October 2017

Group Mobile awarded multiple contracts to support recent win with large Arizona fire department
Group Mobile, a rapidly expanding premier provider of innovative, full-service mobile technology solutions today announced they have secured a contract with a large Arizona fire department. Group Mobile will be providing Getac rugged technology for approximately 100 vehicles in the fleet. [See Group Mobile press release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Added: Second generation Getac S410 semi-rugged laptop
We added description, analysis and specs of the second gen Getac S410 semi-rugged notebook computer. The major difference between the original S410 and the second gen model is upgraded security (even an IR camera for face recognition login) and availability of no fewer than four different Intel 8th-generation quad-core processors. [See description, analysis and specs of the second generation Getac S410] -- Posted Monday, October 30, 2017

Zebra unveils new Android enterprise smartphone for small- and medium-sized businesses
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 introduced the TC20, a rugged, value-driven mobile computer designed to meet the specific needs of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). [See Zebra press release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Zebra TC20] -- Posted Thursday, October 26, 2017

Trimble reports Q3 2017 financials
Trimble reported Q3 2017 revenue of US$670 million, up 15% from Q3 2016. Net income was $55.7 million, up 42% as compared to the third quarter of 2016. Buildings and Infrastructure revenue was $214.5 million, up 13%. Geospatial revenue was $169.7 million, up 6%. Resources and Utilities revenue was $114.4 million, up 31%. Transportation revenue was $171.4 million, up 16%. [See Trimble press release] -- Posted Thursday, October 26, 2017

Added: New Datalogic Rhino II vehicle mount panel PC
Datalogic announced the Rhino II vehicle mount panel computer in early October 2017. The Rhino II replaces the previous Rhino 10 panel and comes in 10.4 and 12.1-inch versions, with a special "Freezer" version for ultra-low temperatures. The Rhino II can run either Windows Embedded Compact 7 (and soon Android 6.0) on an ARM Freescale platform, or the embedded versions of Windows 7 and Windows 10 on an Intel E3826. The standard versions now use capacitive multi-touch whereas the freezer versions stays with resistive touch. [See Datalogic press release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Datalogic Rhino II] -- Posted Tuesday, October 24, 2017

DT Research announces first complete vehicle mount tablet solution purpose-built for first responders, field service and military
DT Research, the leading designer and manufacturer of purpose-built computing solutions for vertical markets, today announced a complete vehicle mount tablet solution that includes a 12.5 inch Full HD display tablet (optional 4K Ultra HD) with a slim folding keyboard cradle. This is the first rugged tablet and vehicle mount solution designed by one manufacturer to ensure guaranteed compatibility and seamless interoperability for superior information capture/transfer and mobile communications through a dual pass-through antenna. [See DT Research press release] -- Posted Monday, October 23, 2017

Tempered Networks' new rugged industrial IoT Gateway
Tempered Networks, Inc. announced its new HIPswitch 250 platform, the industry's first identity-based industrial IoT gateway, that cuts the cost and complexity of networking and security in half. By eliminating the need for APNs, Ethernet switches, internal firewalls, VPNs and separate cellular modems, the new ruggedized gateway appliance enables simple end-to-end private networks that are more secure and resilient than other alternatives. For the first time in the industry, IoT endpoints can be instantly provisioned in an overlay network regardless of location, without having to modify the legacy network. [See Tempered Networks' press release] -- Posted Monday, October 23, 2017

Xplore Technologies announces the retirement of Phil Sassower as Chairman
Xplore Technologies Corp., (NASDAQ:XPLR), a global leader in rugged computing, today reported the retirement of Philip S. Sassower, 77, as chairman of the board, and his concurrent resignation from the board of directors. During more than 12 years of tenure, he served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Earlier this year, he stepped down from his role as CEO. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Saturday, October 21, 2017

Getac’s Next Gen S410 Semi-Rugged Notebook Sets New Standards for Performance, Multi-Layer Security and Configurability
Designed to withstand the daily challenges facing today’s field technicians, Getac introduces its second generation S410 semi-rugged notebook, which maintains its best-in-class performance, security features, and MIL-STD-certified ruggedness. Along with its purpose-built configurability and slim and light form factor, the next generation S410 is the ideal workhorse for mobile professionals in public safety, insurance and other field service professions. [See Getac press release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 17, 2017

