Tag: rugged

Garmin introduces inReach Mini 3 Plus satellite communicator

Garmin is expanding its popular lineup of compact satellite communicators with the introduction of inReach® Mini 3 Plus. Featuring a colour touchscreen display and built-in speaker and microphone, inReach Mini 3 Plus lets adventurers exchange voice messages, texts and photos1—making it easier to stay in touch with family and friends who are back home. Purpose-built to provide extra peace of mind while exploring beyond cell coverage, users can also trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin Response℠ centre should an emergency occur. And with up to 330 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode, inReach Mini 3 Plus can be used on multi-day trips without the need for any extra plug-ins or battery chargers.

 “We understand just how important it is to stay connected during both short and long adventures, and that’s why we are excited to bring even more communication tools to the inReach Mini 3 Plus. Tell friends and family that they’re missed, show them the amazing view while standing at the summit and more—all from this compact and rugged device that can be clipped to a pack.”

—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

 More ways to stay in touch

 

  • Voice messaging: Check in with family and friends by exchanging 30-second voice messages right from the device.
  • Voice message transcription: While in an area where listening isn’t possible or it’s necessary to maintain silence in the field, read transcriptions of voice messages directly on the device.
  • Touchscreen texting: Quickly exchange text messages (up to 1,600 characters), emojis and reactions or start a group chat right from the device.
  • Photo sharing: View photos from back home right on the colourful display and share photos from every epic adventure when using the Garmin Messenger™ app.
  • LiveTrack™ location sharing: Let friends and family follow along on the adventure and track progress, including distance, time and elevation1.

 Emergency support when it’s needed the most

 When an SOS message is triggered, inReach Mini 3 Plus will send an interactive message to the Garmin Response centre, where a dedicated team of skilled emergency response coordinators are ready at any time. Photo and voice messages can also be shared during an SOS, giving coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency firsthand. Response coordinators will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organisations and other available local resources and provide updates. With nearly two decades of experience, the Garmin Response team has supported more than 18,000 inReach incident responses – from land to sea to air – in more than 150 countries on all seven continents.

Built for any adventure, inReach Mini 3 Plus is made to operate in extreme temperatures and features an impact-resistant design and IP67 water rating. When paired with the Garmin Explore™ app, adventurers can plan a trip, follow a course to a destination and even follow a track back to the start.

inReach Mini 3 Plus is available now and has a suggested retail price of £439.99. To learn more, visit www.garmin.com.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionised life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

1 Active satellite plan required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.

See our Garmin Reviews

Shokz OpenDots ONE Review

Shokz, the pioneer of open-ear audio innovation latest offering is the OpenDots ONE and we have been testing these out the last while and while this is a earbud style that is catching on now with many manufacturers these are one of the best in class yet for bone conduction.
The most notable feature of the OpenDots ONE is their unique design. Instead of a traditional ear-hook or in-ear fit, they use a “JointArc” clip-on mechanism made of a flexible nickel-titanium alloy with soft silicone padding. At just 6.5 grams per earbud, they are exceptionally lightweight and designed to provide a secure fit when running or training in the gym.

Open-ear earbuds can compromise on sound quality due to the design and shape and not fitting quite like tradional earbuds. However, the OpenDots ONE aim to defy this expectation with their Bassphere technology which uses dual 11.8mm drivers to deliver an almost in-ear earbud experience.  This, combined with Dolby Audio support, results in a surprisingly full and bass-rich sound for their class. These also have Dynamic Ear Detection on deck which means like many of these they can differentiate between left and right automatically. 

In a quiet environment, the audio is clear and balanced. Voices and music are well-defined, and the Bassphere technology provides a much-needed low-end presence that is often lacking in open-ear designs. You will not get the full in-ear or headphone experience but these are close and with the app you have control over the sound stage you want they are loud and there is notable differences between the EQs here unlike other offerings out there with a similar design you will be impressed there is some leakeage when they are maxed out on volume 

The OpenDots ONE boast impressive battery life. You can expect up to 10 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge, with the compact wireless charging case providing an additional 30 hours for a total of 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives you two hours of listening time. The case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, adding a layer of convenience this will be different for every user with how they have theirs set up but the battery life claimed as most do is claim is almost accurate.

