Caterpillar, Land Rover and Crosscall were all at this year's Mobile World Congress -- which runs until March 1 in Barcelona, Spain -- to present smartphones promising boosted resistance to adverse conditions. Although this niche market is mainly aimed at certain pro users and outdoor enthusiasts, these smartphones have some attractive onboard technology.
Caterpillar, Land Rover and Crosscall were all at this year's Mobile World Congress -- which runs until March 1 in Barcelona, Spain -- to present smartphones promising boosted resistance to adverse conditions. Although this niche market is mainly aimed at certain pro users and outdoor enthusiasts, these smartphones have some attractive onboard technology.
Thermal imaging camera and indoor air quality sensor
Created in collaboration with the Bullitt Group, Caterpillar's mobile division presents the Cat S61, a 5.2-inch smartphone loaded with a thermal imaging camera and promising high shock resistance. The handset has a FLIR thermal imaging camera with enhanced software for greater image contrast, plus an expanded temperature range to 400°C. The handset also has an indoor air quality sensor for detecting high levels of pollutants, plus laser-assisted area and distance measurement. The smartphone is water-resistant to three meters and shock resistant from heights of around two meters onto a concrete surface. The Cat S61 is due out in Q2 2018 priced €899.
A Land Rover off-roader
Bullitt is also behind the first smartphone from Land Rover. The Explore has a 5-inch screen that can be used with wet hands and/or with gloves. Plus, this off-road mobile comes with an "Adventure Pack," including a spare battery for backup power, as well as a mini GPS antenna for extra precision and access to premium topographic mapping. It promises water-resistance and shock-resistance (falls from up to 1.8 meters) and can withstand extreme temperatures (from -30 to +60°C) The Land Rover Explore is due out April 2018 priced €649.
Tough cookie
The Crosscall Action X3 is designed for use in all kinds of terrains and weather conditions. As well as being water- and mud-resistant, the French manufacturer's mobile is waterproof to two meters and resistant to heavy shocks. This 5-inch phone is equipped with noise-reduction filters and a powerful speaker for top-quality sound even in noisy environments. The Crosscall Action X3 is out now priced €349.
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