Iridium has just released the GO! (their way to write it, not mine!), a satellite-based device that can create a 100-foot-radius wi-fi hot spot anywhere within transmitting range of one of the 66 low-earth-orbit Iridium satellites—in other words, just about anywhere on the planet.
Yes, you've guessed what this means: Now a group of people on a remote expedition can get on their smart phones or iPads and ignore each other just as if they were at a downtown restaurant.
Okay—the practical applications of this device are apparent, and, more significantly, it moves us one step closer to universally accessible communication. Whether or not that is a good thing I'll leave you to decide.
For more information, go the the Ocens website here.