UAE-based cybersecurity firm DarkMatter has launched a mobile phone designed to withstand extreme field conditions – a device that the company described as being world’s first ultra-secure smartphone.
According to the company, the phone – designed by DarkMatter engineers in the UAE, Finland and Canada – is built with a “rugged“ design for use in difficult conditions.
“We combined our expertise in secure communications with everything the mobile market expects in a handset, including a great user experience,” said DarkMatter Group CEO Karim Sabbagh.
“Then we challenged the brightest minds in the industry to create a rugged design to withstand extreme field conditions experienced by defence, emergency services and the construction, mining, transport, energy, oil and gas industries.”
The final product – called ‘Katim R01’ – includes five layers of hardened case designed to meet military standards, and cab be dropped, run over and immersed in water for up to half an hour.
The device also includes a built-in barometer, temperature and humidity sensors which are designed to help the phone withstand vibrations, water, dusty, altitude and extreme temperatures.
In emergency situations, the Katim can deliver SOS messages with GPS coordinates through a dedicated button and touch screen that is accurate even with gloved and wet hands.
In terms of security, the Katim uses active physical and real-time monitoring to detect intrusions, which trigger the device to wipe user’s data. For confidential discussions, the phone’s ‘shield mode’ securely cuts off microphones and cameras while still powered and online.
“We believe in a world where smart and safe mobile security secures nations and businessness,” Sabbagh added. “We’re a young company in a vibrant part of the world with the energy and a big ambition to innovate and push the boundaries. Katim R01 delivers unbreakable security and the same great user experience, no matter where you are. In a world that never stops, it’s tough, it’s rugged and it’s ready for anything.”
A company spokesperson said the cost of the device is “price on request from DarkMatter Group”. In addition, it can only be purchased from DarkMatter Group.
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