March 2021

Cincoze's flagship high-performance industrial-grade GPU computer — riding the wave of AIoT
Rapid evolution in AI technology is infusing IoT devices with new capabilities, leading to the new trend of AIoT. Simply speaking, IoT devices acquire data then transmit that data through the network to an integrated backend system. Typical applications include automation, remote control, and connection with other IoT devices. AIoT brings the power of AI to these IoT devices, so that machine equipment and factories can play a more active role in the process and learn intelligently. Accumulation of data, continuous learning, and data analysis can achieve failure prevention or autonomous operation to implement a fully-fledged "smart factory." [See Cincoze media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Motorola Solutions' new feature enables officers to activate body-worn camera through radio
Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI), today announced a new integration between its V300 body-worn cameras and mission-critical APX® Project 25 (P25) two-way radios. Video serves as a crucial piece of evidence for law enforcement while also serving as an essential ingredient for building trust and transparency with the communities they protect. The integration is designed to automate officer tasks and capture evidence in their most critical moments by activating a body-worn camera recording when an officer triggers the emergency mode on their radio. [See Motorola Solutions media release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Panasonic appoints new rugged handheld distributors for Europe
Panasonic has appointed two new distributors for its rugged handheld devices covering mainland Europe and the UK and Ireland. Jarltech, one of the largest European specialist distributors of rugged mobile computing devices, will now supply Panasonic's range of Windows and Android Toughbook handheld devices, as well as its rugged tablets and notebooks, to resellers and system integrators in more than 30 countries across Europe. [See Panasonic media release] -- Posted Monday, March 29, 2021

New Datalogic QuickScan™ QD2500 delivers superior performance affordably
Datalogic, a global leader in the automatic data capture and factory automation markets, is pleased to announce the new QuickScan™ QD2500 2D imager. It is designed to be the operators' ideal partner at the POS check-out which never lets them down in data capture. Personnel can always count on the robust QuickScan QD2500's extreme scanning accuracy and avoid erroneous or accidental readings. [See Datalogic media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 25, 2021

Brother reports growing demand for print and labeling solutions for mobile COVID-19 testing sites, vaccine receipts and no-contact temperature testing
Brother Mobile Solutions today announced significant and growing demand across North America for its printing and labeling solutions in public health settings. These rapidly-deployable solutions are used in a range of health applications from test tube labeling at mobile COVID-19 testing sites, to vaccine receipts as well as no-contact temperature testing solutions designed to help ensure safety for people visiting healthcare facilities, government offices, retail outlets or other work settings. [See Brother media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 25, 2021

JLT Mobile Computers offers free guide on how to boost productivity and throughput in ports and container terminals
JLT Mobile, a leading supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, is making available the benefits of its expertise in a series of 'how to' guides designed to help new and existing customers make the right strategic technology decisions to optimize their operations. Focusing on the IT problems faced by port and container terminal operators, the third expert guide in the JLT series identifies five key areas that challenge a port's throughput, and gives IT and operations managers practical tips on how to turn these IT headaches into their port's smartest assets. The new JLT guide for rugged IT environments in ports and container terminals is available for free download here. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 25, 2021

Getac's Mighty Class of 2021
In a special feature, we're highlighting what we're calling "Getac's Mighty Class of 2021" — the three most recent or most recently upgraded and overhauled machines out of their round dozen of Getac rugged tablet and Getac rugged laptop computing platforms. It's three terrific machines, each having a different purpose and focus. The Getac B360 and B360 PRO, state-of-the-art modern versions of the quintessential rugged laptop, and currently the highest performing rugged machines we've tested. The Getac UX10, a thoroughly modern 2.7-pound Windows tablet that brings desktop performance into the field and doubles as a laptop with its optional detachable keyboard. And the Getac V110, a laptop convertible that's been around for a many years, all updated to 2021 speed and technology. [See Getac's Mighty Class of 2021] -- Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Full review: RuggON VULCAN X vehicle-mount computer
Warehousing, material handling and logistics applications often run on computers mounted on forklifts, cranes, and numerous other heavy-duty vehicles. Those computers must be able to endure harsh conditions, shock and vibration, rain, dirt and grime without ever missing a beat. We reviewed one such computer, the compact, high-performance 10.1-inch RuggON VULCAN X with comprehensive wired and wireless connectivity, including fast roaming and 5G. [See full review of the RuggON VULCAN X] -- Posted Tuesday, March 23, 2021

