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Sonnet brings off-the-grid smartphone connectivity over radio wave link

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The device-to-device Sonnet pairs via WiFi to most smartphones to allow data transmission and connectivity even when there is no mobile or cellular data grid in range. Designed to keep hikers and bikers connected when traveling in remote areas at a fraction of the cost of a satellite phone, the Sonnets utilizing low power, long range radio frequencies to connect one device in the wilderness back to one in civilization. In addition to direct user-to-user communication, the Sonnet also makes maps available offline, and even has an SOS function in case of backcountry emergencies. Click past the break for more….

The Sonnet essentially brings long range radio wave technology into the 21st century, sending cellular data over radio waves. Sonnet has an app that will be available for iPhone and Android, though the app itself isn’t necessary to use the device. It was designed this way specifically to prevent users without the app from needing a download in an area that lacks signal, which is of course where Sonnets are meant to be used in the first place. For users without the app on their phones, person-to-person chat can be accessed from any smartphone web browser, and is hosted locally within each Sonnet device. All data messages are end to end encrypted using AES, and the device-to-phone WiFi is WPA/WPA2 secured. Sonnet runs using a form of embedded Linux, which is developer-friendly, but once their Kickstarter campaign is complete, they do plan on releasing an SDK, allowing users to build new app features for use with their devices.

Range between two Sonnets is quoted at 5km/3mi, although they are quick to point out that this range can be nearly doubled if there is a line of sight between them, such as both devices being on mountain tops. Using mesh networking Sonnets can leap-frog encrypted data through other Sonnets in range to reach the intended recipient, without the third-party Sonnets being able to access the information. And since Sonnets use wifi, laptops can also connect and communicate, not just phones.

Knowing that Sonnets will see most use in rural and remote areas, they built in an offline maps database should someone get lost. Users can even track their progress on the maps to retrace their steps back to where they started. Further enhancing the safety element of the Sonnet is its panic button. By holding the panic button for 5 seconds, the Sonnet will broadcast an SOS signal which will alert all other users within range that someone is in distress, as well as broadcast a current GPS location.

The Sonnet uses a 4000mAh battery and features a USB port for charging smartphones on the go. Quoted usage time is around 36 hours, so you’ll want to make sure to charge it before any major excursions, and probably carry a backup battery for adventures. It has earned an IP-66 water and dust resistance rating, which surpasses most current smartphone waterproof ratings, and should keep it functional through most weather events. Measuring 88mm/3.5″ across and weighing just 160g/5.6oz the Sonnet is light & easy to pack. With their Kickstarter having been fully funded in just over 24 hours, they will go into production with deliveries expected in the latter part of 2017. Pricing is fairly reasonable at $45 each or $89 for a pair, though Kickstarter backers have options for 3- and 5-packs, since their functionality is determined by other users, the more that sell the better.

SonnetLabs.com

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ed
ed
6 years ago

Hmmm. So you are out alone, how will sonnet get your comm out? With only a 3mi range, my bike rides are way longer than that. This appears to be good for in group comm only.

John
John
6 years ago
Reply to  ed

“Range between two Sonnets is quoted at 5km/3mi”

Obviously you’d need at least two radio units. This isn’t a sat phone.

myke2241
myke2241
6 years ago
Reply to  ed

Exactly what I thought. The range makes it a fail!

Dont call me Francis (@mtn_rcr)
Reply to  myke2241

“This appears to be good for in group comm only.”

This is exactly what it is marketed as…. so no fail at all except in your expectation of it being something it’s not intended for.

Flatbiller
Flatbiller
6 years ago

Use FireChat app.

hoy_smallfry
hoy_smallfry
6 years ago
Reply to  Flatbiller

The FireChat app only uses Wifi or Bluetooth for peer-to-peer communication. Wifi and Bluetooth are high frequency waves, chosen to be higher frequency so that they can sent data fast, but at the cost of only working in a small range, like when you leave home and your phone loses connection with the router.

So, yes, FireChat is useful if you’re in a crowd of people.
FireChat is worth jack sh*t if you’re hiking on a mountain, and trying to reach your camp on the other side.

chasejj
chasejj
6 years ago

A Spot or Delorme Inreach would still be my remote backup device and the Inreach will allow texting via sat . That is really all you need and the SOS button can get you help pretty fast when needed.
This is a neat toe in the water to solving the connectivity issue when away from civilization though.

Groghunter
Groghunter
6 years ago

They haven’t even frozen specs, & are projecting delivery this year? hoooo boy….

That said, the idea seems sound, & more importantly, something people will pay for at the price they show.

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