If You Lose Service, You Can Still Text Thanks to This Genius Device

You know when you lose service and all hope is lost because you can't text your friend? Say goodbye to ever feeling that way again with goTenna, an antenna device that lets you text without needing WiFi or cell service.

Just think about all the times it will be useful: when you're on a hike or at an event like Coachella, for instance. goTenna just requires that you and a friend have the device and the app (free, on the App Store and Google Play). Once you're connected via Bluetooth, you can go off exploring without worry. If you lose service, you can still text through the goTenna app for up to four miles in the woods. If you're in an urban area, the device's antenna reach is one mile. It doesn't just text, either — you can save offline maps on the app.

Other features include being water resistant and having a strap, so you can attach it to anything. Choose from five colors: black, purple, orange, green, and blue. It costs $199 for two goTennas, or you can buy a family pack for $398. Not too bad if you're constantly going hiking, attending huge music festivals, or finding yourself in areas without service.

The product launched in November 2015, so it's still pretty new. Consider it a great safety device to have — when we saw it at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, it was small and sleek enough to be our favorite new portable device. Check out photos of goTenna ahead; you'll probably want to buy it sooner rather than later.