INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology
Overwatch x Rescue becomes first SOS subscription accessible through iPhone ’ s new satellite messaging capabilities
Device-agnostic plan offers 24 / 7 emergency assistance , SAR coordination , and financial protection , keeping adventurers safe beyond cell coverage . messaging mode on an iPhone 14 or higher running iOS 18 in the US and Canada .
" The direct-to-consumer launch reinforces our mission to give outdoor enthusiasts the tools and confidence to be more comfortable outside their comfort zone ," said Greg Pearson , founder and CEO of FocusPoint International .
" By separating our plan from device dependency , we ' re democratizing access to critical emergency assistance , reducing – and often eliminating – the financial exposure tied to a rescue , and redefining how people stay safe in remote environments ," added Pearson .
On purchasing the OxR subscription plan , iPhone users will receive access to an Apple Shortcut that enables them to request emergency assistance from OxR ' s Crisis Response Center ( CRC ) in just two clicks . This process allows users to share critical details and location instantly , ensuring the fastest possible response times when every second matters .
Alternatively , subscribers can also share their location and critical details with OxR ' s CRC using Apple Maps ' share location feature combined with iMessage , using Apple ' s satellite messaging .
Overwatch x Rescue ( OxR ), the emergency SOS subscription service by FocusPoint International – a global leader in critical incident management coordinating 15,000 rescues annually – has launched a direct-to-consumer ( DTC ) subscription service – becoming the first SOS plan to take advantage of iPhone ' s new satellite messaging capabilities .
This move also extends OxR ' s coverage to the Garmin inReach Mini 2 , inReach Messenger Series and the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator , empowering outdoor enthusiasts in remote areas with comprehensive , real-time emergency assistance .
OxR supports any device that can send and receive SMS via Wi-Fi , cellular or satellite networks , now including the Garmin inReach Mini 2 , inReach Messenger Series , and the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator . Subscribers can link up to three devices per account , ensuring continuous coverage even if one device fails .
In a market where most SOS services merely connect users to emergency responders and disengage , OxR stays engaged throughout the entire rescue . Its CRC – composed largely of former US military , medical staff , first responders and law enforcement – provides real-time advice , and dispatch coordination and confirms that emergency services reach the subscriber ' s location
Until now , OxR ' s lifesaving services were only available through specific satellite communicators . By leveraging satellite direct-todevice messaging technology , OxR is now independent of proprietary device hardware , making it accessible to anyone whose device can connect via satellite and deliver SMS messages .
Notably , OxR is the first and only SOS subscription service accessible through the iPhone ' s native Messages app when using satellite
" OxR ' s commitment to innovation extends beyond this DTC launch ," said Peter Martin , Executive Chairman of FocusPoint International .
" Our upcoming collaborations with partners of the Mobile Satellite Services Association and key telecom stakeholders will expand both our device compatibility and geographical coverage , reaffirming our promise to empower more adventurers in more places around the globe ," he said . p
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