Garmin is expanding its lineup of compact satellite communicators with the introduction of inReach Mini 3 Plus.
Featuring a colour touchscreen display and built-in speaker and microphone, inReach Mini 3 Plus lets adventurers exchange voice messages, texts and photos—making it easier to stay in touch with family and friends.
For this, an active satellite plan is required, and some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.
Built to provide extra peace of mind while exploring beyond cell coverage, users can also trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin Response centre should an emergency occur. And with up to 330 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode, inReach Mini 3 Plus can be used on multi-day trips without the need for any extra plug-ins or battery chargers.
“We understand just how important it is to stay connected during both short and long adventures, and that’s why we are excited to bring even more communication tools to the inReach Mini 3 Plus. Tell friends and family that they’re missed, show them the amazing view while standing at the summit and more—all from this compact and rugged device that can be clipped to a pack,” Susan Lyman, Garmin vice president of consumer sales and marketing.
The device allows for 30-second voice messages to be sent. Also, while in an area where listening isn’t possible or it’s necessary to maintain silence in the field, transcriptions of voice messages can be read directly on the device.
Touchscreen texting of up to 1,600 characters can be sent, including emojis, and group chats can be used. Photos can be shared using the Garmin Messenger app.
LiveTrack location sharing allows friends and family follow along on the adventure and track progress, including distance, time and elevation.
In an emergency, when an SOS message is triggered, inReach Mini 3 Plus will send an interactive message to the Garmin Response centre, where a dedicated team of emergency response coordinators are available. Photo and voice messages can also be shared, giving coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency firsthand. Response coordinators will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organisations and other available local resources and provide updates. To date, the Garmin Response team has supported more than 18,000 inReach incident responses – from land to sea to air – in more than 150 countries on all seven continents.
inReach Mini 3 Plus is made to operate in extreme temperatures and features an impact-resistant design and IP67 water rating. When paired with the Garmin Explore app, adventurers can plan a trip, follow a course to a destination and follow a track back to the start.
inReach Mini 3 Plus is available now with a suggested retail price of $499.99.
