Motorola Constructs New ‘Work-Proof’ Defy+ JCB Edition Handset

Motorola has launched a limited version of its Defy+ handset, the Motorola Defy+ JCB Edition aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and members of the construction and engineering sectors.

The manufacturer claims that the upgraded version of the Defy+, features a number of internal and external upgrades that transforms the “life proof” handset into a “work proof” model.

Rough and tumble

Added protection is afforded with the patented visco-elastic protection sleeve from JCB, while the partnership with the construction equipment manufacturer also means that the device comes pre-loaded with bespoke JCB applications such as spirit level, decibel metre and recorder, torch, unit converter, calculator and DIY store locator.

Motorola says that this will save users the hassle of having to carry around numerous pieces of equipment and will speed up their productivity and output.

In addition, the Defy+ JCB edition features a push-to-talk feature that lets users use the phone like a walkie-talkie via a phone network, along with group call and messaging functionality.

The phone has a robust scratch resistant Gorilla Glass 3.7 inch display, flash functionality, a five megapixel camera and has a 1GHz processer that allows it to run up to 25 percent faster than the original model.

Upgraded

The original Defy+ debuted last August and Motorola made similarly bold claims about the device’s durability, claiming that it could withstand a rain shower, a day at the beach and even an all-night party.

However the release of this newer, upgraded model seems to be at odds with Motorola Mobility’s recently announced strategy of releasing fewer, more differentiated Android phones rather than incremental updates.

Google announced that it was to takeover Motorola Mobility last year in a move widely seen to strengthen its Android mobile operating system. Motorola split into two operations in December 2010, Motorola Mobility, which focussed on the mobile handset division, and Motorola Solutions which focussed on communication solutions to the government and enterprise customers.