GammaTech DURABOOK SA14 semi-rugged laptop receives performance upgrades
GammaTech Computer Corporation, the North American branch of Twinhead International Corporation, today announced upgrades to its DURABOOK SA14. The globally respected semi-rugged laptop now features enhanced performance driven by Intel® 7th generation Core processors, updated graphics capabilities, and improved battery life. Purpose-built to meet a wide variety of mobile worker environments, the upgraded device is ideal for customers in public safety, field service, military, utilities, government, vehicle service, and other markets requiring semi-rugged reliability. [See GammaTech press release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Honeywell introduces new hardware and software platform for its mobile computers, helping customers maximize their technology investments
Honeywell announced a new hardware and software platform for the next generation of its mobile computers, which are used globally by distribution centers, transportation and logistics providers, hospitals, and retailers to increase worker productivity and capture critical data. The Mobility Edge Platform comprises common hardware architecture and a suite of tools on which Honeywell and its partners will build future mobility solutions, which include rugged handheld computers, wearable devices, voice-directed technology, tablets and vehicle-mounted computers. [Our take:] This is relevant in two ways: 1) Honeywell strongly endorses Android with the Mobility Edge Platform, and also addresses Android's version fragmentation and obsolescence issue by supporting the current and the next three versions of Android. 2) The also announced Dolphin CT60 handheld only comes with Android; Windows has been dropped (the predecessor CT50 offered both) [See Honeywell press release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Review: Tablet Technologies Conker NS6: 6-inch rugged full Windows 10 handheld
Big-screen smartphones are the norm now, so why not big-screen rugged handheld computers with integrated scanners? For that, Tablet Technologies offers the Conker SX6 with a very good 6-inch, 245ppi, 430 nits capacitive multi-touch IPS screen. It runs full Windows 10 on a quad-core Intel Atom X5-8350 chip, can be equipped with Zebra 1D or Honeywell 2D barcode readers, and is tough and rugged enough for any job in the field. [See review of the Tablet Technologies Conker NS6] -- Posted Monday, October 16, 2017

Review: Tablet Technologies Conker SX6: 6-inch rugged Android handheld
Big-screen smartphones are the norm now, so why not big-screen rugged handheld computers with integrated scanners? For that, Tablet Technologies offers the Conker SX6 with a very good 6-inch, 245ppi, 430 nits capacitive multi-touch IPS screen. It runs Android 5.1 on a quad-core SnapDragon chip, can be equipped with Honeywell 1D or 2D barcode readers, and is tough and rugged enough for any job in the field. [See review of the Tablet Technologies Conker SX6] -- Posted Monday, October 16, 2017

Datalogic announces the Rhino II Vehicle Mount Computer
Datalogic, a global leader in automatic data capture and industrial automation markets, introduces the Rhino II Vehicle Mount Computer (VMC) designed to survive the rugged use found in warehouse, factories and distribution environments. This new VMC is offered with a wide array of operating system choices including WEC7, Windows Embedded Standard 7 and Windows IoT. The WEC7 version offers a path for optional field upgrade to Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. [See Datalogic press review] -- Posted Monday, October 16, 2017

Handheld US appoints new President and CEO
Handheld announced the appointment of a new President and CEO for its North American subsidiary, Handheld US. New Handheld US President and CEO Jim Rimay has served as Vice President of Sales for Handheld US since April 2015. He has decades of experience as an executive and sales manager in the rugged computing industry, including positions at Motion Computing, Getac North America, Walkabout Computers and DRS Tactical Systems. [See Handheld Group press release] -- Posted Saturday, October 14, 2017

Unitech MS650 ring scanner changes the barcoding game
The biggest news in barcode scanning is surprisingly small. Unitech America introduces the compact and wearable MS650 ring scanner. The MS650 scans all barcodes on paper and LCD screen surfaces, even highly reflective ones. It is similar to a companion scanner in that it works with your iOS or Android OS and easily pairs to any computer, tablet, ot smartphone. Slide the device onto your finger, adjust with the Velcro strap, and scan away while freeing your hands to hold other essentials. Transferring your data from scanner to computer can be done simply using Bluetooth or batch transferred via USB. [See Unitech press release and Unitech MS650 brochure] -- Posted Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Malin USA orders additional Xplore rugged tablets to support forklift maintenance technicians
Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:XPLR) today announced that Malin USA has placed a new order for XSLATE R12 rugged tablet PCs to support the ongoing expansion of their highly remote workforce. The forklift service company first replaced their Netbooks with a previous generation of R12 tablets in 2014, and is now starting to upgrade to the new higher-performance XSLATE R12 model to facilitate a fully paperless maintenance operation. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Windows 10 Mobile in maintenance mode
Windows 10 Mobile -- part of Microsoft's Windows 10 "unified core" project where applications have a single binary that can run on any device once they have been adapted to a class of devices -- was supposed to be Microsoft's Phone OS and also the replacement for the old Windows Mobile and Windows Embedded Handheld. Unfortunately, developers didn't fall in line and Windows 10 Mobile never really got out of the starting blocks. Microsoft's VP in the OS Group, Joe Belfiore, has now gone public with tweets saying that while Microsoft will continue to support the platform, "building new features/hw aren't the focus." Which we take as meaning that Windows 10 Mobile has now been relegated to maintenance mode. [See On MSFT story] -- Posted Monday, October 9, 2017

