I live about 5 miles away from the Appalachian Trail, at Swatara gap Pennsylvania. Yes, I’ve noticed on our county’s property viewer that the Appalachian Trail corridor is technically on Federal land, Department of the Interior. Well, most of it. Some of it goes through state owned lands. But the feds have bought up a lot of land around it. I’ve looked at it recently because I was considering getting a drone. If I get one, I won’t be using it on the Appalachian Trail since the rules are clear about using them on park property.
The CES is not so phone focused, the Samsung will annouce the new ones a few days after it (Jan 17, San Jose) and the more phone focused global event is the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in February. In general, the Samsung S series can be considered a competitor of the top iPhones, but as its latest specifications are leaked, there is no mention of satellite communication (neither in the new "budget rugged" XCover, I don't know if even the multiband GNSS will be included in it this year which is strange for a outdoor/hiking oriented/advertised phone).
Yet another great update on the latest and greatest technology. I have Garmin rescue insurance, relatively cheap, and I believe worth the cost if you are going off grid hiking in areas that would be difficult to affect a rescue. Appreciate the video!
Just opt into the insurance on your inReach or SPOT or Motorola Defy. If you don't have those, check out the American Alpine Club, which I think offers it with membership.
These videos are so helpful. Thank you very much. I was considering switching to iPhone just so I would have the satellite communication in case of an emergency.
What about the Sonim xp10. It is very rugged and has a dedicated sos button that can call 911 or any other person that you assign to the button, the phone also has PTT. Can also install Android apps for hiking and navigation etc. That will be my next phone.
There's a huge difference between the UK & the US though. Snowdonia & Ben Nevis are tiny mountains in comparison to over here. I live in Oregon which is almost exactly twice the area of England but has a population of about 4.5 million, most of the state is extremely remote. We have plenty of mountains, the closest to me is over 11,000 ft just 60 miles away. We have deserts, lots of huge forests etc. Rescues in the US are likely to be far more difficult than the UK. I'm from Sheffield, I am very familiar with the UK (the Peak District is my back garden when I'm home!) but the size & cost of rescues in the US is going to make them far more expensive than back there.
True, but not addressing it would give Apple a 2 year head start on the feature. I'm speculating that they'd want to release it as soon as they could to be competitive. Could be something on an LG, etc. also too. But the fact that the alleged code lead was in default Android led me to believe it would be in a Google phone. Maybe it's happening in the Pixel 9. Or maybe they're just waiting for T-Mobile and other carriers to handle it. Just an idea.
From an August 3, 2023 article titled "Addressing the High Costs of Air Ambulance Services" by the American Action Forum: "Over 550,000 patients use air ambulance services annually in the United States, but often these trips represent a significant economic burden with a per-trip median cost of $36,000."
It's confusing because an air ambulance is usually something different than a backcountry rescue, but sometimes it can be the same. I'll be covering it in an upcoming video.
This hospital bill is what will bite you. If a commercial air ambulance aircraft is involved cost is all over the place and can be as much as $75,000 [(aircraft + crew + provider) x Time]. A lot of history on this if you dig. Search and rescue is not in this hidden medical cost loop. Everyone’s exposure to this expense is unique and I maintain an annual update with my insurance providers to assess this financial risk. What worked last year may not apply now and in the future, if you do not ask you will not know. The search and rescue community is the starting point and the path ends at the relevant medical provider and their negotiated agreements with your medical insurance provider.
@@philipcaldwell3187 Yes, there is a difference between a "backcountry rescue" and your normal insurance bill, which could also include your backcountry rescue (as I believe it did in the Dixie video). I agree, it can be a gray area and is changing. I'll address this shortly.
Starlink is now launching the next gen satellites capable of cell to satellite messaging. Partnership with TMobile in US and other carriers in other countries. Works on any phone.
The only problem I see with rolling out inReach “to the masses” via normal mobile phones is that this may increase the number of unnecessary SOS exponentially. We’ll see how Garmin response/local responders will handle this. For normal SOS via mobile phone, emergency services know at least what’s going on and can make a decision. But if you they just receive the SOS from pushing the inReach button, because someone is tired, hungry or thirsty, this may waste quite few resources for hikers really needing (and willing to pay for) it.
