A couple of months after introducing the modular Omnii XT15 handheld, Psion added another version of the platform, the RT15. With a slightly lower drop spec and IP65 sealing instead of the XT15's IP67, the RT15, which is also priced a bit lower, is geared specifically towards field service and similar applications. [See Psion press release and our description and specs of the Psion RT15] -- Posted Thursday, March 29, 2012 by chb
AT&T plans major launch for Nokia Lumina 900 Windows Phone
According to c|net, AT&T will go all out to launch the Nokia Lumina 900 early April, with a massive campaign and a major presence in AT&T stores. The success or failure of Nokia may make or break the Windows Phone platform that's been having a hard time to gain traction against Apple and Android. (At our visit to an AT&T store on March 28, the salesperson was indeed carrying a Lumina 900 and praising it as a major hit) [See c|net article] -- Posted Thursday, March 29, 2012 by chb
New: Opticon H22 rugged WinMo handheld
Opticon has released the H22, a rugged handheld computer running Windows 6.5.3 on a 806MHz Marvell PXA320 processor. The 12-ounce rugged handheld (IP65, 5-foot drop, 14-122F) has a 3.7-inch full VGA touch screen, a numeric or QWERTY keypad, extensive data capture capabilities (1D/2D scanner, RFID, camera, AGPS) and also includes WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G/3.5G WWAN and even an IrDA port. [See description and specs of the Opticon H22] -- Posted Monday, March 26, 2012 by chb
Getac PS236 now available with Android in Europe 
European offices of Getac announced that the Getac PS236 rugged handheld will now also be available with Android, a move that follows, according to Getac, the manufacturer's collaboration with Android developers across the globe. The hardware (806MHz PXA310, 3.5-inch VGA screen, 3.5G WWAN, IP67, etc.) remains largely the same as for the Windows Mobile version, with the exception of the Android version's larger 256MB RAM and use of USB client 2.0 instead of USB OTG. The Android version may become available in the US as Android gains more traction in vertical markets. [See PS236-Android spec sheet and Getac UK press release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by chb
Habey USA introduces ultra-compact Windows CE-based HMI panel with 7-inch touch screen
Habey USA introduced the PPC-6107 as a compact, simple Windows CE 6.0-based human interface device for all sorts of automation application. The panel weighs, which can be placed almost anywhere via VES mounts, has a 7-inch touch screen with 800 x 480 pixel resolution and an unusually complete set of onboard I/O ports. [See description and specs of the Habey USA PPC-6107 HMI panel] -- Posted Friday, March 16, 2012 by chb
Windows Marketplace for Mobile to shut down
On March 8, 2012, Microsoft announced that the Windows Marketplace for Mobile will shut down on May 9, 2012. Starting on that date, Windows Mobile users will no longer be able to browse, buy or download applications directly on a Windows Mobile 6.x device using the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace application and service. That's too bad as we found the Windows Mobile Marketplace to be very useful. [See Microsoft announcement] -- Posted Friday, March 9, 2012 by chb
Psion introduces new services portfolio
Psion launched a set of three service programs aimed at ensuring increased workforce productivity, operational efficiency and reduced costs for Psion's global partners and customers. The new Psion Services offerings include Modular Services (for users of the Psion Omnii platform), Managed Services (break-fix support with proactive Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools), and Primary Services (comprehensive break-fix protection). [See Psion Services for detailed services description] -- Posted Monday, March 5, 2012 by chb
UPS begins deployment of 100,000 Windows Mobile-based DIAD V rugged handhelds
While consumers use tens of millions of iPhones and Android smartphones, Windows Mobile (or Windows Embedded Handheld as it's now called) continues to rule the vertical markets. Case in point: UPS announced on February 29, 2012, that it has begun to equip its drivers worldwide with the 5th generation DIAD (Delivery Information Acquisition Device) V handheld computers (4th generation handhelds came from Symbol/Motorola Solutions (see here)). How many of these Honeywell-made handhelds will UPS deploy? That'd be approximately 100,000 by 2013. And what is the DIAD V? A 1.3 pound flashlight-style Windows Mobile 6.5-based handheld with a 1GHz processor, 1GB of storage, a micro-SD card slot, a 50-key physical keypad, color touch display, 2D imager, 3mp camera for proof-of-delivery pics, WWAN (possibly GOBI), GPS, and, of course, a very rugged design. [See UPS DIAD-V press release and the evolution of the DIADs] -- Posted Monday, March 5, 2012 by chb
Socket offers updated SoMo 655 handheld computer for conventional Pocket PC/PDA applications
Socket Communications announced that an updated version of its SoMo 650 handheld computer will be available in Q2/2012. The new Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 based SoMo 655 model remains a slightly ruggedized traditional Pocket PC/PDA for those who don't want or need a smartphone or need to replace discontinued or aging Pocket PCs such as HP's iPAQs. Socket will also make available special healthcare and high-security versions of the 655. [See description and specs of the Socket SoMo 655] -- Posted Saturday, March 3, 2012 by chb