Garmin has unveiled the GPSMAP H1i Plus, a new GPS handheld navigator that boasts higher-bandwidth inReach Plus technology to give users more ways to stay in touch beyond cellular coverage.
With an active inReach plan, hikers, backpackers, mountaineers and passionate adventurers who go off-grid can snap and share photos directly from the device as well as exchange voice memos and texts. Users are also able to trigger an interactive SOS message in the event of an emergency. Reimagined with a bright, sunlight-readable 3.5-inch touchscreen and physical buttons for increased flexibility, the GPSMAP H1i Plus features up to 145 hours of battery life and extensive preloaded maps with the option to purchase an Outdoor Maps+ plan for access to premium mapping content.
“When your journey takes you off the grid, the new GPSMAP H1i Plus lets you connect with loved ones through a photo, a text message or a voice memo where cell phones do not work. Now, you can share your adventures in real-time, sending photos when you’re at the mountain summit or communicate with friends and family from the trail. The inReach Plus capabilities also give users peace of mind when exploring, allowing them to trigger an SOS message to Garmin Response and provide loved ones back home the ability to track their location during the expedition,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin vice president of consumer sales and marketing.
With an active inReach plan, the GPSMAP H1i Plus not only helps users stay in touch with family, friends and others in their group, it can also provide communication with emergency services when needed. In the event of an emergency, it can send an interactive SOS text message to Garmin ResponseSM, a 24/7-staffed international emergency assistance coordination centre. They provide updates to users and emergency contacts on the response effort, including confirmation when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is being resolved. Photo and voice messages can also be shared, giving response coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency first-hand.
With no satellite dead zones, users can enjoy higher-bandwidth communication when traversing through wilderness. What’s more, when venturing off-the-grid, loved ones back home can follow along using LiveTrack location sharing see a user’s trip progress, including distance, time and elevation.
Designed to be used for the entire journey, the GPSMAP H1i Plus has up to 145 hours of battery life in all satellite systems and Multi-band mode (assuming typical use with SatIQ technology).
Other features include a bright, sunlight-readable 3.5-inch colour touchscreen with chemically strengthened glass to resist scratching, while physical buttons also provide extra versatility in all weather conditions and while wearing gloves. With an IP67 dust and water rating, it can withstand harsh outdoor environments.
Users can view terrain contours, elevations, geographical points and more with preloaded TopoActive maps. Users can also access high-resolution satellite imagery with direct-to-device downloads over wifi.
Outdoor Maps+ plan can be purchased to access current premium mapping content, including elevation contours, land boundaries, wildlife areas and more. It also includes a loud built-in siren and integrated flashlight to signal for help or as a torch to light the way in the dark.
The device can be used hands-free, with voice commands such as “send check in,” “start tracking,” or “take photo”.
Available now, the premium GPSMAP H1i Plus handheld GPS navigator has a suggested retail price of $999.99. A model without inReach Plus technology, the GPSMAP H1, is also available with a suggested retail price of $699.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/outdoor.
