OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd.
(NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the GPSMAP 66i, the frequently requested
handheld combining Garmin’s premium GPS navigation with inReach satellite
communication technology (Satellite subscription required). Stay in touch with
friends and family using GPSMAP 66i as a satellite communicator with two-way
messaging and a 24/7 SOS function. Explore seamlessly with a large 3’’
sunlight-readable color display, preloaded routable TopoActive maps, and
direct-to-device, wireless BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
“We’ve listened to our customers and the GPSMAP 66i gives them exactly what
they’ve asked for, combining our industry leading GPSMAP 66 navigation with our
industry leading inReach satellite communication,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice
president of global consumer sales. “Adding inReach technology to our GPSMAP 66
series will revolutionize outdoor exploration.”
The 66i offers two-way messaging and location tracking, so no matter how “off
the grid” the trip may be, users can stay in touch. Using the worldwide coverage
of the Iridium satellite network, the GPSMAP 66i allows users to communicate
with any cell phone number, email address or other inReach device, while using
GPS to track and share progress of the journey. If the 66i user enables
LiveTrack, those at home wanting to follow along can view the user’s location on
their MapShare page.
The GPSMAP 66i lets the user trigger an SOS to the GEOS 24/7 emergency response
team for interactive support in the case of an emergency. GEOS is the world
leader in emergency response solutions and monitoring. Not only will GEOS
respond to the SOS and track the device, and contact the necessary emergency
responders, GEOS will notify the user’s contacts and continue to message back
and forth, providing updates and critical information until the situation is
resolved. Whether exploring year round vs. only for the season, or wanting lots
of data vs. a just-in-case emergency plan, Garmin offers a variety of flexible
subscription plans to choose from.
With direct-to-device downloads via Wi-Fi of BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, users
can see high-resolution photo-realistic views of their route. Easily find parks,
trailheads, clearings for campsites, stand locations for hunting and more. Plus,
the GPSMAP 66i comes preloaded with routable topographic maps so users can see
where they’re headed in more detail, like coastlines, rivers, summits, terrain
contours and geographical points.
The rugged GPSMAP 66i is constructed to U.S. military standard 810G for shock,
vibration, and water resistance (rated to 1 meter) and ready for any adventure,
even the longer treks with Expedition mode. Get up to 35 hours of battery life
with 10 minute tracking turned on, and up to 200 hours in Expedition mode with
30-minute tracking intervals. With support for GPS and Galileo, combined with
altimeter, barometer and compass navigation sensors and Garmin maps, users can
feel confident exploring even in the most challenging environments.
Compatible with the Garmin Explore app, users will be able to access additional
tools and features for outdoor navigation, trip planning, mapping and data
sharing. This allows users to type using the keyboard on a mobile device for
inReach messages and access phone contacts. GPSMAP 66i is also compatible with
Garmin wearables like the fenix 5 Plus series, Instinct, Taxtix Charlie and MARQ
Expedition for viewing messages, replying and initiating an SOS while the device
is secured in a pack.
The GPSMAP 66i will be available in June 2019 with a suggested retail price of
$599.99.
The GPSMAP 66i is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment,
which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’
outdoor experiences. Whether hiking, hunting, trail running, mountain biking,
golfing, diving or using satellite communication, Garmin outdoor devices are
essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