Soon when cell phones have satellite via 5G and other tech, this will be something that government's will have to sit down and deal with. It will be interesting to see how it pans out and where private entities like Garmin Response and Overwatch x Rescue land versus 911/PSAP
T-Mobile is already partnering with Starlink and offering text messaging on stand alone phones anywhere there is Starlink coverage, soon to be expanded to voice and maybe a tiny bit of data for places where there is no 5G coverage. Dedicated Iridium based services are going to be obsolete inside of a 2 years max for signaling SOS.
@@notreal5311 As far as I know they announced it over a year ago ( ua-cam.com/video/Kdr2_Hi1kmk/v-deo.htmlsi=kauNsg9WJ5TpViSZ ) but it's not publicly available yet in any sense. I saw that they tested it last week successfully internally: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/01/starlink-shows-off-first-texts-to-t-mobile-phones-sent-via-spacex-satellite/ - if I'm missing something, please share I a link so I can check it out
@@notreal5311 How about Iridium-like services with paid subscriptions for "serious users" and then treated as more than "I have a blister on my left foot"?
I live about 5 miles away from the Appalachian Trail, at Swatara gap Pennsylvania. Yes, I’ve noticed on our county’s property viewer that the Appalachian Trail corridor is technically on Federal land, Department of the Interior. Well, most of it. Some of it goes through state owned lands. But the feds have bought up a lot of land around it. I’ve looked at it recently because I was considering getting a drone. If I get one, I won’t be using it on the Appalachian Trail since the rules are clear about using them on park property.
The CES is not so phone focused, the Samsung will annouce the new ones a few days after it (Jan 17, San Jose) and the more phone focused global event is the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in February. In general, the Samsung S series can be considered a competitor of the top iPhones, but as its latest specifications are leaked, there is no mention of satellite communication (neither in the new "budget rugged" XCover, I don't know if even the multiband GNSS will be included in it this year which is strange for a outdoor/hiking oriented/advertised phone).
first time subscriber. lots of of news. very informative.
Yet another great update on the latest and greatest technology. I have Garmin rescue insurance, relatively cheap, and I believe worth the cost if you are going off grid hiking in areas that would be difficult to affect a rescue. Appreciate the video!
Agree, ideally get the insurance and you don't have to sweat hitting SOS
Great job
Excellent content and update, Cris!
Thanks for the update 👍
Absolutely gorgeous presentation bud, informative and simply masterfully explained! 👏👏
Thank you!
Hi Cris, still loving your videos, thanks for all the effort you put into it!
The maps at your wall are caltopo print outs I assume? Looks great!
No just regular USGS quads that I've had for special spots like Whitney, Grand Canyon, etc.
@@Hikingguy Thank you!
Wondering what insurance you recommend regarding rescue to avoid that $59k price tag? I’m here in SoCal also and am in Baldy every weekend
Just opt into the insurance on your inReach or SPOT or Motorola Defy. If you don't have those, check out the American Alpine Club, which I think offers it with membership.
Great video. It would be nice SOS landed on Pixels.
I wonder if the Starlink Direct to Cell Service will have impact on the rescue options or partnerships.
Yeah I'd imagine it's all going to explode. Wondering how the emergency dispatch will be handled - private or same as Apple
Thanks for the updates👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Still planning to do an Epix Pro review? Recall you were using the 51mm in a video a while back.
Yes, just haven't had a chance yet but will be coming out in Q1
These videos are so helpful. Thank you very much. I was considering switching to iPhone just so I would have the satellite communication in case of an emergency.
The Samsung being announced today allegedly has satellite SOS according to a leak.
What case does the 16,000 ft phone have? I need that 😂
Looks like the Apple black silicone case
What about the Sonim xp10. It is very rugged and has a dedicated sos button that can call 911 or any other person that you assign to the button, the phone also has PTT. Can also install Android apps for hiking and navigation etc. That will be my next phone.
Interesting phone but it doesn't have any native satellite messaging connectivity. Looks rugged though.
Galaxy S24 series is supposed to have the emergency sat messaging. The release date is today so maybe that will be the case.
Yea just saw a leak: ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxqGx2l_LqXUb85UrivQqttT0JP87QVknr
Agreed! I'm also surprised Android didn't release anything with GPS messaging. Disappointing...
Thanks for your time. Disappointed with google. Luckily we have FREEE montain rescue in the UK. 😊
There's a huge difference between the UK & the US though. Snowdonia & Ben Nevis are tiny mountains in comparison to over here. I live in Oregon which is almost exactly twice the area of England but has a population of about 4.5 million, most of the state is extremely remote. We have plenty of mountains, the closest to me is over 11,000 ft just 60 miles away. We have deserts, lots of huge forests etc. Rescues in the US are likely to be far more difficult than the UK. I'm from Sheffield, I am very familiar with the UK (the Peak District is my back garden when I'm home!) but the size & cost of rescues in the US is going to make them far more expensive than back there.