The Shokz OpenDots ONE are a great addition into the clip-on open-ear market. They offer excellent comfort and a secure fit, making them a fantastic choice for those who dislike traditional earbuds or prioritize situational awareness which with the dark nights now closing in is a not a bad idea for people that walk or jog etc and those who want to try the new design who have not done so yet this is around the 20th pair of this type of clip-on for me to review now and they come with Find My Earbuds on board which is great if lost or isplaced at home of the office and whilst not a fan when they came out I am now.

While no open-ear headphone can completely match the sound isolation of an in-ear model or headphones the OpenDots ONE deliver a  good audio experience with impressive bass for their design and give you a near tpyical in- ear experience. 

The touch controls can be a bit tricky as there is two areas but you will over time get the thumb memory in action, and with their app you have more control, these are more expensive that others we have tried but as mentioned one of the best so far this year, check out the video below for more..

SHOKZ App
Key Highlights:
  • Effortless Clip-On Style
    Designed with a sleek nickel-titanium “JointArc™” frame wrapped in soft, skin-friendly silicone, OpenDots ONE gently clips onto the outer ear—offering a secure fit that complements glasses, hats, or jewellery.
  • Interchangeable and Intuitive
    No more fumbling with left and right earbuds. OpenDots ONE features Dynamic Ear Detection that automatically senses which ear it’s in, so you can wear and store them interchangeably—no worrying about sides.
  • Surprisingly Mighty Sound, Pocket-Sized Design
    Shokz’s proprietary Bassphere™ dual-speaker module packs the punch of a 16 mm driver into a compact sphere—delivering rich, immersive audio enhanced further by Dolby Audio and DirectPitch™ technology to minimize sound leakage.
  • All-Day Wear, All-Day Battery
    Each earbud delivers up to 10 hours of playtime, with the compact charging case extending that to a remarkable 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives an additional 2 hours—plus, the case supports convenient wireless charging.
  • Stay Aware, Stay Comfortable
    Open-ear design keeps you alert to ambient sounds—ideal for commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The ergonomic JointArc™ and featherlight build (around 6.5 g per earbud) ensure all-day comfort without ear-canal pressure.
  • Adaptive Intelligence at Your Fingertips
    Customize your sound with four EQ presets—or build your own—in the Shokz App. Activate Dolby Audio for an immersive output, set up multipoint pairing, tailor touch gestures, access “Find My Earbuds”, monitor battery levels, and stay updated with firmware enhancements.
  • Rugged and Ready
    Built for life, OpenDots ONE boasts an IP54 rating for protection against sweat and splashes, making them a dependable choice for active lifestyles.
Availability & Pricing
OpenDots ONE is now available from Harvey Norman Ireland, DID Electrical and other independent retailers
RRP 199.99 EURO

Garmin unveils the versatile eTrex Touch to guide every outdoor adventure

Garmin today introduced the rugged eTrex Touch GPS handheld navigator – ­purpose-built for all types of outdoor adventures with a new high-resolution colour touchscreen that allows users to easily swipe and zoom in on their routes. Designed to guide adventurers through a wide variety of activities, the eTrex Touch features preloaded TopoActive Europe maps for roads and trails, and the option to add an Outdoor Maps+ plan for access to additional premium mapping content. With up to 130 hours1 of battery life, adventurers can go on entire excursions without needing to recharge.

“No matter the outdoor adventure, the new eTrex Touch will be your essential companion through it. Featuring a bright color touchscreen that lets you tap, swipe and zoom, the eTrex Touch puts advanced mapping and navigation at your fingertips. Combined with rugged durability and dependable battery life, it allows you to enjoy all of your outdoor activities even more.”

