Iridium Communications Inc. announced new features for its Iridium 9555 satellite handset.
The latest firmware release for the Iridium 9555 includes the ability to directly interface with computers running on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, as well as Mac Version 10.4 or later. The upgrades now make it easier for users to send and receive e-mails and exchange computer files through the Iridium satellite phone. The Iridium 9555 connects to the laptop with a standard mini-USB cable.
In addition, the Iridium 9555 has enhanced short-message service (SMS) text capabilities. Iridium 9555 users can now send and receive long SMS texts up to 1,000 characters in length to an e-mail address or mobile phone. Previously, the Iridium 9555 offered the ability to text up to 160 characters.
The Iridium 9555 phone uses the company’s constellation of 66 cross-linked satellites orbiting about 500 miles above the Earth’s surface. The satellite orbits intersect over the North and South poles, providing complete coverage over the entire Earth’s surface.
