Iridium releases AxcessPoint Mail & Web app for globetrotting iDevices
A towel and an even keel go a long way when you're galavanting around the globe, but whether we're going to grandma's or New Guinea, many of us won't leave home without access to email. Iridium created its AxcessPoint Mail & Web software for such connection-dependent people, but the service was unavailable to those using iOS... until today. The company has finally brought AxcessPoint to Cupertino's mobile platform, and iPhone users can download the free app now. Of course, before you start checking messages in the middle of the Sahara, you'll need to spring for one of Iridium's pricey sat phones and its WiFi hotspot, then pay a $1 per minute charge once you've connected your iDevice. And, with speeds on the network checking in around 12kbps for web browsing and 40kbps for email, you'll pay dearly for the privilege of opening the Vogon poetry attachment your buddy sent to entertain you while you sail solo across the Atlantic.
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First Apple iOS App Available on Iridium
Free Application Optimizes Email and Internet Services for Faster Data Speeds for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches Anywhere in the World
MCLEAN, Va., Nov 22, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Iridium Communications Inc. IRDM -1.27% announces that its Iridium(R) AxcessPoint Mail & Web App is now available for Apple operating system (iOS) devices. This development makes it possible for devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to connect over the world's furthest reaching communications network, Iridium.
The company launched the Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot with BlackBerry support, as well as with apps for Mac and Windows laptops, in September 2011. With today's app rollout, Iridium continues to expand the universe of smartphones that can now communicate on 90 percent of the planet not covered by traditional wireless networks.
"Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web now provides a reliable email and Internet connection anywhere in the world for the more than 250 million Apple iOS device users," said Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium. "This first-of-its-kind capability embodies our Iridium Force(SM) vision -- Iridium's commitment to extending handheld connectivity in places never before possible and through devices customers already own. More and more we see enterprise, government and NGO organizations requiring connectivity for their employees regardless of their location on the planet."
The Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot accessory is a portable and lightweight modem that easily connects devices to Iridium using an Iridium Extreme(TM) or Iridium 9555 satellite phone. It is available through the global Iridium partner ecosystem with a suggested retail price of less than $200 (USD). The free Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web App for Apple devices is available on Apple's iTunes store.
Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web features built-in firewall protection to block extraneous Internet traffic providing data speeds up to five times faster for web browsing and 15 times faster for email. This optimization software allows for offline viewing and composition of emails. It also enables configuration and filtering of large data files and attachments, as well as mid-file restart of attachment transfers if required.
Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web is part of the Iridium AxcessPoint suite of products. This Wi-Fi suite includes the Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot accessory and the Iridium AxcessPoint Connect downloadable application. Iridium AxcessPoint Connect turns any Windows laptop into a global Wi-Fi hotspot when connected to an Iridium Extreme or Iridium 9555 satellite phone.
In order to use the Iridium AxcessPoint Wi-Fi hotspot accessory and Apple iOS app for Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web, users must have an Iridium 9555 or Iridium Extreme satellite phone with a valid subscription. Standard usage fees for airtime are charged. To purchase a satellite phone or Iridium AxcessPoint accessory, visit www.iridium.com to find a reseller. In addition, users should go to www.iridiumaxcesspoint.com to register for the Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web App and receive full set-up instructions for their device.
