Cat S60 has embedded thermal camera that will allow users to see in complete darkness, detect heat loss and spotting moisture
CAT phones has unveiled the world’s first smartphone to come with a thermal imaging camera ahead of Mobile World Congress next week.
The Cat S60, made by Bullitt for the ruggedised brand, will officially be launched in Barcelona on February 23, but the Reading-based manufacturer gave Mobile News an early look at its new flagship device.
The 4.7 inch handset is drop proof to 1.8m and is powered by a Snapdragon 617 octa-core processor. It packs a 3,800mAh battery and 32GB of in-built storage.
Bullitt claims the device is the world’s first smartphone to pack a dedicated thermal imaging sensor. The camera, from thermal imaging firm FLIR, can be used for several functions including: detecting heat loss around windows and doors; spotting moisture and missing insulation; identifying over-heating electrical appliances and circuitry; and seeing in complete darkness.
The camera visualises heat that can’t be seen by a human eye up to 100 foot away.
“We are delighted to work on the latest Cat phone with Bullitt Group, to integrate our thermal camera into their proven, industrialised smartphone to create a truly innovative and groundbreaking mobile product,” said FLIR CEO Andy Teich.
“The CAT S60 presents mobile users around the world with new capabilities – a ‘sixth sense’ experience that only thermal imaging can offer.”
Underwater camera
The new device, which will go on sale later this year in markets across the globe including the UK for ‚¬649 (around £502).
Bullitt also claims the new S60 is the “world’s most waterproof smartphone” as it can last underwater up to depths of five metres for up to an hour. This means it can be used as an underwater camera.
It has a 13MP main camera, and a 5MP sensor on the front. The HD screen also has CAT’s auto wet finger and glove support technology.
“To stand out from the crowd in today’s smartphone market requires true innovation and we are proud to partner with FLIR to announce what is truly a world’s first,” said Bullitt Group CEO Peter Stephens, CEO Bullitt Group.
“The Cat S60 represents a milestone for smartphones. We are excited for thermal technology to be in the hands of Cat phones customers and to discover the myriad of daily time and efficiency use cases it will present for them.”