JLT Mobile Computers joins Ivanti Wavelink Device Validation Program to speed modernization within the supply chain
JLT Mobile, a leading supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, announces that it has joined the Ivanti Wavelink Device Validation Solutions Program. This program enables device manufacturers offering solutions for the supply chain and warehousing industries to rapidly validate their products for the Ivanti Wavelink software platform, which facilitates device and wireless infrastructure management, terminal emulation, voice, and mobile application development without the need to modify backend systems. Customers of Ivanti-validated JLT rugged mobile computers benefit from easy access to mobile-enablement solutions that boost supply chain efficiency, productivity and security in the warehouse and across the supply chain. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Inventory better with the Unitech HT730 rugged handheld terminal
Get out of the stone age of warehousing data collection and say goodbye to inefficiency and errors. The Unitech HT730 is the newest handheld terminal to hit the market and it's specially designed for order picking, inventory management, and asset tracking. This device allows one-handed operation using touchscreen or its 38-key easy press buttons. [See Unitech media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 18, 2021

Brother unveils new Titan industrial label printers built with unmatched functionality for high-speed warehouse, manufacturing and supply chain operations
Brother Mobile Solutions, Inc. (BMS), a premier provider of mobile, desktop and industrial printers and handheld labeling tools, today announced the expansion of the Brother Titan Industrial Printer series. Building on the brand's initial launch in late 2020, the five additional high-performance and enhanced 4-inch industrial barcode label printers will deliver increased speed and precision along with enhanced features including internal rewinders for broader usability. With durable metal construction, larger ribbon capacity, dual Wi-Fi/Bluetooth option, and PLC integration, this mid-range series provides solid value at the speed and quality today's fast-paced operations require. [See Brother media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Kyocera launches DuraForce Ultra 5G UW, first ultra-rugged Android smartphone for Verizon 5G ultra wideband network
Kyocera, launched its first 5G ultra-rugged Android smartphone today, DuraForce Ultra 5G UW, which delivers ultra-durability, ultra-fast speeds and ultra-low latency on the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) network. DuraForce Ultra 5G builds on Kyocera's 10+ years of rugged device expertise to create the most advanced, rugged smartphone to date for public safety, enterprise, small business and adventurous consumers alike. [See Kyocera media release] -- Posted Friday, March 12, 2021

Durabook unveils all-new S14I laptop with advanced computing power
Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, announced today that it is taking rugged computing performance to new heights with its all-new S14I 14-inch semi-rugged laptop. The S14I laptop pushes the boundaries of semi-rugged design and innovation to deliver ultimate mobile computing experiences. The new generation S14I will be available in April and includes the following upgrades: the new Intel® Tiger Lake 11th generation processors, the latest NVMe PCIe SSD solution and the Intel® Iris Xe graphics or the option of NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1050 discrete graphics. [See Durabook media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 11, 2021

Datalogic acquires Micro Detectors, adding inductive and ultrasonic sensors to its portfolio of products
Datalogic to strengthen its global presence in the industrial automation market with the acquisition of Micro Detectors S.p.A. adding inductive and ultrasonic sensors to its portfolio of products, with applications in a variety of industrial sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, logistics and automotive. [See Datalogic media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 11, 2021

Getac and Bechtle enhance distribution partnership
Getac, a global leader in rugged computing solutions, and Bechtle, Germany's largest IT firm and leading European IT e-commerce provider, announced an expanded distribution partnership, with Bechtle making available Getac's entire product portfolio in the European, Middle East and Africa markets. -- Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Stealth introduces new fanless 2U rackmount servers
Stealth.com (a Sparton company), a leader in the industrial computer and peripherals market has launched a pair of Fanless 2U Rackmount Servers. These rackmount computer models SR-2950 & SR-2960 are well equipped, versatile and are designed for a variety of demanding environments and applications. [See Stealth media release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 9, 2021

trinamiX GmbH and VIAVI Solutions join forces to bring near-infrared spectroscopy into smartphones
trinamiX GmbH (Ludwigshafen, Germany), a global leader in infrared sensing technologies, and Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAVI) (NASDAQ: VIAV), a pioneer in light management solutions, today announced a joint development agreement (JDA) to build a Near-Infrared (NIR) spectrometer module for integration into consumer devices. The companies will combine their expertise to lift today's smartphone capabilities to the next level. [See trinamix media release] -- Posted Monday, March 8, 2021

Welcoming Emdoor as a new Industry Sponsor
We're pleased to announce that Emdoor Info has joined the ranks of RuggedPCReview Industry Sponsors. Emdoor is one of the leading Chinese ODM/OEM designers and manufacturers of rugged computing equipment, including handhelds, tablets, laptops, 2-in-1s and industrial PCs. [Read introduction to Emdoor] -- Posted Monday, March 8, 2021

Avalue introducing High Performance Computing Series
Avalue Technology Inc, a global industrial PC solution provider and associate member of the Intel IoT Solutions Alliance, introduces the latest server-grade mainboards of dual CPU and single CPU cores (HPM-246UA and HPM-621DE series) and 19-inch 4U rackmount servers (HPS-246U4A and HPS-621D4A). These high-end products are designed to bring enhanced computing and reliability to various vertical markets, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, and 5G Technology in Smart Retail, Smart Manufacture, Smart City, Healthcare and Medical Precision Diagnosis markets. [See Avalue media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 4, 2021

