Skip to main content

Send text messages and photos without a cell connection thanks to Sonnet

A new device from Sonnet Labs promises to make it much easier for people to stay in communication with one another while traveling off the grid. The Toronto-based startup has announced a new lightweight and compact gadget that will give smartphone users the ability to send text messages, photos, and GPS coordinates even in places where a cellular network and internet access is completely nonexistent.

Dubbed the Sonnet, the new device uses long-range radio signals to create a peer-to-peer network that allows smartphone users to communicate directly with one another without the need for a cell network. The gadget connects to an iOS or Android device via Bluetooth and uses a special app to send messages, photos, and GPS information to other Sonnet users who are nearby.

Recommended Videos

The device reportedly has a range of about 1 mile when used within a city, although that distance climbs to as much as 6 miles when traveling in the backcountry where radio signals are less congested. Similar to the GoTenna Mesh, the gadget also uses mesh networking to theoretically extend that range indefinitely by automatically relaying messages off of other Sonnet devices in the area in order to reach a specific user who is farther away.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In addition to sending text messages, the Sonnet app will give user the ability to exchange voice recordings and share their exact location with others as well. The app comes with built-in maps that can be used offline and includes route tracking and planning, which comes in handy when navigating through remote areas. Users can also see their positions relative to one another at all times, making it easier to track down friends and family when separated.

The Sonnet is dust proof, water resistant, and reportedly comes equipped with a 4000 mAh battery that provides up to 36 hours of juice without a recharge. A built-in USB port gives the device the ability to share power with a smartphone in a pinch, although this will obviously cause the runtime to drop accordingly. The device features a clip that allows it to be attached it to a backpack or belt, and an emergency SOS button can be pressed to alert other users of trouble should the need arise.

Sonnet Labs has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help it raise $17,000 to crowdfund this device. If successful, it is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2017, when it will retail for $45 for a single unit or $89 for a pair.

Kraig Becker
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…
Be ready for storm season: Dual fuel portable generator is $150 off today
Pulsar dual fuel portable generator with gas can in background

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that a ton of early Black Friday deals have dropped. There are the usual suspects like laptops, electronics, gaming gear, and beyond. But me, I prefer to pick up unusual items during the huge holiday sales. You know exactly what I mean, the kind of stuff that doesn't usually go on sale any other time. One of those items is a portable generator. Where I live it seems like they rarely go on sale, and when you need them most they're never in stock. People flock to the stores to buy them just before a big storm. Well, right now, Pulsar and Walmart have an incredible deal on a 12,000-watt dual-fuel generator. Normally $900 it's down to $749 which saves you $151. It can run for up to 12 hours on an 8-gallon fuel tank.

 
Why shop the Pulsar 12,000-watt dual-fuel portable generator for Black Friday?

Read more
The BLUETTI Handsfree 2 is a solar backpack and power station — It’s $200 off
BLUETTI Handsfree 2 solar backpack and power station -- black friday deal

While you're busy shopping through all of the Best Cyber Monday deals, here's a little something that might pique your interest. You'll be even more excited if you spend a lot of time outdoors or off-grid. You might want to wait on grabbing that Cyber Monday portable power station deal. Allow me to explain. The BLUETTI Handsfree 2 is a backpack, like any other outdoor pack you might encounter, except for one thing. It's also a power station and solar generator. Believe me when I say this thing is insane and super useful. But for Cyber Monday, there's a deal that includes the BLUETTI Handsfree 2 and a 100-watt solar panel to charge it on the go. Normally $799, it's yours for just $599, saving you $200. Wow. You have to read what it can all do, so don't leave just yet.

 
Why buy the BLUETTI Handsfree 2 solar backpack and power station?

Read more
Cyber Monday is here: Shop these snow blower deals while you can!
The Ego 24-inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage XP Snow Blower on a white background.

When you think of Cyber Monday, you might think of Cyber Monday TV deals, but now is also the time for more practical items like snow blowers. We’ve picked out all the best Cyber Monday snow blower deals with big savings on popular brands, and we’ve also taken the time to provide you with some buying advice so you know what to look for when buying one.

With so many different snow blowers out there, we’ve considered everything you need to know about and included different budgets in our decision-making process, too. Read on, and we’ll take you through all these great Cyber Monday deals. If you’re looking for something a little more fun (but still practical), we’ve picked out all the best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals, too. Let’s take a look together.
Our top pick: Greenworks 40V 20-inch Brushless Cordless Snow Blower -- $247 $420 41% off

Read more