May 2019

GPS is everywhere today, and it's accurate enough for most consumer applications. Professionals, however, often need better accuracy than the 15-25 feet consumer tech can provide. This used to be quite expensive (and still is if true survey-grade accuracy is needed), but there are now dedicated sub-meter GNSS receivers that can bring remarkable accuracy to handhelds and tablets. One such device is Juniper Systems' Geode ((US$1,400), that we're examining and explaining in detail. [See full review of the Juniper Systems Geode sub-meter GNSS receiver]

Trimble releases next-generation integrated smartphone and GIS data collector
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today the TrimbleŽ TDC600 handheld, an ultra-rugged, all-in-one smartphone and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data collector for Geographic Information System (GIS) and field inspection applications. The next-generation smartphone data collector boasts an Android 8.0 operating system, bright sunlight-readable 6-inch display, powerful 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB memory and an enhanced capacity all-day battery. [See Trimble media release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2019 by chb

Android Contemplations 2019
RuggedPCReview.com editor-in-chief Conrad Blickenstorfer presents thoughts on the current state and future of Android, especially in the rugged space, based both on personal experiences as well as numerous Android product and status reviews going back to Android's very beginnings. [Read Android contemplations 2019] -- Posted Monday, May 20, 2019 by chb

Zebra Technologies celebrates 50 years of innovating at the edge
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, celebrates its 50th anniversary as it continues to empower the front line of business. Since the inception of its first printing prototypes in the late 1960s, Zebra has evolved into a trusted advisor to its partners and customers based on its legacy of innovation to help transform the enterprise. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Friday, May 10, 2019 by chb

Sonim Technologies announces pricing of Initial Public Offering
Sonim Technologies (Nasdaq: SONM), a leading U.S. provider of ultra-rugged mobility solutions designed specifically for task workers physically engaged in their work environments, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 3,571,429 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $11.00 per share. According to an interview published in the Urgent Communications site, Sonim Technologies sold about 311,000 devices in 2018. [See Sonim media release] -- Posted Thursday, May 9, 2019 by chb

Review: Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2 rugged smartphone
Slender, fragile consumer smartphones don't make sense on the job, but not everyone needs a dedicated rugged mobile handheld computer. That's where the Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2 comes in, a 8-ounce, 5-inch, IP68-sealed Android 8.1 rugged smartphone. It's technologically up-to-date, has a great display, six sensors, and three excellent cameras with great software support. All for a great price. [See review of the Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2] -- Posted Friday, May 3, 2019 by chb