–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales & Marketing

Explore confidently

 

  • Slender design: Light and easy to carry, the newest Garmin handheld navigator boasts a bright, 3-inch, high-resolution touchscreen and fits in the palm of the user’s hand.
  • Preloaded maps: View TopoActive Europe Maps for roads and trails, and see terrain contours, topographic elevations, points of interest and more.
  • Long battery life: Out of the box, the device offers up to 130 hours of battery life – and up to 650 hours when switched to expedition mode – so outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities even longer. When needed, easily recharge with the included charging cable.  
  • Outdoor Maps+: Add an Outdoor Maps+ plan (sold separately) to receive premium mapping content, including high-detail elevation contours, high-resolution satellite imagery, Topo Pro, night lights and more.
  • Durable build: Purpose-built to withstand weather and rugged conditions, it has an IP67 dust/water rating and an impact-resistant to MIL-STD-810 specifications design.
  • Superior accuracy: Multi-band GPS support provides superior location accuracy, allowing explorers to know exactly where they are on their journey.
  • Plan ahead: Connect with the Garmin Explore™ smartphone app for seamless trip planning, or manage waypoints, courses and activities. Users can also see upcoming climbs on their route, when they will occur and how steep they will be.

Available now, the Garmin eTrex Touch has a suggested retail price of £389.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/outdoor.

JCB Phone Launches New Rugged Smartphone Range

JCB Phone today unveiled its latest lineup of rugged smartphones, the JCB Toughphone E10, M20, and P20, as the company embarks on international expansion across Europe, Africa, Australasia and Latin America. Engineered for professionals in construction, logistics, agriculture, and emergency services, the new range delivers a powerful combination of durability, intelligent design, and performance in the toughest conditions.

At the heart of the launch is the JCB Toughphone E10, a slim, ultra-tough smartphone built for modern B2B deployments. Featuring Android 15, eSIM support, and multi-day battery life, it delivers serious enterprise capability. Ideal for fleet rollouts, the E10 combines outstanding value with premium rugged credentials including IP69K/MIL-STD-810H ratings, night vision camera, and 1.8m drop protection.

The Toughphone M20 and P20 models are designed to go further, packing heavyweight features for demanding users. With massive battery capacity, high-brightness displays, and enhanced durability, they’re built to be the ultimate reliable business tools for long shifts in extreme conditions. The P20 also becomes JCB Phone’s first device to feature an integrated thermal imaging sensor, which is perfect for inspection, diagnostics, and safety monitoring in complex environments.

The launch follows strong growth in the UK and a strategic investment in leadership to support international scale. In early 2025, JCB Phone appointed Pete Cunningham as Chief Strategy Officer and Chris Millington as Global Sales Director, combining decades of experience in mobile strategy and rugged device distribution.

“We’ve built a solid foundation in the UK, and now we’re focused on scaling internationally,” said Roy Taylor, CEO of JCB Phone. “This new range reflects what our customers have told us they need: tough, dependable smartphones with practical features that work in extreme conditions, all at a price point that makes sense for business.”

Industry experts remain optimistic about the rugged category. Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight commented. “While the rugged smartphone market has contracted over the past few years, there’s still a clear opportunity for companies that are lean, flexible and truly focused on customer needs. JCB Phone is well-positioned to meet that demand with a widely recognised brand and a clear product vision.”

The new JCB Toughphones will be available across Europe immediately, with rollout to Africa, Australasia and Latin America to follow.

See our Reviews on phones and more

Spigen Rugged Armour For Pixel Watch 3 45mm Review

The Rugged Armor adds daily durability with a polished look to the Pixel Watch. Built to defend against bumps and bruises, the raised edges ensure that scratches on your screen are a thing of the past. The matte finish brings a modern flair to the watch, with every detail crafted to precision. Give your Pixel Watch the protection it deserves and look good while doing it with the Rugged Armor

 

 

  • Everyday scratch defense with flexible and shock-absorbent layer
  • Matte finish adds a modern look
  • Raised bezels for bolstered screen protection
  • Full access to all features with precise cutouts

BUY

Other Google Pixel tech reviews 

Video Review

Tech Review – FNTCASE Magnetic Clear Case and Military Grade Rugged Case With Kickstand

FNTCASE has a wide range of cases for many devices all with protection in mind, we have two cases here today for you to check out and one is for someone who wants it simple and clear and one is aimed at the folk who are hard on their devices.

