# Interstellar Broadcasting Phones The Scout Observer is Your Personal Satellite Communicator By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-09-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scout-observer References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/scout-observer-replaces-military-satcom-is-powered-by-the-iphon/) & [scout.coolfiresolutions](http://scout.coolfiresolutions.com/observer) Although it looks like it belongs in a military supply depot, the Scout Observer is intended entirely for civilian purposes. Weighing in at six pounds, this has to be the heaviest, albeit most practical [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-aesthetics-and-modern-technology) attachment I've ever seen. Built around a typical [iPhone charging/speaker system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dockorb), the Scout Observer is a [portable SATCOM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-inreach-mini-3), allowing users to locate, verify and observe mobile signals. Included inside this high-end device is a spectrum analyzer, power meter and a Low Noise Block Downconverter. That last inclusion lets you connect to any satellite with open channels. Something about the Scout Observer spells trouble for its users. Regardless, whether you're a professional mountaineer, a wildlife tracker or a CIA assassin, this iPhone dock will let you blast your favorite tunes while wandering through the most remote locales the globe has to offer. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Portable SATCOM Devices:** The Scout Observer is a prime example of a portable SATCOM device that enables users to locate, verify, and observe mobile signals, presenting an opportunity for further innovation in this field. - **Integration of Spectrum Analysis Technology:** With its built-in spectrum analyzer, the Scout Observer showcases the potential for integrating this technology into mobile devices, opening up avenues for disruptive innovation in signal detection and analysis. - **Wearable Communication Technology:** The Scout Observer's design as an iPhone attachment highlights the trend of wearable communication technology, creating opportunities to develop more compact, efficient, and user-friendly devices for on-the-go connectivity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Outdoor Recreation:** The Scout Observer's usefulness for professional mountaineers and wildlife trackers suggests potential disruptive innovation opportunities in the outdoor recreation industry, such as improved communication tools for remote areas and enhanced safety features. - **Surveillance and Intelligence:** Given its features and potential use by CIA assassins, the Scout Observer points toward disruptive innovations in the field of surveillance and intelligence, including advancements in covert communication technology and signal analysis tools. - **Mobile Device Accessories:** As an iPhone dock, the Scout Observer reflects the ongoing trend in mobile device accessories, presenting opportunities for further disruptive innovation in the development of multi-functional attachments that enhance device capabilities and connectivity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Emergency Satellite Smartphone Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorola-defy-satellite-link.md) - [Wearable Satellite Communicators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-global-hotspot.md) - [Satellite Communication-Focused Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-communications.md) - [Smartphone-Connected Telescopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dwarf-ii-portable-smart-telescope.md) - [Touchscreen Satellite Communicators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iridium-go-exec-satellite-communicator.md) - [Connected Off-Grid Walkie-Talkies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lito-walkietalkie.md) - [Loud Speaker Hybrid Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weatherproof-smartphone.md) - [Tech-Infused Analog Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-aesthetics-and-modern-technology.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Speaker Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gravastar-supernova-bluetooth-speaker.md)