Functionally speaking fantastic! UI could have some adjustments:)
Firstly, I love how functional this is. I was deep sea fishing off alaska and it worked, hiking a glacier in a decent canyon and It still worked. The Chat function is great. Some areas for improvement, adjusting the settings (device sound, device light etc. message check rate) is not super intuitive and is pretty buried. I would like to be able to adjust that on the fly like I do my cell phone ring, and be able to adjust the interval a lot quicker:) But overall, very grateful for it.
This is a fantastic device which works incredibly well. Love the features and functionality, especially the ability to get messages directly to my phone after the device is turned off. Two suggestions - (1) Allow an auto power on/off device firmware update. When using it in a vehicle it would be SUPER helpful if the device powered on when the vehicle gave power to the USB, then turned off when power was removed. So much easier than remembering to turn it on/off each time. (2) In a future device update, would be great to have the ability to use an external antenna (Standard TNC connector). This would allow the device to be slowed away and still be used. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE this product and would buy it again in a heartbeat. I’m simply used to these features I mentioned on most Irirum types of products (I use this in the air) and would find these additions very, very helpful! Great work overall, a total winner even without these features!
I am absolutely in love and ecstatic and simply blown away with how easy it is to use zoleo( my 6yr, 7, 10, 13 and 19 yrs old all can keep in touch with me when I’m on my ship)and; how far reaching it is ( I have been able to use it in deep seas around areas such as Okinawa, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Guam, Philippines, United States both Pacific and Atlantic Oceans deep sea oceans and it’s mostly always connected. I love the price it is well worth the investment and monthly payment for unlimited every month is outstanding. How can I be an investor? Lol or get stocks in this? My only complaints is you have to go outside to stay connected with the satellites. Which wouldn’t be bad if it wasn’t cold and near freezing outside hahaha and sometimes it doesn’t send or receive text messages on time the error message always says it’s full. The battery also doesn’t last too long and it makes noise n light up when I don’t want anyone to see it. But overall it is worth it. Worth it to stay in touch with your friends and family for where ever you are in the world. I always tell everyone I meet at sea to beg one of these. How can I be a distributor? Haha lol mahalo mahalo mahalo for zoleo and keep my ohana one text or email away at all time every where I have travelled the world. I am truly grateful and appreciative and blessed to have found you all. 🥳😘
I’m an avid camper and hiker. Many places I camp/go don’t have reliable cell service. I used to have a sat phone through Iridium to stay in touch and for emergencies. However, it was difficult to ever get anyone to answer my calls because the sat number showed up on caller ID as an international number. Texting on the phone was super slow because it was like a 90’s keypad. I saw the add for Zoleo and decided to give it a shot. It uses the Iridium sat network which is the absolute best in the world. There are a few other devices on the market that use a far inferior network. I can now reliably send text messages via satellite anywhere in the world. I can also send a man SOS signal to search and rescue with my exact location. I can even text to them with my status. Overall very pleased with the app and service.
I’ve had the device for 3 years and I still find the app hard to use and non intuitive. It took an inordinate amount of time to set up additional check in and location sharing users. Account changes are allowed on web page only and synchronization to app takes a long time. While the rating is not for the device I also have to say service is less than stellar. Messages are often delayed even with good satellite coverage, and most frustrating is when auto location sharing stops for hours only to update in a batch. Does zoleo understand this is a critical service? The app and device firmware need a thorough revamping. Nothing has changed in a while and it smells like abandonware.
This app and device worked as advertised. I was able to run my business from the Colorado wilderness while on a hunting trip. We lost cell service as soon as we hiked into the wilderness, but I was still able to get texts in and out through the ZOLEO device. The battery lasted a long time, and I re-charged it with a battery backup that I brought since we were out for 5 days and I was using the device a lot. I would definitely use this device again. My girlfriend was able to track me with the location share in case something happened in the wilderness.
I have used a lot of Iridium messenger devices, including the Garmin Inreach, and they are all quite clunky to set up and use. The Zoleo is in a different class. Very easy to set up, and then everyone can just text you on the device’s actual real phone number from any app they like. There is nothing complicated to explain to anyone, it just works. If your friends decide to use the Zoleo App it works even better (longer messages allowed) but they dont have to. Also you dont have to keep messing around with bluetooth settings, it stays connected but still manages to get huge battery life. Great product and app.