The Magnetic Clear case comes with a lens protector and has a magnetic lock with raised camera edges and tactile buttons that work really well the company also claims they use high grade TPU which is my favourite kind of case and will never yellow which many companies are now saying. The case gives you a look at the real colour of your device and additional grip and of course works with wireless charging.

The Military Grade Rugged case with built in kickstand is one for those who want it all, built in screen protector kickstand and more, this can take a beating and has 4-ply cushioning with X-Shock 3.0 technology so this one should last the lifetime of your phone. This case takes it to the next level of protection and the built in screen protector works fine and so do the keys, again additional grip is given but you are down on wireless charging here. Check the video below for a closer look.

iPhone 15 Pro Phone Case: Magnetic Clear Case with Camera Lens Protector

  • 【Stronger Magnetic Lock】Compatible for Magnetic chargers and other Qi
  • 【Crystal Clear & Never Yellow】This iPhone 15 magnetic clear case using high-grade Bayer’s ultra-clear TPU and PC material
  • 【10FT Military-Grade Drop Protection】 Made from a TPU bumper of 4-ply cushioning structure and tough polycarbonate, and crafted with exclusive X-Shock 3.0 Technology on all 4 corners
  • 【Raised Camera & Screen Protection】 Molded strictly to the original phone, all ports, lenses, and side button openings have been measured and calibrated countless times, and each button is sensitive and easily accessible.

BUY 

iPhone 15 Pro Case: Military Grade Rugged Cell Phone Cover with Kickstand

  • Designed for iPhone 15 Pro 6.1 inches (not suitable for any other device), please check your phone model before buying.
  • Military-grade protection:
    Our iPhone 15 Pro case uses a combination of soft and hard PC and TPU, plus a hybrid construction to provide military-grade protection for your smartphone.  The matte texture of the case and the non-slip texture of the tires on both sides provide a good grip and a comfortable grip
  • Built-in Kickstand:
    This iPhone 15 Pro case is designed with a built-in stand that allows you to look down at your phone from a comfortable angle, both horizontally and vertically, without the trouble of a bulging back.
  • Built-in screen protector:
    The iPhone 15 Pro case with built-in screen protector with excellent light transmission and responsive touch performance provides easy and comfortable access to your phone’s features while preventing accidental scratches on your smartphone. The built-in screen protection design perfectly solves the trouble of putting on a screen protector for you.

BUY

Video Review

New Dell Latitude Rugged Extreme Tablet Unveiled

Dell has announced the launch of the Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet, setting a new standard for portability and durability in the world of rugged technology.

The new device is designed to meet the demanding needs of professionals working in harsh environments, offering a perfect balance between rugged durability and lightweight portability.

The Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet is one of the world’s lightest 10-inch fully rugged Windows tablet, weighing just 2.2 pounds. Its compact design, coupled with a range of convenient accessories, ensures that users won’t be burdened by the weight of their technology, even during extended shifts in challenging environments.

In 2022, Dell launched the Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet, a 12-inch fully rugged device known for its performance, security, and durability. The 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet, at 10 inches, complements its larger counterpart by offering exceptional mobility. While the 12-inch model is ideal for shorter commutes or extended shifts on the factory floor, the 10-inch tablet is built for on-the-go tasks like line inspections.

Charlie Walker, Senior Director and GM, Precision Workstations and Rugged, Dell Technologies said: “Professionals working in harsh environments require not only rugged durability but portable solutions that don’t weigh them down in the field. Dell’s Rugged portfolio achieves this combination. In fact, it is the world’s lightest 10-inch fully rugged Windows tablet.

“Featuring a robust ecosystem of accessories and hot-swappable batteries for extended performance, the 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet was designed for workers who spend most of their time away from a desk. So, whether you’re on a rig, in a machine shop or atop a snowy mountain, the 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet will make for the ultimate companion.”

One of the standout features of this device is its dual hot-swappable battery option, which allows users to easily switch out batteries, ensuring uninterrupted power throughout their workday.

Swappable Batteries for All-Day Endurance

The 7030 Rugged Extreme boasts impressive durability with IP-65 and MIL-STD 810 ratings. This means it can survive extreme conditions, including drop tests from up to four feet and temperature tests ranging from -20°F to 145°F. The IP-65 rating provides maximum protection against dust, dirt, and water ingress, guaranteeing the safety of both the tablet and the sensitive data stored within it.

