Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2012, covering the announcement of Caterpillar’s very first foray into the smartphone market. While smartphone specifications have advanced exponentially, the CAT B10 set the foundation for the rugged device category.
Caterpillar, known for their construction equipment and clothing, launched a new smartphone which fits perfectly into their portfolio of construction-grade equipment.
As one of the heavyweights of the construction industry, Caterpillar expanded into an entirely new market by announcing its first Android smartphone, the CAT B10. As you might have expected from a construction company, the CAT B10 was designed from the ground up as an ultra-rugged device.
The Rugged Design of the CAT B10
This smartphone from Caterpillar sports a 3.2-inch display with a thick protective rubber covering. It also features a 5-megapixel rear camera and a secondary front-facing camera for video calling. Under the hood, the device is powered by an 800 MHz single-core processor.
The CAT B10 originally shipped running the Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread operating system, with an eventual Ice Cream Sandwich update made available for users.
Built to Withstand the Elements
The phone picked up IP67 certification. The rubberised casing of the phone is built to withstand scratches, dust, and water. In addition to taking a serious beating, the CAT B10 can be submerged underwater, up to 1 metre deep, for up to 30 minutes. Users can feel free to drop it whenever they like without fear of catastrophic damage.
However, apart from its sturdy build, its internal hardware specifications left a lot to be desired for power users. Caterpillar’s intended audience was clearly prioritising ruggedness over speedy processors or 4G LTE connectivity.
Upon release, the company mentioned that the device would be available across the globe and priced around €379 off-contract.