Winmate Smart Vessel & Port Management webinar
Join Winmate's webinar on March 5th to learn how Winmate rugged solutions bring a new level of convenience to maritime applications and improve operational efficiency for vessel manufacturers, creating competitive advantage for marine manufacturers and governments. See how Winmate’s rugged computing solutions help the maritime industry to improve the quality and reduce diagnostics errors. [Register free] -- Posted Thursday, March 4, 2021

Samsung announces Galaxy XCover 5, the newest durable and advanced smartphone built for tough environments
Samsung Electronics today revealed the new Galaxy XCover 5, a rugged yet sophisticated device designed to handle demanding jobs while meeting the needs of an increasingly mobile workforce. Engineered for the field and factory, the Galaxy XCover 5 combines durability with comfort for a product that is sleek and easy-to-hold, yet rugged enough to withstand tough work environments. It's built to power today's mobile business with improved touch sensitivity for use with gloves, and comes with an easy-to-charge, replaceable battery for all day productivity. [See Samsung media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 4, 2021

Juniper System Mesa 3 Windows Lite model now available
Juniper Systems reports that with the end-of-life on the lower cost Mesa 2, the company is now introducing a new Mesa 3 Windows Lite model. This provides a lower cost entry level model with 128GB storage, no integrated GNSS/GPS options, no cameras, and no option for a built-in battery. This does not apply to the Android version of the Mesa 3. [See Juniper news release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Handheld Special Edition: great rugged deployments
Few purveyors of rugged hardware and solutions keep their existing and potential customers as well informed as the Handheld Group. Their Rugged Informer is among the best blogs, and Handheld publishes case studies, success stories, and solutions reports in an informative, modern format. The latest issue highlights borehole surveying with their ALGIZ 8X, scanning timer inventories with the NAUTIZ X2, and search and rescue with the ALGIZ 10X and side-scan sonar. [See Handheld's latest newsletter edition] -- Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2021

DJI takes drones to the next level with remote mobile viewing
Drones are becoming an ever more valuable addition in many field, surveying, asset management, public safety and other deployments that require remote mobile vision and recording. Market leader DJI has now taken it to the next level with the DJI FPV Combo that combines first person view with the cinematic 4k camera sweep of traditional drones. In other words, drone operators can virtually BE there in addition to viewing video after the flight. The combo includes the drone, goggles and controller, all for US$1,299 (yes, RuggedPCReview is getting one and will report on it). [See DJI media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Full review: DT Research DT362GL 6-inch full Windows handheld
With Windows CE and Windows Mobile gone, is Android the only migration path? For many applications it is, but sometimes Android just isn't enough and only full Windows 10 will do. And that is where the DT Research DT362GL comes in. It is a modern, rugged, state-of-the-art handheld computer that brings Windows 10 with all of its power and features to the popular large smartphone form factor. Geared towards numerous applications in military, field services, public safety, transportation and logistics, marine, and manufacturing and warehouse management, the DT362GL may just be what a lot of customers have been waiting for. [See full review of the DT Research DT362GL] -- Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Medical Tablet PC mH-150 by Estone Technology provides cardiac mHealth support through pre-op, surgery and post-op
Estone Technology, a leader in mHealth solutions, has partnered with a medical company from California to develop the mH-150 medical tablet PC. With a bright 15.6" touch LCD, the mH-150 is designed to collect data, update device firmware, and assist in medical procedures. The mH-150 has connection capabilities designed to communicate with ICDs and ECGs to mobilize mHealth solutions. [See Estone Technology media review]
-- Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Trimble announces rugged, lightweight field data controller for land and construction surveying
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today the Trimble® TSC5 Controller, a new rugged-yet-lightweight field solution that continues Trimble's legacy of creating high-quality controllers for land and civil construction surveyors. Built for practical, everyday tasks, the Trimble TSC5 combines high performance and dependability so professionals can complete tasks efficiently and accurately. [See Trimble media release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2021

What happened in rugged computing 10 years ago: March 2011
In March 2011, Advantech launched a rugged in-vehicle solutions campaign, Juniper Systems' Mesa Rugged Notepad was named NASA Tech Briefs Product of the Month, and Technology editor Geoff Walker presented an overview on the status of active digitizer technologies. LXE introduced the rugged Thor vehicle-mount and proudly announced their 2010 sales were up 29%. Getac released the MH132 rugged handheld, Psion said it was profitable in 2010, Microsoft released Windows Embedded Compact 7, Apple the iPad 2, and Western Digital bought Hitachi's hard drive unit. We reviewed the Fujitsu Lifebook T580, the Panasonic U1 Ultra rugged UMPC, and ACC Systems' AT870. The U.S. Army was going to test GD-Itronix GD300 wearable PCs, Eurotech released the WL1500 wearable computer, and DAP launched their next-gen Atom-based M9000 line of rugged dual-OS tablets. -- Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2021