Spot LLC’s SPOT Connect, a new SPOT satellite communicator capable of sending messages via satellite from today's premier smartphones, won a 2011 CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award.

A panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media, review and honor the products submitted in this prestigious program for outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics across 35 product categories.

SPOT Connect, unveiled this week at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, transforms select smartphone operating systems into a global personal one-way satellite communicator. Consumers, for the first time ever, can send custom text messages with GPS position from their smartphone over the Globalstar (News - Alert) satellite network from virtually anywhere in the world.

By simply downloading the SPOT Connect app on the smart device, SPOT Connect wirelessly synchs via Bluetooth. With the help of this, the users can send custom Type and Send messages served as SMS text or a short e-mail to their friends and family, post messages to Facebook (News - Alert) and Twitter, and request help in emergencies from remote regions.

"It is truly an honor to be recognized as innovative leaders in design and engineering by such a reputable program," said Peter Dalton, president of Spot LLC and CEO of Globalstar, Inc., in a press release. "Today's announcement of SPOT Connect offers a revolutionary new way for consumers worldwide to stay connected from their smartphone despite the inherent limitations of cellular or wireless connectivity."

The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:

Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used;

Aesthetic and design qualities;

The product's intended use/function and user value;

Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive;

How the design and innovation of the product compares to other products in the marketplace.

At the 2011 International CES (News - Alert), which runs through Jan. 9, in Las Vegas, Spot LLC's SPOT Connect will be displayed. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honorees by product category in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In related news, Globalstar, Inc., a provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and individuals, has accepted two new second-generation satellites from manufacturer Thales (News - Alert) Alenia Space.