May 2018

VIA unveils edge AI system line for automotive, enterprise IoT, and Smart City applications
VIA Technologies, Inc., today showcased its family of high-performance Edge AI systems for the Automotive, Enterprise IoT, and Smart City segments at its global headquarters and highlighted its core facial and object recognition, 360-degree surround view, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) technology platforms that are accelerating the development and deployment of groundbreaking real-world applications by customers in world markets. [See VIA press release] -- Posted Thursday, May 31, 2018

Winmate to see strong 2018 sales
According to DigiTimes, Winmate's 2017 revenues were up 5.06% to NT$1.414 billion (US$47.2 million). Winmate is expected to see 2018 revenues of US$50 to$53 million, and chairman Lu Ku-ching said tablet products will account for 50% of all revenue. [See Digitimes article] -- Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Mitsubishi Electric's Graphic Operation Terminal GOT2000 Series to add rugged model for use under extreme conditions
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) announced that its Graphic Operation Terminal GOT2000 Series, a type of human-machine-interface (HMI), would add a Rugged Model on May 30 to enable workers to monitor, operate and adjust machines that operate under extreme conditions, including very high temperatures, extra-bright lighting, strong vibrations or shock, and high water pressure. [See Mitsubishi press release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Cincoze CS100/P2000 wins COMPUTEX d&i awards 2018
Cincoze is pleased to announce today that CS-100/P2000 series sunlight readable panel PC has won Computex d&i awards 2018 in the "Systems + Mobile Communication" category. The COMPUTEX d&i awards, hosted for the first time in 2008 by TAITRA in cooperation with iF, have become a constant feature of the COMPUTEX TAIPEI trade fair. This year, the jury chose its winners following close examination and assessment of 212 entries submitted by participants from ten countries. The winning products are evaluated on 5 criteria: "Innovation and Elaboration", "Functionality", "Aesthetics", "Responsibility", and "Positioning." [See Cincoze press release] -- Posted Thursday, May 24, 2018

Honeywell introduces future-proof Dolphin CT40 Android mobile computer with industrial-grade scanning
Honeywell continued fleshing out its line of enterprise-oriented Dolphin mobile computers with the introduction of the Dolphin CT40 on May 23, 2018. The new Android 7.1.1-based, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600-powered Dolphin CT40 was designed to be a one-stop device for retail store associates and other mobile workers that can handle everything from order picking at a distribution center to in-store merchandising to home delivery and more. [See description, analysis and specs of the Honeywell Dolphin CT40] -- Posted Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Added: Unitech PA726 rugged octa-core Android computer
Unitech's PA700 platform began as an effort to merge effortless smartphone functionality with the best of a traditional mobile computer. It's been updated twice since its inception, first with the PA720 and now with the octa-core, Android 7-based PA726 that features a 5-foot drop spec, optional IP67 sealing, 1D or 2D scanners, 5mp/16mp cameras, 802.11ac WiFi, and a very wide range of WLAN bands and technologies. [See description, analysis and specs of the Unitech PA726] -- Posted Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Added: Unitech PA730 5-inch rugged Android computer
The Unitech PA730 is an excellent solution for applications where consumer smartphones in a case just won't do. Sporting a super-sharp and very bright 5-inch screen with capacitive multi-touch, high resolution cameras, and excellent connectivity, the (Verizon-certified) Unitech PA730 also comes with battery hot-swapping, industrial-grade scanning, and ruggedness far beyond anything a consumer device can offer. [See description, analysis and specs of the Unitech PA730] -- Posted Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Winmate presents next gen 10.1-inch high-performance rugged Windows tablet
Several years ago, Winmate was among the first to introduce a state-of-the-art rugged Windows tablet, the 10.1-inch M101B, geared towards users demanding future-oriented design and technology that was on par, or ahead of, with what was available in the consumer media tablet space. The M101B was then joined by the performance-oriented M101H version. The just released M101S represents the next generation of Winmate's high-end M101H tablet, offering Intel 7th generation Core processor power, USB 3.0 Type C, a brighter display, dual microphones and faster wireless communication. [See description, analysis and specs of the Winmate M101S] -- Posted Monday, May 21, 2018

Added: Xplore Technologies M60
Answering their customers' request for smaller rugged devices, Xplore Technologies released their new Xplore M60 handheld computer. Powered by an octa-core Snap Dragon 625 processor and running Android Version 8 "Oreo" on a retina class 6-inch screen, the 13-ounce M60 is IP68 sealed, runs up to 22 hours on a charge, has dual cameras (5/13mp), USB Type C, and offers an industrial-grade 2D scanner. Starting at US$999. [See RuggedPCReview.com's description, analysis and specs of the Xplore M60] -- Posted Friday, May 18, 2018

