The Bullitt Group, known for building rugged phones, is on a mission to build devices that enable their users to send and receive messages everywhere thanks to the advent of direct-to-satellite communication. This can be done with the new Motorola Defy 2 and the Cat S75 that we covered in the other post. In addition, users can also pick up the Motorola Defy Satellite Link device that gives any Android and iOS device the ability to communicate in the wilderness.
Motorola Defy 2
We’ll start with Defy 2, a rugged 5G smartphone. It has been tested to survive drops on steel sheets from up to 1.8m/6ft, can spend up to 24 hours in extreme temperatures (-30°C/-22°F to 75°C/167°F) and it can withstand humid environments, including salt mist. While on the go, the phone is protected by its special antimicrobial coating with silver ions. Once you get home, you can wash the phone with soap and disinfectant.
The Moto phone is powered by a Dimensity 930 chipset with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage, you can add more using the microSD slot. It runs Android 12 out of the box and will be updated to version 13 and later v14. It will receive quarterly security updates for the first 3 years, then it will get emergency SMR updates for another 2 years.
The 6.6” display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. It is an FHD+ 20:9 panel with 120Hz refresh rate. The touchscreen can be used with gloves and wet fingers. Up top is an 8MP selfie camera, the fingerprint reader is on the back.
Also on the back is a 50MP main camera (f/1.8), an 8MP ultra wide module and a 2MP macro camera. The phone is powered by a non-removable 5,000mAh battery, which can be recharged at 15W over a wire, Qi charging is also supported.
Soon you will be able to send messages to anyone (they will receive it as SMS) from anywhere with a clear view of the sky. Each message is up to 140 bytes and supports Unicode, meaning that all writing systems are covered. You can attach your location to the message as well. People can receive your messages without special equipment or software, though if they want to respond, they will have to download a free Android/iOS app.
The Bullitt-powered satellite messaging system can send and receive messages from just about anywhere
Services start at $5/€5 a month, this basic plan lets you send up to 30 messages. There is also a premium plan for $30/€30 that lets you send up to 400 messages a month. Also, you get free SOS assistance for 12 months. The service will cover Europe and North America in Q1. Then it will expand to the ANZ region, Africa and Latin America by the middle of the year. Other regions will be included by the end of the year.
What if you want to keep using your current phone and use the satellite messaging only occasionally? That’s what the Motorola Defy Satellite Link is for. It’s a small, portable device that can be clipped onto your backpack and controlled over Bluetooth using your phone. It is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance and has also undergone MIL-STD-810H testing
The Link is pretty tiny, measuring 70 x 50 x 11mm and weighing 70g. It is powered by a 600mAh battery, which should last several days. Even if you lose your phone, you can still use the SOS button. Automatic location check-in is indicated by one of the LEDs.
The Motorola Defy 2 will be available from Q2 from select carriers in North and South America. It will start at $12, which includes 12 months of SOS Assist.
The Motorola Defy Satellite Link will be available internationally from April 2023. The device alone costs $100 or you can get it for $150 with a 12 month subscription to the Essentials Messaging Plan (up to 30 two-way messages a month). check MotorolaRugged.com for details.
Haslinda has worked with some of the largest telcos in North America and Asia. She loves tech and doesn’t like iPhone
