- HMD has launched a new location sharing device, the HMD OffGrid
- Brings satellite communication capabilities to any smartphone
- The device costs $199 / £169 upfront with a monthly subscription fee of $14.99 / £14.99
Taking place in the Mojave Desert (albeit in its most urbanized area), CES 2025 seems like an appropriate place for HMD to launch its latest technology: HMD OffGrid.
Described by phone maker Nokia as “cutting-edge satellite technology [that] offers off-grid connectivity with 24/7 search and rescue,” OffGrid is a pocket-sized location-sharing device that promises to bring iPhone-style satellite communication capabilities to any smartphone, regardless of operating system.
Apple’s Satellite Messaging feature, which allows iPhone users to send text messages in areas that lack cellular coverage, is limited to the iPhone 14 and up, while Android users have few equivalent options beyond the series Google Pixel 9, which now offers SOS via satellite. but not satellite messaging.
Meanwhile, HMD OffGrid will allow any smartphone user (within reason; HMD hasn’t specified exact compatibility yet) to send and receive messages via satellite, or send an SOS distress signal, using the HMD OffGrid app in remote locations. .
It’s a nearly identical offering to Garmin’s InReach messaging device, which launched in 2022 and has since been updated to enable two-way satellite messaging and SOS communication. However, in keeping with HMD’s modus operandi (see the incredibly cheap HMD Key smartphone), the HMD OffGrid is considerably cheaper than its big-brand counterpart.
The device costs $199/£169 upfront (versus $299.99/£209.99 for Garmin InReach) and an additional $14.99/£14.99 monthly subscription fee for unlimited messages, logs (es i.e. pre-configured messages for friends and family) and SOS. services (that’s comparable to Garmin’s subscription fee). More expensive subscription packages are available for both devices.
For my money, the HMD OffGrid is also the better looking of the two trackers. With military-grade MIL-STD-810H casing durability, IP68 weather sealing, and weighing just 60g, it’s something that wouldn’t look out of place in Batman’s tool belt, and with a battery life of three days, it shouldn’t. You need to recharge your batteries mid-adventure.
We are covering all the latest news. CES news of the program as it happens. Stay with us for the big stories on everything from 8K From foldable TVs and screens to new phones, laptops, smart home devices and the latest in artificial intelligence.
And don’t forget follow us on tiktok For the latest from the CES fair!
As CNET notes, HMD OffGrid is technically a rebranded (and improved) version of Motorola Defy Satellite Link, which was unveiled at CES 2024 and was developed by rugged smartphone maker Bullitt. The latter company was acquired by RCD 2023 last year and HMD partnered with RCD 2024 on the launch of OffGrid. Motorola’s original product only offered SOS communication, not two-way satellite messaging.
HMD says OffGrid will be available through its website “starting in January” in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with more territories coming throughout 2025. We’ve called the product for testing, as well May you be attentive to our hands. -in a report from the middle of nowhere.