We are in Wyoming, and the vast majority of our camping is in the mountains or out of service. This allows us to communicate with friends and family regularly and send them our location if they want to meet up. Live the app and the features. Especially messaging from my phone seamlessly. If you are out of a town a lot of the time no cell service. This has changed out piece of mind when camping. Especially with small children and my elderly parents. ❤️❤️❤️
Works fine, not sure why others have issues but the app and the device have to be kept up to date or there will be issues. One improvement would be to have Apple Watch support.
I’ve used Zoleo for 3 years now on backcountry trips. It’s easy to use and keep in contact with loved ones. My brother has a Garmin Mini and Zoleo out preforms the Garmin on every trip both in speed of messages coming in and out and overall service. The 1000 characters is also a big deal when sending detailed messages to others with the Zoleo app. If you are choosing between the two devices go with Zoleo….You won’t be disappointed.
This little device lets me stay connected with family and work when I’m 20+ miles from the nearest signal. Works like a charm. Battery is fantastic. I am wholly impressed with this device and company. One thing. The new Apple phones will have built in GPS SMS. Their pricing will also be monthly. I highly suggest you update your pricing for month to month plans vs 3 month chunks. Otherwise Apple is going to eat your lunch.
I took my Zoleo device on a seven day backpacking trip and was able to stay in touch with family letting them know my location as well as updates to my trip. I also was able to get crucial weather updates. Having this along made my trip that much more enjoyable and kept my family at peace while in the backcountry.
The only thing I do not like about this is once you start an account you can’t shut down. You have a reoccurring monthly cost no matter if you use it or not. I have the unit for emergencies but unless something big is coming will not activate it due to this. I would use it if I could activate and deactivate it when not needed. Paying all year for something not used all year is discouraging, even with a discounted price when not used.
DO NOT PURCHASE, YOU ARE WASTING YOUR MONEY. Adding a contact to your Check-In contacts doesn’t work. You have to call them and make them add the contact manually (and you wouldn’t know it’s not working unless you check with the person you want to check in with). The location share functionality (the main selling point of this app) is not a part of the app in its current version. Screenshots from this page are not what you get when you download. The entire SOS page is missing.
The zoleo itself and this app are both fantastic. Everything works seamlessly every time I boot on the device. Initially there was a hiccup where the app was crashing, but that was all resolved in a matter of minutes after I called zoleo support. If you’re having issue look up their number and give them a call.
I put this app and device to the test about a week ago. I went backpacking in a national forest that has no service whatsoever, and it delivered what ZOLEO said it would. I felt so much better knowing I had a way to update my family and keep in touch with them. Highly recommend this product.
I had friends, fellow pilots, mechanics and even an ATC friend download the app. No other better way to keep in touch. I hope I never use it in an emergency but it offers such a peace of mind to know it’s there. Amazing to be able to be in touch from anywhere.
All in all, I’m very happy with the Zoleo communication device and the app. However to truly compete with the other devices, they absolutely need to add some form of mapping feature. That would get the 5th star. Till then I’ll keep my Garmin handy.
The requirement to have this poorly coded software in between you and the Zoleo device renders this a poor choice. After the first setup, it just wiped all data, disconnected from my device, and now I am unable to even use this as anything besides a paperweight. Go elsewhere if you're looking for reliable emergency rescue equipment because you'll be really upset, or worse, when the required software fails to work as advertised.
The device and concept are wonderful. The iOS app has been buggy for the last 6 months or so. It tends to lose the Bluetooth connection while running in the background. Zoleo support gave a non-answer and didn’t indicate there was a fix. Frequent crashes when bringing the app to the foreground.
I love my Zoleo satellite communicator and when used with the Zoleo App its just like having WhatsApp access anywhere on earth, except it’s running the Zoleo App messaging service and anyone can contact me on satellite. Cell or WiFi!! Awesome job!!
Works as intended. Only wish is that you could view this app in landscape on iPad. Not very helpful when all other apps I use in overlanding work in landscape mode EXCEPT the Zoleo App. Please fix this issue😉
The app works fine, the constant emails are annoying. I don't want to unsubscribe just in case there’s some type of urgent operational alert issued. I’ve only had the device one month but if the annoying emails continue, I’ll unsubscribe.
