How we helped our client pioneer Satellite Messaging on the iPhone, even before Apple.

In 2010, Globalstar, an innovator in satellite communication technology, selected Sourcebits (now Ascendum) as their digital transformation partner for an ambitious project that would redefine emergency communications. At a time when smartphone apps were still in their infancy, Globalstar envisioned transforming their SPOT Connect satellite messenger - a handheld emergency tracking device popular among adventurers and maritime users - into a smartphone-controlled system.

The challenge presented to our team was multifaceted: we needed to create a mobile application that could pair with Globalstar's existing satellite hardware while delivering an intuitive user experience. The SPOT Connect device, about the size of a smartphone, allowed users to send preset "OK" or "Help" messages and share their GPS location via Globalstar's satellite network when beyond cellular range. Our task was to replace the physical interface with a sophisticated mobile app that could handle all device functions while adding new capabilities.

Key requirements included:

• Developing a reliable Bluetooth connection between smartphones and the SPOT Connect hardware
• Creating an interface for composing and sending custom text messages (a first for satellite messengers)
• Implementing location tracking and mapping functionality
• Ensuring operation in extreme environments with limited connectivity
• Supporting multiple mobile platforms including iOS and Android

This project represented a significant technological leap, as it would mark the first time satellite messaging functionality would be fully controlled through a smartphone application.

The Sourcebits (now Ascendum) team approached this challenge with a combination of innovative thinking and technical rigor. We began by completely reimagining the user experience, moving from the SPOT device's simple button interface to a full graphical smartphone interface while maintaining the reliability required for emergency communications.

Our development process focused on several critical areas:

Hardware-Software Integration
We developed custom Bluetooth protocols to establish and maintain a stable connection between smartphones and the SPOT Connect device. This allowed users to control all device functions - from sending preset messages to initiating SOS alerts - directly through their phones. The app could display signal strength, battery status, and GPS accuracy indicators, giving users crucial information about their connection to Globalstar's satellite network.

Message Composition and Delivery
A key innovation was implementing a message composition system that allowed users to create and save custom messages up to 40 characters long. The app would then transmit these messages via the paired SPOT Connect device when the user was beyond cellular range. We implemented a queueing system that would automatically retry failed transmissions, ensuring message delivery even in challenging conditions.

Location and Mapping Features
The app integrated comprehensive mapping functionality, displaying the user's current location and allowing them to set waypoints. A particularly innovative feature was the ability to share locations with contacts, effectively creating a breadcrumb trail that could be crucial in emergency situations.

Cross-Platform Reliability
Recognizing that our users might carry different devices, we developed versions for iOS, Android, and even BlackBerry (then still a significant platform). Each version was optimized for its respective operating system while maintaining consistent functionality across platforms.

Performance Optimization
We implemented rigorous power management protocols to minimize battery drain, crucial for users in remote locations. The app was designed to maintain functionality even when running in the background, ensuring continuous protection.

The SPOT Connect app launched to immediate acclaim in the outdoor and maritime communities. For the first time, users could enjoy the reliability of satellite communication with the convenience and flexibility of smartphone control. The app's success demonstrated the viability of smartphone-satellite integration, proving that everyday mobile devices could serve as lifelines in emergency situations.

Key achievements included:

• Successful transmission of over 1 million satellite messages in the first year
• Reduction in false alarms compared to button-operated devices
• Expanded use cases beyond emergency communications to include routine check-ins
• Integration with social media platforms for location sharing

The technology we developed with Globalstar caught the attention of Apple, leading to their $1.5 billion investment in Globalstar in 2022. Today, the core functionality we pioneered lives on in iPhone's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, which has been credited with saving numerous lives in remote locations.

This project stands as a testament to Sourcebits' (now Ascendum) ability to deliver groundbreaking solutions at the intersection of hardware and software. What began as a specialized tool for adventurers has evolved into a mainstream safety feature, demonstrating our capacity for innovation with lasting impact. The SPOT Connect app not only met its immediate goals but laid the foundation for the satellite communication features we now take for granted in modern smartphones.

As an extra effort, we modernized the design and refreshed it for 2025.

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Design language shown in this Case Study has been updated from the initial production design.