INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology
Thuraya unveils the world’s
smartest satellite phone
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T
huraya Telecommunications
Company has unveiled the world’s
first satellite smartphone during its
partner conference in Dubai. The Thuraya
X5-Touch runs on the Android Operating
System and has a 5.2” full HD touchscreen.
It targets users who frequently move in and
out of terrestrial coverage across a range
of market sectors including government
missions, energy projects, enterprise
communications and NGO deployments. The
phone offers fast and simple connectivity on
the move, in remote areas normally beyond
the reach of smartphones.
The Thuraya X5-Touch is a step closer towards
complete convergence between terrestrial
and satellite communications through its full
dual-mode and dual-SIM capability. It has
two SIM-card slots for full user flexibility and
with the dual-active mode it has the ability
to have both its satellite and GSM (2G, 3G, or
4G) modes ‘always on’ simultaneously.
To cater for the needs of users in harsh and
remote conditions, the Thuraya X5-Touch
comes with a Gorilla glass display, is the
most rugged phone in the MSS industry with
an IP67 standard for full dust and water
protection and complies with MIL standard.
It also has a host of advanced features and
functionalities including a high-capacity
battery for extended talk time and standby
time, a built-in SOS button and a front and
rear camera.
Ahmed Al Shamsi, Acting Chief Executive
Officer at Thuraya said, “Thuraya reached
a new milestone by introducing another
innovative and groundbreaking product to
the MSS market. Building on the heritage
of a long line of successful satellite phones,
the new development focuses primarily on
delivering a unique and more interactive
experience to our customers. With the
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INTELLIGENTCIO
THE THURAYA X5-
TOUCH IS A GAME-
CHANGER AND A
BIG STEP FORWARD
IN DESIGN AND
FUNCTIONALITY
PLACING IT IN A
LEAGUE OF ITS OWN.
Android platform, there is already a
multitude of apps readily available to work
on the Thuraya X5-Touch and developers will
have easy access to develop and customise
apps for the needs of their customers.
It complements the ‘Bring Your Own
Application’ (BYOA) concept, customers have
the flexibility to download any app of their
choice, thereby breaking the paradigm and
revolutionising the way the satellite handset
will be used.”
The Thuraya X5-Touch is equipped with GPS,
Glonass and BeiDou systems for advanced
navigation and tracking functions that are
important safety features during critical
situations and it comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
and NFC. “The Thuraya X5-Touch is a game-
changer and a big step forward in design
and functionality, placing it in a league of
its own,” said Alexander Lachner, Director of
Voice Services at Thuraya. “Creating smarter
satellite phones is our constant goal and we
are happy to offer our customers a new user
experience that many in the industry have
been asking and waiting for.” n
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