As a mobile-solutions provider, Kyocera has seen the manufacturing and material handling industries adopt mobile technologies across numerous functions. The availability of rugged smart- and feature-phones with push-to-talk (PTT) and high-speed data capability is empowering individuals in manufacturing to have instant access to the relevant data and voice communication to improve their performance. And not only are they more efficient, but rugged mobile solutions mean less downtime and lower Total Cost of Ownership, which are huge benefits to employers.
Kyocera recently launched two new rugged devices for AT&T customers rounding out its rugged portfolio to offer a flip/feature phone, a smartphone and a “phablet” with its DuraXE, DuraForce and DuraForce XD devices. The DuraXE is an inexpensive option for those that just need talk/text/PTT capability—and it doesn’t even require a data plan. DuraForce fills the need for a standard Android smartphone experience. And the giant display on the DuraForce XD makes it ideal for jobs with forms, schematics, multimedia, etc. that need to be viewed more easily on screen.
DuraForce
DuraForce is IP68-certified, meaning it is dustproof, waterproof and can be submerged in up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) of water for up to 30 minutes.4 With a reinforced housing and Military Standard 810G protection against dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure/high altitudes, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity and water immersion,4 DuraForce can go more places and withstand tough environments and conditions. With EPTT capability, DuraForce enables users to quickly and reliably connect to an individual or group with just a push of a button over 4G LTE and Wi-Fi. DuraForce is designed with a large, tactile side button that makes push-to-talk calls easy. It also comes equipped with an extra-loud speaker. The side button can be reprogrammed to access most-frequently-used apps when not used for EPTT. Users who are part of multiple talk groups can also scan and select a primary talk group to focus on the most important business process in a given moment.
DuraForce XD
DuraForce XD is designed to withstand dust, drop, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure/high altitude, solar radiation, salt fog, humidity and water immersion. Its durable design lets users confidently operate the device without a protective case, and provides not only “survivability” but also “usability” in harsh environments. DuraForce XD’s large touchscreen display can even be operated when wet or with gloved hands. With its EPTT support, DuraForce XD lets users quickly and reliably connect to individuals or groups with just a push of a button over 4G LTE and Wi-Fi.
DuraXE
DuraXE features a ruggedized design that’s become synonymous with Kyocera phones. It boasts Military Standard 810G protection for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt fog and humidity, along with IP68 certification as dustproof and waterproof for up to 30 minutes in up to six feet of water. Its large, tactile keypad is designed for ease of use with gloved hands. The DuraXE features dual-mic noise cancellation and powerful dual front speakers to help ensure that users can hear calls clearly—even in noisy environments. The DuraXE is work-ready, providing a high degree of toughness without sacrificing power or features.
Both the DuraForce XD and the DuraXE are certified for use in hazardous work locations where flammable gases, vapors, or mists are not normally present in an explosive concentration but may accidentally materialize (Non-incendive, Class I, Division 2, Groups A-D, T4).8