I read reviews seems like this is a decent product. The hardware might be, it’s lightweight, seems sturdy. But the app is complete trash, it’s not user friendly. So many times I try to add my hiking partners wife cause she’s concerned about us. I can’t add her to a simple text check messages. So I just have my family text her. If they reconfigured the app maybe but not worth it for me. I’ll go to the competition. Inreach
Random crashes. Long hangs that freeze app and sometimes deletes message in progress. Seems to be getting worse. Hopefully 4.15 fixes. Too much reliance on internet access for a device designed where no internet! Not even a basic help manual without going online and too many features need internet to turn on or off (ie better have all your settings right before going on journey) Annoyingly pesters to stop location sharing every 12 hours. Please let us chose a date. My treks are 10-14 days and one slip of the fingers and my maps get broken up. Potential for 5 stars but needs serious work on app and web side.
It’s a solid three. Can be very slow but I can keep in touch with fam while we go fishing on the ocean . Should have call tho. I think that is stupid. That’s why I have deducted two points from my rating
Being an offshore commercial fisherman and relying on satellite phones for years, this has streamlined all communications and saved me hours. I love this device!
Every time I open app, it immediately crashes. It looks like I need to update the device software, but in order to do that, I need to open the app. I have the latest version of the app, it doesn’t work. I’m stuck, and I don’t see a solution expect to return the device or use it as a $200 paper weight. Zoleo, help please.
The app used to work well, however, sometime in the last couple months it stopped working on my 14 Pro Max. It works on my work X. It crashes immediately upon opening. ZOLEO tech support has not been able to diagnose or solve.
App to app messaging only works if you have **TWO** sat communicators. It would not be an engineering feat to enable people with the app installed to send long messages to their person in the field. Disappointing
Latest app update 5.1.1 broke my login, REQUIRING that I be on cellular/WiFi to receive a confirmation code. It did not recognize my phone number, even though it was correct and eventually worked. Not until I deleted the app and reinstalled it, also REQUIRING cellular/WiFi, did it allow me to login. Something to keep in mind if you rely on your ZOLEO in remote areas. For the developers… do you think maybe your approach is putting people at unnecessary risk?
The latest update on the app has badly implemented jail-break detection. If your iPhone isn’t jail-broken anymore, but you’re using the same backup file from when you USED to jail-break, the app will crash on immediately on startup. I had to completely restore and start my iPhone from scratch, with no backup restored on it, because the app was still able to tell that I used to jail-break my phone over four years ago because of my backup file. So, if your Zoleo app is crashing on startup, and your iPhone isn’t jail-broken, it’s because the app is still able to tell that you used to jail-break from your backup file. In which case, you’re gonna have to restore and start from scratch. DO NOT backup with iCloud either, the Zoleo app was still detect the traces. You’re gonna have to use iCloud Photos and turn on iCloud sync for all the apps you use to save your important files. Shame on Zoleo for having such badly implemented jail-break detection. It is literally the only satellite messaging app with this issue. Garmin, bivy stick, and even the latest moto app doesn’t do this.
Wife purchased this since I am a long distance cyclist and often in areas of no cell/wifi. She would like to be able to track me, and feel secure that we could message in/out if need be. The “Follow Me” seems very inconsistent. Have set to ping hourly; sometimes works, sometimes pings are not received until several hours later. Or, sent with note that “location cannot be determined.” That’s not good. Or, even though she is the contact, my emails are filled with the notifications, and she gets nothing. Nice when all goes well, but just never know how this system is going to behave. A couple hundred $$ to buy, then the monthly fee, well, sunk cost. Bought based on good reviews, but not meeting expectations.
I’m a long time user of satellite communicators. To this point, I’ve used a service that was on a competing satellite service, and was happy with it. When I read about ZOLEO follow me option that would use cell WiFi backup, I figured I would give this a try. Living in a no cell reception area, when the DSL drops out, I’m in the dark. I need a sure thing, when at home and traveling in the ruff terrain. Here is what I’ve have found: ZOLEO gives you confidence that no message is lost, thanks to the follow me. The reception on this network is much much faster and stronger than its competition. The weather option is another fantastic upgrade for me. The app is flawless as far as I can see. This device can receive firmware updates over Bluetooth, much nicer than having to drag out the old laptop to update. A bit of advice to yet another cool feature, the counties around me have an emergency alert system (local sheriffs) that can deliver messages via text or email. Texts do not work for me, because they need a popular carrier, but since you get an email address with this too, I easily set these up and on WiFi, cell, or satellite I can get critical threats and weather alerts delivered right to the app. I liked my old device, but honestly, this device is much faster and reliable. The app on the phone is light years ahead of any I’ve ever used. My only criticism is that there is no current usage counter on this device. It would be nice to be able to check the messages used, at least via the www.
