With text messaging being at the forefront of communication these days, many of us are familiar with the frustrating circumstance of trying to send a text in an area with bad reception. Startup GoTenna has launched a device that aims to fix this problem by allowing users to send and receive text messages without a Wi-Fi or cell signal. Inspired by downed cell phone towers and utility outages, the company wanted a way to keep smartphones connected even when the grid fails. The resulting prototype is a hardware radio device that pairs with your smartphone over Bluetooth and sends radio text message using old analog radio channels. All messages are encrypted and self-destructing since they are not stored on a central server. GoTenna allows you to save your battery by texting in Airplane mode, is able to broadcasts its signal to send and receive texts up to 160 characters and can connect to other devices up to 50 miles away. However, this varies depending on factors such as location and your elevation. For instance, in urban areas the range is hindered to only a couple of miles. The device also has a potentially lifesaving communication feature that sends “shout” messages to anyone within range. You can preorder a GoTenna today, with shipments scheduled for the fall. Preorder pricing is $150 for two devices, and will go up to $300 a pair after the first units have shipped.
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