The Samsung Galaxy Xcover may be one of the toughest smartphones ever created. Samsung's latest handset is designed to be both tech-savvy and tough under fire (not literally). The handset runs the latest version of Android (2.3) and has been awarded an IP67 certificate.
The IP67 certificate is a fancy and short way of rating a phone's durability against solid and liquids. The Samsung Galaxy Xcover is completely immune to the damaging effects of dust and can survive being immersed in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes. The phone's touchscreen is said to be made of glass "four to five times tougher than regular glass" and its 3 megapixel camera also doubles as a flashlight.
Unfortunately, Samsung has no plans to bring the Xcover stateside anytime soon. The phone will be dropping in Germany, the UK and possible Finland and Sweden later this year.
What's Driving This Trend
- Durable Smartphones
- Creating more durable smartphones with enhanced toughness ratings against solid and liquid damage.
- Ruggedized Handsets
- Developing innovative and ruggedized handsets that can withstand harsh environments and extreme conditions.
- Water-resistant Devices
- Designing water-resistant devices that are capable of surviving immersion in water without damage.
Who This Affects Most
- Consumer Electronics
- Opportunities for consumer electronics companies to create more durable and resilient smartphones with enhanced toughness ratings and water-resistant features.
- Outdoor and Adventure
- Innovation opportunities for outdoor and adventure gear companies to create ruggedized handsets that can withstand harsh environments and extreme outdoor conditions.
- Industrial
- Creating opportunities for industrial companies to design specialized water-resistant devices for workers who frequently work near water or in harsh environments.