Zoleo landscape rotation on ipad Pro limits use by S&R
Do not plan to use w iPad till landscaped rotation is fixed. Downgraded to 1 star. For reasons stated below & reported over a year ago to Zoleo -because it does not allow keyboard entry in landscape mode on ipad making it difficult to fully utilize the 950 character Zoleo to Zoleo capability that blows Garmin's inreach system away. I will re-rate at 5 stars once I can type in Zoleo app in horizontal mode on ipad. The Ipad pro connects to Apple keyboard in horizon mode, and won't work in Portrait mode. So data entry is challenging. Once this issue is addressed, the Zoleo is going to be game changer for EMS, Search & Rescue, as compared w Garmin's inreach that requires web based email for response or has limit of 160 characters when sent inreach to inreach. So S&R and EMS could [if we could type in horizon mode] write up DETAILED [950 CHARACTER] ACCIDENT REPORT, and sat text it to ER Doc who has the free Zoleo app on their phone.This is a really big deal in facilitating rapid exchange of medical information from remote areas via satellite to urban medical trauma center's. ZOLEO PLS ACTIVATE THE SCREEN ROTATION IN APP SO WE CAN FULLY UTILIZE ZOLEO’S LIFE SAVING FUNCTIONS. Our community has purchased 70+ units for disaster management & needs this addressed. Thanks Jim--MD. thanks
**Awarded the 2020 Top Mobility User Experience Innovation Award by the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA)** For anyone who wants a truly seamless global messaging experience. ZOLEO is the world’s first truly seamless global messaging and personal safety solution for smartphone users. Only ZOLEO connects with your phone or tablet to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile coverage — plus added safety features you can count on world-wide. Never miss a message again, share your personalized ZOLEO SMS number and email address with your contacts to retrieve your messages between cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite networks. The ZOLEO app is the key to all the awesome global messaging and safety features that the ZOLEO satellite communicator offers. Simply connect to your ZOLEO satellite communicator using the ZOLEO app to enjoy messaging coverage absolutely everywhere. The ZOLEO app also unlocks additional features, such as progressive SOS alerting, check-in, location sharing and access to hyper-local weather forecasts. It also includes a dedicated number and email address to make it easy for key contacts to reach you. ZOLEO offers two-way messaging that seamlessly moves between cellular and satellite. WHAT THE ZOLEO APP CAN DO FOR YOU WHEN CONNECTED TO A ZOLEO DEVICE (requires an active ZOLEO monthly plan) * GLOBAL MESSAGING: Send and receive messages anywhere on earth (SMS/text, email and app-to-app). * PROVIDE SEAMLESS GLOBAL COVERAGE: Seamless messaging via satellite, cellular and Wi-Fi with automatic transmission over the lowest cost network available. * GET WEATHER FORECASTS: Get hyper-local weather forecasts on demand to help you stay safe and make better decisions when you travel. * SOS ALERTING: Trigger an SOS alert and rest assured that our expert 24/7 emergency response coordination partner will dispatch help. Uniquely, ZOLEO users also enjoy progressive SOS which includes receiving step-by-step status updates via the app and the ability to exchange messages with the response agent throughout the incident. * CHECK-IN: Let others know you're OK with one press. Your check-in message can also include your GPS location coordinates if desired. * LOCATION SHARE+: Share your location with up to five check-in contacts on a selected interval from every six (6) minutes to every four (4) hours. Both ZOLEO users and check-in recipients can use the free ZOLEO app to view their current location and full breadcrumb trail on a map. WHAT ZOLEO APP CAN DO FOR YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES WITHOUT A ZOLEO COMMUNICATOR * KEEP IN TOUCH: The ease of being able to send messages anytime via the app and knowing that it will be delivered, regardless of your location or cellular coverage. * INCREASE PEACE OF MIND: Receiving your check-in messages so they know you’re OK and knowing that you can request for help in the event of an emergency. * EXCHANGE LONG MESSAGES: Being able to exchange messages of 900+ characters when messaging app-to-app. Wherever life, work or adventure takes you… experience the power of seamless connectivity, with ZOLEO.
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