Revolutionary Crystal Group FORCE rugged servers debut at AUSA
Crystal Group, a leading designer/manufacturer of rugged and reliable computer hardware, will unveil its revolutionary new Crystal Group FORCE Rugged Server line at the 2017 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., October 9th through 11th (booth 6514). Crystal Group's new Fully Optimized Rugged Computer Equipment is FORCE. The company's new FORCE rugged rack-mount servers marry the latest Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors with high-speed networking, enhanced I/O, platform security, and thermal management in a modular, customizable high-performance computing (HPC) system to bring unprecedented processing power and flexibility to the battlefield. [See Crystal Group press release] -- Posted Friday, October 6, 2017

What happened in rugged computing 5 years ago: Oct. 2012
In October 2012, Trimble introduced the Yuma 2 tablet with a Pixel Qi display. Microsoft launched Windows Phone 8 that was supposed to work seamlessly with Windows 8 PCs, Microsoft Surface and the Xbox 360. Intermec opened Intermec Beijing Technology and launched the next gen CK3 rugged handheld.We wondered how suitable Windows RT might be for vertical markets (not very). Motorola Solutions had quarterly sales of US$2.15 billion, bought Psion, and announced the HC1 headset computer. Honeywell launched the elegant Dolphin 70e Black. Datalogic turned 40 and planned for 2014 revenues of US$680-700 million. Harris launched the InTouch RPC-200 rugged Android phone, Handheld the Algiz 10X, TabletKiosk the eo a7400 tablet, and GammaTech the Durabook T10L2 medical tablet. [See October 2012 RuggedPCReview archive] -- Posted Thursday, October 5, 2017

Datalogic introduced the 4.3-inch, Android-based Joya Touch A6 for Healthcare settings and applications
Healthcare settings have their special requirements for electronic gear, ranging from interoperability to security to ease of cleaning and disinfecting, and more. Datalogic introduced the handy Joya Touch A6 with integrated industrial-grade scanner and available pistol-grip to address a variety of healthcare needs in patient bedside care, lab, pharmacy, admittance, billing, etc. [See RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Datalogic Joya Touch A6 Healthcare] -- Posted Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Xplore rugged tablets enable Haitoglou Bros SA to complete supply chain transactions 50% faster
Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: XPLR) today announced that Haitoglou Bros SA has mobilized its warehouse operations using Xplore's secure R12 rugged tablet solution. The 12.5" Intel-powered mobile computers are enabling warehouse personnel to receive and place orders in real time using data being submitted and distributed up-to-the-minute via the connected Entersoft ERP software. [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 4, 2017

JLT Mobile Computers delivers celebratory unit with exclusive 100,000-hour warranty to Volvo Car Body Components
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, has reached a significant milestone in its company history with the production of the 100,000th rugged computer. The celebratory unit was presented in person to Mikael Hofflander, Project Manager, Volvo Car Body Components, by Per Holmberg, CEO, JLT Mobile Computers, during a ceremony at the JLT production site in Ronneby, Sweden. [See JLT Mobile press release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 4, 2017

ADLINK donates to Las Vegas Victims' Fund
Like many leading embedded systems manufacturers, ADLINK was in Las Vegas, preparing for the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), when the shooting tragedy happened. ADLINK said, "Like any corporate trade show, we had a budget set aside for various promotions at the show. With the recent tragedy at Mandalay Bay, we want to put our dollars to better use and help the victims of the Las Vegas Shooting. ADLINK has donated $5,000 to the verified Go Fund Me campaign of Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak for the victims of Sunday night's shooting." -- Posted Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Zebra marks 35th anniversary of barcode printerline by introducing next generation of intelligent printers
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 announced the next generation of thermal desktop and mobile printers 35 years after introducing its first barcode printer known as the "Zebra® Printer". The new printers are enabled by Print DNA, a software suite of applications, utilities and developer tools. Zebra's new ZD420/ZD620 thermal transfer desktop printers, ZQ320 Series mid-range mobile printers and Print DNA software suite together help companies sense and analyze the status and performance of their printer fleet in real time. The new line of barcode printers and printer software deliver a superior printing experience through better performance, simplified remote management and easier integration. [See Zebra press release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Trimble introduces high-performance T10 tablet for demanding survey field work and GIS applications
Trimble describes their new T10 tablet as a rugged, high-performance data processing platform with the power of a high-end laptop, a tool suitable for a variety of survey and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications and enhancing efficiencies for geospatial users in the field. And the T10 backs that up with a 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 800 nits procap display with active pen option, Intel Core i7-6500U power, an available detachable keyboard for 2-in-1 use, and the kind of ruggedness needed in the field. [See description, analysis and specs of the Trimble T10] -- Posted Monday, October 2, 2017