November 2017

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality inspectors go fully paperless with Xplore's HazLoc-certified rugged tablets
Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:XPLR) today announced that inspectors with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are now using the Xplore XSLATE B10 fully rugged tablets as their primary workstation in the office, vehicle and field. The State agency wanted to transition its field team to a fully paperless operating environment, and Xplore's C1D2-certified Windows tablets were the only mobile computers in their class that could safely be used in vehicle as well as in-hand at inspection sites where combustible gasses and flames are present. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Global manufacturer Morganti Spa deploys Panasonic Toughpad rugged tablets to warehouse staff
Italian manufacturing company Morganti Spa, famous for the design and manufacture of power tools, workwear and safety devices found across building sites worldwide, has partnered with Panasonic to digitalize its former paper-based logistics department and arm its staff across three warehouses with fully rugged Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 tablets. [See Panasonic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 29, 2017

IDC: Phablets to overtake regular smartphones by 2019, with Phablets expected to hit 1 billion units by 2021
IDC also published the latest issue of their Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker and says that overall smartphone shipments will steadily grow from 1.5 billion in 2017 to 1.7 billion units in 2021, with phablets (5.5 to <7 inch screens) outpacing total market growth by climbing from 611 million in 2017 to 1 billion units in 2021. IDC expects Android and iOS market shares to stay about constant (85% Android, 15% iOS). [See IDC press release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 29, 2017

IDC sees slow decline in PC device market next five years
International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.0% for global shipments of personal computing devices (PCDs) — composed of traditional PCs (desktop, notebooks and workstations) and tablets (slates, detachables). Traditional PCs will drop from 260 million in 2016 to 248 million in 2021, due to a steep desktop PC decline. Tablets will drop from 175 million to 146 million, with only detachable tablets showing growth (from 21.5 to 37.1 million, with half being Windows-based). [See IDC press release] -- Posted Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Review: Teguar TRT-5180 12-inch rugged Windows tablet
Sometimes you need a tough Windows tablet with some extra screen real estate and plenty of connectivity for complex work in the field. Teguar's TRT-5180 is one of them, with a sharp 12.2-inch capacitive multi-touch screen with optional active pen, excellent onboard connectivity, an Intel 7th generation Core processor, and a very functional optional 2-in-1 keyboard and kickstand. And it's rugged enough to take on the job, wherever that may be. [See review of Teguar Computer's TRT-5180 rugged 12.2-inch Windows tablet] -- Posted Monday, November 27, 2017

Pegasus Airlines saves €135,000 per aircraft per year with Panasonic collaboration
Turkish low-cost airline, Pegasus Airlines, has enjoyed dramatic savings of €135,000 per aircraft, per year thanks to its partnership with Panasonic. The relationship, which has seen Pegasus Airlines' flight crews equipped with fully rugged Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 tablets, coupled with Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) software, has resulted in annual savings of €11m thanks to reductions in paper, printing and copying costs as well as the crew's ability to work in a faster, more dynamic and cost effective manner. [See Panasonic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Juniper Systems launches EmberEquine equine reproduction ultrasound solution
Juniper Systems announced EmberEquine, an ultrasound hardware/software system that allows equine veterinarians to examine and image unborn baby horses in a mare's womb as well as record and communicate pertaining data. The system consists of a special Juniper version of the Draminski 4VetJ Ultrasound screen and scanner and a Juniper Mesa 2 rugged tablet running Juniper's EmberEquine software. [See Juniper EmberEquine equine reproduction ultrasound solution] -- Posted Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Process optimization in the automotive industry: Volkswagen AG trusts in Getac's robust hardware
In close cooperation with Volkswagen AG, Getac has developed two robust, latest-generation computer solutions for use in international and group-wide vehicle diagnostics and other production applications. With the "Professional" diagnostic device, the VAS 6150E notebook based on the Getac S410 and the "Premium" VAS 6160E tablet based on the new Getac A140, the Volkswagen Group's workshops now have a new benchmark for the highly efficient diagnostics of vehicles for the VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat brands as well as for the VW utility vehicles. [See Getac press release] -- Posted Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Teguar offers highest CPU available in IP65, IP66, or IP67 waterproof PCs
Teguar has released a new line of stainless steel IP65/IP66, IP67, and IP69K touchscreen panel PCs. The New 15" Skylake IP66new TS-5010 product family includes the latest Intel Sky Lake Core i5 processor and offers the highest performance processing available in a sealed stainless steel waterproof fanless enclosure. The new 6th Generation Intel i5-6200U CPU was chosen for the TS-5010 series because it is an Intel long life CPU, providing the TS-5010 product family with 5+ years of availability. [See Teguar press release] -- Posted Monday, November 20, 2017

