Eric Nagle
What a pathetic app from what's supposed to be a major technology company. I've been using this app for 3 years, and I keep hoping they'll fix it, but no such luck. First, as others have said, it constantly drains the phone battery even when not in use. There's no way to shut it down. It's my phone's biggest power hog. Second, you can't use it to send pre-programmed messages from the InReach. You can only use it to send and receive custom messages. Third, you can't use it to track distance travelled. For that, you have to check the InReach itself. Fourth, it lacks the basic functions that almost every other GPS has: Displaying your track on a map. It only displays your current position. So, when I carry my InReach, I use a different app, Backcountry Navigator, to do what Earthmate should be doing. Edit: 4 years later, and this app still sucks for all the reasons above. Garmin hasn't bothered fixing these problems because they obviously don't care. I have no choice but to use it, because it's the only app that works with my InReach.
12 people found this review helpful
Wojtek Rygielski
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Very bad design. I only use it for InReach messages. It sometimes work, sometimes not, without any kind of error message. I believe the app expects the phone to be *constantly* connected to the device, in order for messages to be delivered to the phone: If you are temporarily disconnected at the moment the message is received, then you will not see it on your phone. What a weird way to design a messaging app. Pro tip: You can force a resync by unpairing and pairing again.
25 people found this review helpful
Tom “TDub” Longtine
Yes, this app is pretty terrible. Sometimes the app and inreach connect via bluetooth, sometimes they don't. Incoming messages show on the inreach, but never make it to the app. Outgoing messages frequently show as sent on the inreach, but show as still sending on the app. I haven't even tried anything with maps. I hope the SOS works. What a piece of garbage.
34 people found this review helpful