any credible info on the next version of the SPOT?

After reading Doug's review of the new lighter, smaller and better McMurdo PLB it occurred to me that perhaps there might be a new edition of the SPOT on the horizon. Reason being, I do a lot of solo hiking and would love to be able to send my family the "I'm OK" or "OK but running late" messages, but the glaring deficiencies of today's SPOT have kept me from using it. The McMurdo PLB sounds like a fantastic tool but it's only for full-on emergencies.

Have you guys picked up on any planned improvements to the SPOT?

Seems like what would be really nice is a simple text satellite messenger of some sort. Something that could be less cost than a sat phone, but could still enable free form messages regardless of location.

-john

Yes, but I cannot share it with you just yet. <evil g>

Doug..as long as it's before next canoe season!!..

That ability would greatly improve your ability to get the help you really need. Not just the help you get send.

Okay Doug, I guess we have to wait for SHOT before we can hear anything new on SPOT? I need to know before one is BOUGHT.