Zebra Technologies participates in Senate hearing on advancement of Internet of Things
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), the market leader in rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers enhanced with software and services to enable real-time enterprise visibility, participated in the Nov. 7 Senate hearing on advancing the Internet of Things (IoT) in rural communities before the Communications, Technology, Innovation and Internet Subcommittee. Mike Terzich, Chief Administrative Officer of Zebra Technologies, discussed how Zebra is a global leader in bringing enterprise IoT solutions to the Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) markets. Zebra leads the growing category of Enterprise Asset Intelligence which describes the ability of businesses to track critical assets within their operations and to know exactly what they are, where they are and their condition so they can make smarter, faster decisions that improve their bottom line.[See Zebra press release] -- Posted Monday, November 20, 2017

Case study: Fast, discreet radiation monitoring with Handheld Group's NAUTIZ X8 ultra-rugged mobile computer
Radiation is a naturally occurring process harnessed into many helpful applications, from medical imaging to food preservation to cancer treatment. But exposure can be very harmful to the human body. Hundreds of Handheld Group's rugged Nautiz X8 handhelds are currently deployed as part of the AT6101C backpack-style mobile spectrometer from Belarus-based ATOMTEX. These solutions are used to halt illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials at customs and border crossings, ensure radiation control at public events, and monitor many other worksites including nuclear facilities, building sites and scientific research environments. [Read Fast, discreet radiation monitoring — inconspicuous NAUTIZ X8 makes it easy] -- Posted Thursday, November 16, 2017

Tenth annual Zebra shopper survey reveals one-half of millennial shoppers better connected than retail associates
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), the market leader in rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers enhanced with software and services to enable real-time enterprise visibility, today revealed the results of its 2017 Global Shopper Study, the 10th annual survey analyzing shopper satisfaction and retail technology trends. The body of research revealed that while 44 percent of surveyed shoppers are still not satisfied with staff availability and customer service, overall shopper satisfaction has significantly improved since the study's inception a decade ago. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Thursday, November 16, 2017

The Juniper Systems Geode sub-meter GPS receiver put to the test under dense forest tree canopy
For most of us, most of the time it's better to be approximately right than completely wrong. That, however, doesn't apply to surveyors and other GIS professionals for whom to be "approximately right" simply isn't good enough. That's where sub-meter GPS receivers like Juniper System's Geode come into play. A recent entry in Juniper's ever interesting Get Rugged blog describes how the Geode was put to the test under a dense forest tree canopy. [See The Geode sub-meter GPS Receiver put to the test under a dense forest tree canopy] -- Posted Thursday, November 16, 2017

VIA announces VIA ARTiGO A630 enterprise IoT gateway system
VIA Technologies, Inc., announced the launch of the VIA ARTiGO A630, an ultra-slim fanless gateway system with flexible customization options for a broad spectrum of commercial M2M and IoT applications. "The VIA ARTiGO A630 bolsters our already diverse range of ARTiGO Series M2M and IoT gateway systems," said Richard Brown, VP International Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Providing a rich mix of connectivity and performance in an ultra-compact design that can be rapidly customized, will help customers speed time-to-market and unlock the full potential of their IoT deployments." [See VIA press release] -- Posted Thursday, November 16, 2017

DURABOOK improves performance, graphics, battery life and security of R8300 rugged laptop
GammaTech Computer Corporation, the North American branch of Twinhead International Corporation, today announced upgrades to its fully rugged DURABOOK R8300 laptop. The device now features Intel® 7th generation Core™ processors, improved graphics capabilities, increased battery life and the elevated security offered by Windows 10. The proven R8300 is used around the world by military forces, public safety agencies, and field service organizations, including companies in the oil & gas, logistics, utilities, and telecommunications markets. [See GammaTech press release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the DURABOOK R8300]
-- Posted Wednesday, November 15, 2017

The Dell Latitude Rugged Race
Ever since 1995, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race sees a fleet of identical yachts sail around the world in eight legs. This year, the third stage, officially known as the Dell Latitude Rugged Race, started on October 31 with a dozen teams, all having Dell Latitude Rugged Extreme laptops on board, sailing almost 5,000 nautical miles from Cape Town towards Fremantle, Australia. Teams are expected there the fourth week of November. "As we continue to watch the brave crews and skippers of the Clipper Race, reasons for choosing Dell Latitude Rugged surface as they face gruelling race conditions and environments unfriendly to normal PCs," says Shannon Mackay, vice president Dell Rugged, Client Product Group. [See ​Skippers thoughts ahead of Dell Latitude Rugged Race 3] -- Posted Monday, November 13, 2017

