eliminating extraneous links and steps.