When a natural disaster strikes, one of the first things you want to do is get in touch with your loved ones to let them know you’re alright. But if local cell phone towers have been affected, you might be stuck without your regular cell phone service and have no way to get in touch with the rest of the world. A new gadget called goTenna changes all that by letting you send text messages when you don’t have service. goTenna is a five-inch device that pairs with a companion app on your iPhone or Android phone. The messages are sent from one goTenna to another over Bluetooth LE, which transmits the message to your phone. Think of it like a sleek walkie-talkie that pairs with your phone. goTenna is also able to send your current location to contacts, letting your friends and family know exactly where you are. You can pick up a pair of goTennas for $150 today if you want to be prepared for the next time nature strikes.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.