Winmate launches 15-inch industrial Panel PC and display versions of its Multi-Touch Chassis series
With full computer functionality now so small that it can practically fit anywhere, it makes sense to offer displays both as monitors to be hooked up to an external PC and as fully integrated Panel PCs. Winmate is doing just that with its Multi-touch Chassis Series of industrial PCs and displays. There's the R15L100-PTC3 display version, the R15IB3S-PTC3 Windows-based Panel PC version, and the R15FA3S-PTC3 that runs Android 6.0. All measure a compact 13.9 x 10.8 x 1.8 inches and have an IP65-sealed front panel. [See Winmate Industrial Panel PC and Display with 15-inch Multi-touch Chassis] -- Posted Monday, November 13, 2017

JLT Mobile Computers selected by Steketee for smart farming precision agriculture solutions to increase farmers' efficiency
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, announces that it has entered into a partnership with Machinefabriek Steketee B.V., who are using JLT VERSO+ 10 rugged computers to integrate their Smart Farming solutions for precision agriculture. Steketee is a leading developer of high-tech weeding and soil cultivation machines, used by arable farmers and horticulturalists worldwide. [See JLT Mobile press release] -- Posted Monday, November 13, 2017

Qualcomm Board of Directors unanimously rejects Broadcom's unsolicited proposal
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) ("Qualcomm" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors unanimously rejected the unsolicited proposal announced by Broadcom Limited ("Broadcom") on November 6, 2017. "It is the Board's unanimous belief that Broadcom's proposal significantly undervalues Qualcomm relative to the Company's leadership position in mobile technology and our future growth prospects," said Paul Jacobs, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Qualcomm Incorporated. [Our take: Broadcom, a roughly US$16 billion semiconductor company launched a bid to buy Qualcomm, a roughly US$24 billion company semiconductor company in a deal worth over US$100 billion. Why? Because Qualcomm — which older readers remember as a then small company that purchased the popular Eudora email client in 1991 — holds numerous essential comms patents, makes the SnapDragon processors that power a large percentage of smartphones, and holds many keys to the upcoming move to 5G and beyond. So by taking over Qualcomm, Broadcom would get all this and control a major competitor. Can't blame them for trying.] [See Qualcomm press release] -- Posted Monday, November 13, 2017

Handheld Group appoints Myra Long as Director of Development
Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today announced that Myra Long has been promoted to Director of Development. As Director of Development, Long is responsible for managing new product development, integrating improvements for existing products, and verifying build-processes. Long started with Handheld Group in a project management consultant role in 2011 and officially joined the Handheld team as a program manager in 2014. She brings expertise in military and mobile product research, development and management from Lockheed Martin, Oregon State University, SRI International and Hewlett Packard. [See Handheld press release] -- Posted Thursday, November 9, 2017

Xplore reports their fiscal Q2/2018 financials
Xplore Technologies reported Q2 financials for its fiscal year 2018. Revenue was US$22.7 million compared to US$20.0 million for fiscal Q2/2017. Xplore reported a net profit of $397,000 for the quarter, compared to a net loss of US$536,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Xplore Acting CEO Tom Wilkinson said "We are pleased to significantly increase profitability on improved revenue in the second fiscal quarter, demonstrating the high operating profit leverage embedded in Xplore’s cost-efficient business model." [See Xplore media release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Winmate launches modular EAC Mini IoT Gateway
With IoT — the Internet of Things — rapidly assuming ever greater importance, there is a mounting need for inexpensive, flexible gateway computers that can receive massive amounts of data from sensors and peripherals and pass it on to cloud servers from processing, interpretation and action. Winmate's new EAC Mini is such a modular device, capable of being stacked and configured in dozens of different configurations. [See description, analysis and specs of the Winmate EAC Mini IoT gateway] -- Posted Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Added: Honeywell Dolphin CT60
In mid October 2017, Honeywell launched their Dolphin CT60 handheld computer, a roughly iPhone8-sized, Android-based rugged smartphone and mobile computer. What's special here is not only the CT60's state-of-the-art technology, but it's also Honeywell's first on their new hardware and software "Mobility Edge Platform" that offers a long product lifecycle by supporting current and future Android versions. [See RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Honeywell CT60] -- Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Zebra Technologies to testify during Senate hearing on IoT advancement
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), the market leader in rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers enhanced with software and services to enable real-time enterprise visibility, will testify on advancing the Internet of Things (IoT) in rural America to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2017

