The SPOT2 is great but limited, sort of my point with the geocaching analogy. Before leaving the house you have to go to your online SPOT account and configure your messaging contacts using a singular text message. It doesn't allow multiple messaging options on the spot (no pun intended) or +/- people to contact.

My brief review/hope/understanding is that this iteration will allow you to contact anyone in your phone, or social media and send one of ten preset messages in the queue.

For example. I leave a detailed note to DW regarding my day hike with estimated times to turn around and when back at my jeep. I then send a preset text from my SPOT2 stating, "Heading back." When i get back to my car I send her the same text (b/c I can't change it) and she knows the second text means i am back at my jeep.

A smartphone app would clarify a lot of my actions for contact.