If you have ever researched satellite phones then you will certainly have heard of Thuraya. The Thuraya Telecommunications Company today announced the launch of what it claims to be the world’s first satellite smartphone during its partner conference in Dubai. It’s called the Thuraya X5-Touch and it’s powered by Android.
Much like satellite phones, this device isn’t meant for the average joe or jane. Thuraya has positioned this device as a viable option for those who move in and out of terrestrial coverage frequently, this can be whose working on government missions, energy projects, NGO deploymens, and enterprise communications.
The company’s press release doesn’t detail many of the specs of this device but does mention that it has a 5.2-inch 1080p display with Gorilla Glass and IP67 certification for dust and water resistance. The device also features dual-SIM capability which will let users switch between GSM and satellite service seamlessly.
The standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC should be onboard as well. Thuraya says that the X5-Touch has a “high-capacity” battery and that there’s a front and rear camera as well. Unique features include a dedicated SOS button and advanced navigation hardware.
No word as yet on when the target market will be able to purchase this device or how much it’s going to cost.