Integrated thermal camera on new smartphone

CAT PHONES has rolled out of its range of Cat- branded rugged smartphones across New Zealand. Durability is at the heart of every Caterpillar product, from its construction and mining equipment to its tough phones that won’t let you down, promises the company.

The Cat S60 model, ‘the world’s only smartphone’ with an integrated thermal camera, is now available online and at selected Spark stores, JA Russell and Cat Gough dealerships, and will also be available via PB Tech, and online at JB Hi-Fi and Noel Leeming. The rugged device was purpose- built to meet the demands of people with outdoor lifestyles, whether that is for work or leisure. This smartphone is perfect for those in construction, agriculture, security, and vehicle repair, or who enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating and biking.

The integrated thermal camera available on the Cat S60 is powered by FLIR, the global leader in thermal imaging technology, and can pick up heat and measure surface temperatures from a distance of up to 30 metres. The camera can detect heat loss around windows and doors; spot moisture and missing insulation; identify overheating electrical appliances and circuitry and see in complete darkness.

The Cat S60 is both drop- proof up to 1.8 metres and waterproof up to five metres for up to one hour, which Cat says makes it the most waterproof phone on the market. It also offers a versatile super- bright display which can be viewed in bright sunlight and the touchscreen can be controlled with wet fingers or while wearing gloves. Cat phones’ confidence in its industry leading rugged devices includes a market-leading guarantee around screen damage. If a user manages to accidently damage or break the Gorilla Glass screen within the first 24 months of purchasing the device, Cat will repair or replace the screen.

A study of nearly 22,000 Cat phone users showed that 76 percent have damaged their previous mobile phone, and experienced the frustration and usability problems damage causes to what is often their only means of communication. Unsurprisingly, 94% percent of Cat phone owners value their phone being drop- proof, while 71% percent said that a scratch resistant screen is essential to them, says the manufacturer.

“New Zealanders have a strong affinity towards adventure and the outdoors, some because of their employment and others down to their hobbies, and our smartphones offer the durability to support this lifestyle,” said Peter Stephens, CEO at Bullitt Group, the global mobile device licensee for Caterpillar. “Partnering with Spark New Zealand’s leading digital service provider, means our cutting edge rugged smartphones will be readily accessible to consumers and professionals across the length and breadth of the country.”

The range also includes the Cat S31 and Cat S41 models which will be available through selected PB Tech stores and online at JB Hifi and Noel Leeming.

Like all Cat smartphones in the range, the Cat S31 and S41 are built to survive, with heavy- duty credentials including IP68 water and dustproof, and US Military SPEC 810G Certification. At the heart of the Cat S41 is a huge 5000mAh battery, providing up to 44 days standby time without requiring charging, ensuring that there is always enough power on hand. It is powerful enough to charge other mobile devices and accessories such as Bluetooth speakers using its Battery Share functionality that turns the phone into a power bank.

The Cat S60 costs NZD1,099 and is available from Spark stores in Hawera, New Plymouth, Palmerston North Plaza, Whanganui, Taupo, Queensgate, The Base, Invercargill, Riccarton, Rotorua, Silverdale, and Napier.

The Cat S31 will retail for NZD549 and the S41 for NZ$749.