Small in Size, Big on Durability and Security

Security is a top priority, and Dell has incorporated modern security features, including facial recognition, a fingerprint reader, and smartcard reader, to protect the tablet and the data it holds. It includes TPM 2.0 ControlVault, a hardware-based encryption tool for data security.

Powerful Performance and Modern Features

The 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet doesn’t compromise on performance, offering up to a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor, integrated Iris® Xe® graphics, and up to 32GB of LPDDR5 memory. With support for up to a 2TB NVMe SSD, users can store a vast amount of data without worry. Strong connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, GPS, and 5G, provide fast and reliable connections in any location.

The tablet features a 10.1-inch FHD+ display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, delivering an exceptional visual experience even in direct sunlight, thanks to its 1000-nit panel. Additionally, the glove-touch capability ensures safety for those working with harsh chemicals or dangerous equipment.

Purpose-Built Accessories for Every Industry

Dell offers a range of purpose-built accessories for the 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet to meet the specific demands of various industries, including a rigid handle and passive stylus, detachable keyboard, and a rotating hand strap. Users can customise the tablet’s ports with options like a barcode scanner, RJ-45, universal audio jack, or USB-A. The tablet’s configurability extends to two hardware buttons that can be programmed through the Rugged Control Center application.

The Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet is set to be available globally later this year, with pricing to be announced closer to the shipping date. For companies looking to deploy rugged devices at scale, Dell offers seamless deployment, management, and security through the cloud, along with support services such as next business day on-site support and predictive ProSupport tools. Dell provides a one-stop shop for all commercial needs, including PCs, workstations, rugged devices, monitors, servers, and services, with the assurance of scalability to meet individual requirements.

Dell releases new 7230 Rugged Extreme tablet for professionals working in harsh environments

Built for professionals in some of today’s most extreme environments, Dell Technologies has announced its newly redesigned Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme, a premium tablet delivering the ultimate in-field performance and productivity.

The lightest and most powerful 12” fully rugged tablet on the market, the new Rugged Extreme is designed specifically for professionals in arduous roles demanding critical reliability. The 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet’s durability and mobility, perfect for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and other first responders, are matched by its reliability and security features required to help military and government officials, for example, safely manage highly sensitive information.

Regardless of the environment, the tablet now provides up to 20 hours of battery life, with dual hot-swap batteries for continuous operation of the device. This is critical for shift work in manufacturing, the military, first responders and more.

A true 16:10 aspect ratio display now provides 13% more active screen area than previous generations giving the 7230 Rugged Extreme the largest screen area in a 12” fully rugged tablet. Plus, glove-touch capability allows optimal screen interactivity.

The 7230 Rugged Extreme is drop-tested from up to 1.2m (4 feet) and temperature-tested from -28C to 62C (-20F to 145F) to withstand the most strenuous circumstances.

Commenting on the launch of the new device, Tom Tobul, Vice President and General Manager for the Performance PCs portfolio of products at Dell Technologies, said: “From factories to ambulances, deserts to the Arctic, professionals working in harsh edge environments turn to Dell Latitude Rugged for peace of mind. The new Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet is no exception – it’s the latest in a line of trusted devices for workers in some of today’s most challenging environments. This premium tablet is built for outstanding field performance and productivity, delivering critical reliability, all while withstanding extreme surroundings.”

In addition, new and enhanced accessories are built to match the ruggedness of the tablet and support its use in a broad range of environments. Some of those accessories include:

  • New detachable keyboard
  • Active pen to further enhance screen interactivity
  • Rotating hand strap and shoulder strap built with durable and cleanable materials
  • Magnetic mount that enables users to attach the tablet to any metallic wall or surface
  • Rigid handle that supports ease of mobility and is reversible, according to preference and ergonomics

Showing the device in action, Dell released a video of Mike Libecki, National Geographic Explorer and Dell Ambassador, who used the Rugged Extreme tablet in the extremes of Antarctica to study the environmental impact of microplastics.

The 7230 Rugged Extreme tablet will be available globally by the end of 2022.