February 2014

Trimble's smartphone-inspired rugged Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 or Android 4.1 mobile computer with 4.3-inch projected capacitive multi-touch gets Ultra-High Frequency RFID versions in a remarkably compact form factor. Available with either IP65 or IP68 sealing, the EPCglobal Gen 2 compatible T41 R is location aware for use in different regions across the globe, and is available with full voice/data phone capability as well as enhanced high-accuracy GPS. [See description, analysis and specs of the Trimble Juno T41 RFID]

Handheld Group introduces Nautiz X4 rugged mobile computer
Handheld Group introduced the rugged Nautiz X4, a multi-purpose data collection mobile computer with integrated keypad and industrial-grade scanner options. The IP65-sealed Nautiz X4 has a 3.5-inch 640 x 480 pixel resistive touch screen, runs Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 for easy integration into existing enterprise infrastructures, weighs under 12 ounces, and includes GPS, WWAN, camera and a microSD card slot. [See description, analysis, and specs of the Handheld Group Nautiz X4] -- Posted Tuesday, February 18, 2014 by chb

ZDNet contributor has had it with Windows Phone
On ZDNet, Matthew Miller presented five reasons why he was done with Windows Phone, after having used it (increasingly less) over the past 3.5 years. Miller's reasons coincide with the shortcomings we have long lamented on Windows Phone and on the Metro interface on Windows tablets: it's just not nearly as useful as it should be. [See Five reasons I am done with Windows Phone after 3.5 years] -- Posted Monday, February 17, 2014 by chb

Will Windows Phone 8 make it after all?
Microsoft has all but vanished from the mobile space, and Windows Phone is almost a non-factor behind Android and the iOS. Or is it? PC Mag just published an absolutely glowing review of the new Nokia Lumina Icon with its 5-inch 1080p OLED screen, 20-megapixel camera, 2.26GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, and sleek brushed metal/polycarbonate design. [See PC Mag's Editor's Choice review of the Nokia Lumina Icon] -- Posted Thursday, February 13, 2014 by chb

White paper: Dedicated Operating System for AIDC?
While evaluating CipherLab's latest AIDC handheld (the 8600 Series), we commented on its use of a dedicated, proprietary OS. CipherLab followed up by sending us a white paper that makes the case for a proprietary OS in AIDC (and presumably other highly vertical) markets: Lower cost via task-oriented hardware and software, stability and ruggedness, higher level of security, superior longevity, and less costly custom application development. [Read "Dedicated Operating System for AIDC?] -- Posted Thursday, February 13, 2014 by chb

Juniper Systems at 2014 CONEXPO-CON
Juniper Systems announced it is participating at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 trade show in Las Vegas from March 4-8. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a huge show that features new products and technologies from 2,400 exhibitors in every major construction industry. [See CONEXPO-CON page] -- Posted Saturday, February 8, 2014 by chb

Satya Nadella new Microsoft CEO, John Thompson new Chairman
The media won't have Steve Ballmer to kick around anymore. Microsoft announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Satya Nadella (in picture) as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors effective immediately. Nadella, who joined Microsoft in 1992, previously was Executive VP of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group. Microsoft also announced that John Thompson will be Chairman of the Board, and that prior Chairman Bill Gates will remain on the Board as Founder and Technology Advisor. [See Microsoft press release] -- Posted Tuesday, February 4, 2014 by chb