How much do you pay in taxes for that “free” service and healthcare?
@@JasonWicklund A lot less than Americans pay for health insurance that's for sure
Wouldn't Google want to offer new features first with their 8 pro? The "a" versions are less expensive and offer less features.
True, but not addressing it would give Apple a 2 year head start on the feature. I'm speculating that they'd want to release it as soon as they could to be competitive. Could be something on an LG, etc. also too. But the fact that the alleged code lead was in default Android led me to believe it would be in a Google phone. Maybe it's happening in the Pixel 9. Or maybe they're just waiting for T-Mobile and other carriers to handle it. Just an idea.
With the national park service overlooking any trail will just result in more rules - regulations - closures and eventually permits.
From an August 3, 2023 article titled "Addressing the High Costs of Air Ambulance Services" by the American Action Forum: "Over 550,000 patients use air ambulance services annually in the United States, but often these trips represent a significant economic burden with a per-trip median cost of $36,000."
It's confusing because an air ambulance is usually something different than a backcountry rescue, but sometimes it can be the same. I'll be covering it in an upcoming video.
This hospital bill is what will bite you. If a commercial air ambulance aircraft is involved cost is all over the place and can be as much as $75,000 [(aircraft + crew + provider) x Time]. A lot of history on this if you dig. Search and rescue is not in this hidden medical cost loop. Everyone’s exposure to this expense is unique and I maintain an annual update with my insurance providers to assess this financial risk. What worked last year may not apply now and in the future, if you do not ask you will not know. The search and rescue community is the starting point and the path ends at the relevant medical provider and their negotiated agreements with your medical insurance provider.
@@philipcaldwell3187 Yes, there is a difference between a "backcountry rescue" and your normal insurance bill, which could also include your backcountry rescue (as I believe it did in the Dixie video). I agree, it can be a gray area and is changing. I'll address this shortly.
New Galaxy S24 announced today it will have SOS over satellite.
Just posted a leaked photo on my community feed - ua-cam.com/channels/eR8sH3N4MMnYKiSC1gcV5w.htmlcommunity?lb=UgkxqGx2l_LqXUb85UrivQqttT0JP87QVknr
The iPhone 14 and 15 have satellite communications in case of emergency
Starlink is now launching the next gen satellites capable of cell to satellite messaging. Partnership with TMobile in US and other carriers in other countries. Works on any phone.
Yea T-Mobile announced that a while back and I'm excited to see it go live.
The only problem I see with rolling out inReach “to the masses” via normal mobile phones is that this may increase the number of unnecessary SOS exponentially. We’ll see how Garmin response/local responders will handle this. For normal SOS via mobile phone, emergency services know at least what’s going on and can make a decision. But if you they just receive the SOS from pushing the inReach button, because someone is tired, hungry or thirsty, this may waste quite few resources for hikers really needing (and willing to pay for) it.
Soon when cell phones have satellite via 5G and other tech, this will be something that government's will have to sit down and deal with. It will be interesting to see how it pans out and where private entities like Garmin Response and Overwatch x Rescue land versus 911/PSAP
T-Mobile is already partnering with Starlink and offering text messaging on stand alone phones anywhere there is Starlink coverage, soon to be expanded to voice and maybe a tiny bit of data for places where there is no 5G coverage. Dedicated Iridium based services are going to be obsolete inside of a 2 years max for signaling SOS.
@@notreal5311 As far as I know they announced it over a year ago ( ua-cam.com/video/Kdr2_Hi1kmk/v-deo.htmlsi=kauNsg9WJ5TpViSZ ) but it's not publicly available yet in any sense. I saw that they tested it last week successfully internally: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/01/starlink-shows-off-first-texts-to-t-mobile-phones-sent-via-spacex-satellite/ - if I'm missing something, please share I a link so I can check it out
@@notreal5311 How about Iridium-like services with paid subscriptions for "serious users" and then treated as more than "I have a blister on my left foot"?
Cynics, at least in the past, have referred to the BLM as the “Bureau of Livestock and Mining”.
IPhone falls 16k ft and survives, what better test do we need to prove its tough? lol