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Cat S42 enhanced with antimicrobial protection

The Cat range of rugged smart and feature phones are designed to challenge expectations of what a phone can and should do. They are aimed at more demanding work environments, such as the signage, printing, rigging and manufacturing industry. Every external surface of the Cat S42 has now been enhanced with advanced antimicrobial product protection, making it an anti-bacterial phone.

Every exterior component of the product has been treated with Biomaster antimicrobial technology and tested to ISO 22196. Based on the inclusion of silver ions during manufacturing, the process creates a permanent level of product protection, inhibiting the growth of microbes on the phone surface and therefore reducing microbial levels on the surface.

Research shows that our phones are home to thousands of germs, with one University of Michigan study finding in excess of 17 000 bacteria on handsets ^[1]. We interact with our mobile devices many times a day – around 47 times, on average, according to research from Deloitte ^[2]. Furthermore, researchers at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, have found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can survive for up to 28 days on common surfaces including banknotes, glass (such as that found on mobile phone screens) and stainless steel ^[3].

Mobile phones are handled and pressed to our faces, meaning that any bacteria or other microorganisms can easily transfer back and forth between the hard surfaces of your phone and your skin.

The Biomaster active antimicrobial agent is proven to inhibit bacteria cells from replicating, in testing a reduction of over 80% within 15 minutes was shown and 99.9% within 24 hours. Combined with the existing Cat phone rugged credentials that ensure the device can be thoroughly and regularly washed with soaps and water, sanitisers, and even bleach, the Cat S42 represents the next generation of hygienic product protection in smartphone design.

The Cat S42 features MIL SPEC 810H and IP68 and IP69 ratings, and surpasses their rigorous and repeated drop testing from 1.8 m onto steel, including multiple drops onto every side and corner. It’s waterproof, tested by submerging in water at depths up to 1.5 m for 35 minutes. Like all Cat smartphones in the range, it is also put through vibration and tumble tests, salt mist conditions, and it’s built to operate in high and low extremes of temperature and to survive thermal shocks.

For more information go to https://catphones.co.za

References

^[1]Kõljalg, Siiri et al., University of Michigan School of Public Health, “High level bacterial contamination of secondary school students' mobile phones.” Germs vol. 7,2 73-77. (2017)

^[2]‘Connectivity and Mobile Trends Survey’ (2019), Deloitte

^[3]CSIRO: https://bit.ly/3mvdkM2

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