Beartooth

#1

Post by nickevans » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 5:36 PM UTC

Beartooth
beartooth.com

Re: Beartooth

#2

Post by osiris679 » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 5:39 PM UTC

Does this use a mesh network?

Re: Beartooth

#3

Post by lallysingh » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:00 PM UTC

osiris679 wrote: post #2

Does this use a mesh network?

Looks that way: https://beartooth.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/216791588-Ho...

"Once you've paired Beartooth with your smartphone you can communicate with any other Beartooth users within range (about 2 miles). You can use Beartooth's app to talk, text, use maps, and share your location"

Re: Beartooth

#4

Post by linksbro » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:02 PM UTC

It transmits via some sub-1ghz free spectrum bands, which travel a good distance and have decent structure penetration. https://beartooth.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/216797018-Wh...

This is why unlicensed spectrum bands are great; they allow for stuff like this to be built without a billion dollar spectrum price tag.

Re: Beartooth

#5

Post by tekklloneer » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:03 PM UTC

The problem with any mesh network is adoption, and unless this uses some sort of high range communications, I don't see how it'd work well on the given example of "ski slope".

I wish they had more specs, less videos.

edit: ah, never mind (thanks linksbro)

Re: Beartooth

#6

Post by nullsmack » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:06 PM UTC

osiris679 wrote: post #2

Does this use a mesh network?

It's not mesh. It's just a typical data radio. If the person you want to communicate with isn't in range then you can't bounce the signal through other people.

Re: Beartooth

#7

Post by csomar » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:08 PM UTC

I can see a chicken-egg problem here. Without enough users (probably millions), this device is useless. If the device is useless now, it makes no sense to purchase it. The pricing doesn't help either: $249! (and $399 after pre-sale).

Assuming 10 million a good number to kickstart this thing and make it useful in many locations, they'll need to make a few billion dollars sales in the next couple years.

Re: Beartooth

#8

Post by kin » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:12 PM UTC

Would love to see this in action as it solves my music festival communication woes. The price tag is a little steep though for adoption.

Re: Beartooth

#9

Post by rdl » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:12 PM UTC

Is this basically the same as goTenna? http://www.gotenna.com/

Re: Beartooth

#10

Post by agentgt » Mon, Feb 22, 2016, 6:13 PM UTC

Is there a bluetooth device for making your phone a walkie talkie for CB radio or marine VHF radio?

I have wanted that for some time as I think having radio tm for survival over some propriety thing beneficial for emergencies.

An example would be something like this https://www.cobra.com/products/professional/29-ltd-bt

But I want a smaller form factor to throw in a hiking pack and VHF support as well.