
Samsung has decided to release the Galaxy Xtreme S5690 in the Netherlands. Available in an orange variant, the rugged handset is IP67-certified for dust, dirt and waterproof. The Samsung Galaxy Xcover S5690 has an 800MHz processor, a 3.6-inch HVGA Gorilla Glass display, GPS navigation, Wi-Fi, HSDPA and a 3.2MP autofocus digital camera. The phone runs on the Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. [gsmhelpdesk]

Verizon Wireless will launch the Casio G’zOne Ravine 2, which is a successor to the previously released Casio G’zOne Ravine. This new rugged handset features a 3.2-megapixel AutoFocus digital camera with LED flash and video recording, VZNavigator (GPS navigation), dual displays, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and a microSD card slot (up to 32GB). What’s more, the Ravine 2 comes pre-installed with Casio’s Gz’Gear software that provides a compass, data on the phases of the moon, tides, pedometer, sunrise/sunset, and the night sky. Verizon Wireless will release the Casio G’zOne Ravine 2 on November 17th, 2011 for $149.99 with a new two-year contract agreement. [TFTS]

Samsung will launch a new rugged phone in the form of the Samsung C3350. The quad-band GSM handset is IP67-certified, which means that it is shocks-, dust- and water-resistant (up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes). The Samsung C3350 candybar handset features Samsung’s proprietary OS, a 2.2-inch (320×240) display, Bluetooth 3.0, an FM Radio with RDS, a music player, a 2MP camera with video recording support, a flashlight and a microSD card slot. The Samsung C3350 will be launched in Europe for 179 Euros or around US$245. [SammyHub]
by Johan on October 3, 2011

Sprint has announced the availability of the Kyocera Duramax. This rugged flip phone supports Sprint’s Direct Connect Push-To-Talk service, a 3-megapixel digital camera with LED flash and video recording support, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, a 2.5mm stereo headphone jack and a GPS navigation. The handset is encased in a non-slip Dura-Grip material for sure hold and extra durability. Sprint sells the Kyocera Duramax for $69.99 with a new two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate. Each purchase comes equipped with a 1GB microSD memory card. [Sprint]

Gresso has unveiled a new rugged phone namely the Gresso Extreme X3. The handset has been certified with the International IP67 certificate, which means that it can endure extreme weather and environment conditions. According to the manufacturer, Guinness Book of World Records has awarded the Gresso Extreme X3 as the first of rugged mobile phone that will continue to function properly even after being dropped in water at a depth of 5 meters for 1 hour. What’s more, the handset can withstand the weight of up to 1 ton, as well as extreme temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to +60 degrees Celsius. The rugged phone can also endure falls from heights of up to 7-meter against concrete, which makes it highly resistant to shocks. The phone’s chassis is sealed against dust and moisture. The Gresso Extreme X3 supports GSM 900, 1800, and 1900Mhz networks and comes with standard features such as a very small 1.44-inch CSTN display, an FM Radio, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, a flashlight, and a microUSB. Measuring 111mm x 49mm x 20mm and weighing 130 grams (with battery), the Gresso Extreme X3 is priced at $270 a pop. [Gresso]

Samsung is ready to launch its first rugged Galaxy smartphone, the Galaxy Xcover. The handset is dust-proof, dirt-proof, and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (IP67 certified). Powered by the Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, the phone features a 3.6-inch display, HSDPA 7.2Mbps, Wi-Fi, and a 3.2MP camera with LED flash. The Samsung Galaxy Xcover will be available starting October 2011 in Germany. No word on pricing at this time. [Ubergizmo]