First look: Getac EX80 intrinsically safe rugged tablet
With their new EX80, Getac announced its first-ever Class 1 Division 1 intrinsically safe device, the rugged 8-inch Windows 10-based EX80 tablet. It's a handy design with a bright IPS capacitive multi-touch screen, impressive ruggedness, and, of course, the kind of "intrinsic safety" that makes it safe to use in areas where there are flammable gases, vapors, dusts or fibers. [Read RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs (and an intrinsic safety primer) of the Getac EX80] -- Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Getac EX80 fully rugged tablet is intrinsically safe and certified for Zone 0: ATEX, IECEx and UL913-certified for use in the most hazardous and explosive environments
Getac is introducing the EX80 fully rugged tablet, its first Zone 0 device -- ATEX / IECEx Zone 0 and UL913-certified (Class I / II Division 1) for use in environments with the highest risk of explosion. Zone 0 environments are deemed as areas where explosive gas is continuously present in the atmosphere or present for long periods of time. Designed for use in hazardous and explosive environments, including those found in oil & gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and munitions depots, the Getac EX80 incorporates a sealed anti-static exterior with surface temperature control to limit the possibility of explosion due to electrostatic charges, hot surfaces, heat energy or friction. [See Getac press release] -- Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Zebra Technologies announces Q3 2017 financials
Zebra Technologies reported sales of US$935 million in Q3 of 2017 compared to US$904 million in Q3 of 2016. Net sales in the Enterprise segment (i.e. what used to be the enterprise business of Motorola Solutions) were US$611 million in Q3 2017 compared with $605 million in Q3 2016. Net loss for Q3 2017 was US$12 million, compared to a net loss of US$83 million in Q3 2016. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2017

JLT Mobile adds the MT2010 rugged tablet for warehousing, logistics, transportation and port markets to its offering
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, is adding the fully rugged MT2010™ tablet to its existing product portfolio. Offering the same high level of support and services that JLT is renowned for, the expansion leverages JLT’s extensive rugged tablet knowledge in response to customer demand and is in line with the company’s strategy to increase business value to existing customers. Target industries are warehousing, food and beverage, transportation, and ports, where JLT already has a strong position. [See JLT Mobile press release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the JLT MT2010] -- Posted Monday, November 6, 2017

5 reasons more healthcare professionals than ever choose medical tablets
In its October 26, 2017 entry, the "Rugged Tech Talk with DT Research" blog presents 5 reasons more healthcare professionals than ever choose medical tablets. DT Research argues that technological advances in healthcare pave the way for new, updated technologies in both consumer markets and almost every other field. In terms of treatment, diagnosis, and research, new discoveries in technology are almost always implemented in healthcare first. [Read 5 reasons more healthcare professionals than ever choose medical tablets] -- Posted Friday, November 3, 2017

Trimble introduces ISOBUS-compatible GFX-750 display system with advanced guidance controller for agriculture applications
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced the Trimble GFX-750 display system for agriculture applications. The display system comes with the simple-to-install, roof-mounted NAV-900 guidance controller featuring Trimble's most advanced multi-constellation GNSS receiver. The satellite coverage provides farmers with more robust signal availability which means more active working time — especially in hilly terrain. [See Trimble press release] -- Posted Thursday, November 2, 2017

What happened in rugged computing 5 years ago: Nov. 2012
In November 2012, Microsoft revealed pricing for its Surface with Windows 8 Pro tablets, NPD Group reported that Windows 8 was off to a slow start, and RuggedPCReview wrote about Windows RT's suitability for vertical markets. Getac upgraded its S400 semi-rugged notebook to 3rd gen Core processors, and Winmate began offering some of its handhelds and tablets with Android. Xplore reported US$7.5 million and Intermec US$193 million revenue for the quarter. We reviewed the Winmate M700D, the Panasonic Toughbook C2, MobileDemand's xTablet T1200, DAP's MT1010 tablet, and Getac's PS336 handheld. [See November 2012 RuggedPCReview archive] -- Posted Thursday, November 2, 2017

Xplore's Android rugged tablets driving warehouse management and inventory operations for one of world's top dietary supplement companies
Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:XPLR) today announced that a global dietary supplement manufacturer has begun upgrading its forklift mobility solutions to the Xplore XSLATE D10 fully rugged Android tablet. The 10.1" Intel®-powered, forklift-mounted mobile computers now serve as the primary information source for a number of warehouse management workflows, including inventory picking. Additional XSLATE D10 orders are anticipated as the manufacturer continues to upgrade its mobile technology in other production and warehousing facilities. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Zebra study: Nearly 50% of enterprises have only achieved half of their 'intelligence' potential
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), the market leader in rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers enhanced with software and services to enable real-time enterprise visibility, today revealed the results of its inaugural "Intelligent Enterprise Index." This global survey analyzes where companies are on the journey to becoming an Intelligent Enterprise; how they are connecting the physical and digital worlds to improve visibility, efficiencies and growth. Forty-eight percent are on the path to becoming intelligent enterprises, scoring between 50-75 points on the overall index. Only five percent exceeded 75 points on the index. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 1, 2017