Beartooth keeps you connected in the wild

An encasement that converts your smartphone to a two-way radio when you're at the edge of the Earth and wifi or cellular service is nothing but a distant memory, called Beartooth, is hitting the production lines in 2015. Ideal for sailors and campers alike, here's a sneak preview.

For starters, it's not just any old two-way radio: text messaging and geolocation are also possible by means of the product's "software defined radio," which is unique because it controls both the transceiver and receiver functions. Others of its kind control the receiving end.

Although it offers an open channel, selective calling is also possible on the communications platform, which is in the process of obtaining Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval in the US, where it is likely to first be released. SOS broadcasting to any device within range is also possible.

While FCC regulations don't permit voice encryption, because the software-defined radio doesn't route the communications through central servers, there's no common point for interception. Text messages and geolocation data are encrypted and therefore secure.

Users are able to communicate within two miles (about 3.2 km) of each other, approximately the same range for high-end two-way radios: Roger that.

The device comes with an approximately 2000mAh battery that is claimed to double the battery life of the corresponding smartphone.

Pricing and release information is not yet available. For more information, or to sign up for email notifications, visit http://www.beartooth.com/#about.

Over and out.