Sonim has introduced a new mobile handset in the Sonim XP3 Sentinel, a rugged phone that like other rugged devices before it, can withstand its share of abuse including a 1 meter drop on a concrete surface, submersion in 1 meter of water for a half hour and temperature fluctuations between -20 to +55 Celsius.

In addition to this, the Sonim handset comes with military-level MIL-810F certification making it more resistant to heat, humidity, salt and shock damage. The phone, which includes a Gorilla glass screen, has been developed with worker safety in mind as it comes with a trio of risk management buttons (red, amber, green).

The green button signifies the start and end of an employee shift. In the event that the employee is going into a hazardous area, he can push the amber button to request enhanced monitoring and tracking. In this mode, your movements can be tracked on a map and in ten minute intervals, you will need to “check in” to verify your safety.

The red button is of course a sign of trouble and when you press this button, you are placed in contact with a monitoring centre who will also receive your GPS coordinates. While in a red state, your GPS location will be sent to the command centre in 3 minute intervals until your battery dies. If you left for your job with a full battery charge, your battery can transmit your GPS location in 3 minute intervals for a period of 24 hours before giving out.

Via: TechChee, Slashphone