Juniper Systems Celebrates 25 Years of Business
Juniper Systems’ 150+ employees celebrated the company's 25th anniversary by enjoying a night filled with company memories, good food, all kinds of entertainment, and loads of laughter. CEO DeVon Labrum addressed the company by reflecting on the earliest product successes, the current exceptional growth, and all the individuals who made the past 25 years a success. [See Juniper Systems Celebrates 25 Years of Business] -- Posted Friday, May 18, 2018

Ultimate rugged xCase for iPad Pro 10.5" model with industry-leading functionality introduced by MobileDemand
MobileDemand continues to lead the way in the rugged tablet industry, constantly innovating and developing new products for mobile workforce productivity. The company is introducing its military-grade rugged xCase for the iPad Pro 10.5" model, its first rugged case for iPad users following tremendous success with its rugged case for the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet. [See MobileDemand press release] -- Posted Thursday, May 17, 2018

Xplore unveils the M60, its first rugged, ultra-mobile Android handheld computer
Xplore Technologies Corp. announced today that it is introducing a 6" handheld computer to its expanding rugged mobility portfolio: the Xplore M60. This Qualcomm Octa-Core powered and Android 8.0 Oreo ultra-mobile device will be available in two enterprise-ready configurations when it starts shipping in June 2018 — with and without a built-in barcode scanner (base U.S. MSRP $1199 and $999). [See Xplore press release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Panasonic: Technology buyers favor spreading the cost of mobile workforce computing
According to a study by Panasonic (Mobile Computing as a Service), technology buyers are in favor of spreading the cost of equipping their mobile workforces with notebooks, tablets and handheld devices, the latest research reveals. 78% of UK technology buyers said they would be interested in a subscription-based solution to equip mobile workforces. Currently buyers say their top considerations when purchasing mobile devices for their workforce are cost (72%) and life expectancy of the product (54%). Yet the majority of buyers still expect to replace their mobile workforces' devices every 2-3 years. Buyers said an "As a Service" approach for mobile hardware, as opposed to paying out in advance with a large, one-off capital expenditure, would help them to purchase up to date technology more quickly (54%), manage costs better (49%) and free up budget to purchase more accessories (34%). [See Panasonic media release] -- Posted Saturday, May 12, 2018

First-in-Market xKeyPad application by MobileDemand expands Windows tablet mobile workforce capability
MobileDemand, a leading rugged tablet provider, has introduced xKeyPad, a patent-pending software utility to complement the company's Family of Tablets, Microsoft Surface Bundles, or any tablet running Windows 10. xKeyPad is a productivity tool used to enter numbers faster with a persistent numeric keypad, also offering optional barcode scanning that utilizes the integrated camera to scan 25 different types of barcodes. The app enables data collection on a single device in a mobile environment, without the need for add-on keyboards, expensive integrated barcode scanner options, or separate handheld scanner. [See MobileDemand press release and RuggedPCReview's assessment of xKeyPad] -- Posted Thursday, May 10, 2018

Zebra Technologies announces first-quarter results
Zebra Technologies announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. GAAP net sales were US$977 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to US$865 million in the first quarter of 2016. Net income for the first quarter of 2017 was US$109 million, compared to net income of $8 million for the first quarter of 2017. “Our first quarter results were driven by strong broad-based market demand for our solutions and excellent operational execution by our team. We delivered net sales, EBITDA margin, and earnings per share above the respective guidance ranges. We also continued to aggressively retire debt, reducing our net leverage ratio to 2.8x,” said Anders Gustafsson, chief executive officer of Zebra Technologies. [See Zebra financials] -- Posted Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Juniper Systems celebrates 25 years of business
Juniper Systems is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a leading manufacturer of innovative, ultra-rugged solutions for mobile data collection. In these 25 years, Juniper Systems has grown from a small company focused on seed research to an internationally-recognized manufacturer serving a variety of markets. "We have always put a focus on developing long-term relationships by understanding our customers and the work they are doing, providing quality products and solutions to meet those needs, and supporting and taking care of them after the sale," said Juniper Systems President and CEO DeVon Labrum. "This approach to business has served us well over the years, and is still the foundation of everything we do. Celebrating this milestone is significant to Juniper Systems. While there are always ways we can and need to improve, it is a measure of the trust our partners and customers have in us." [See Juniper Systems press release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Updated: Full review of ARBOR Gladius GT-500 and GT-500-V
ARBOR has updated their popular rugged 5-inch GT-500 Android handheld computer from Android 5.1 to Android 7.0 "Nougat." Android 7.0 improves device performance and operation in many ways, including optimized management of background processes, faster system updates, notifications overhaul, split-screen operation, power management. ARBOR also launched a special Verizon-approved version, the Gladius GT-500-V, which includes additional improvements. [See updated full review of ARBOR GT-500 and GT-500-V] -- Posted Monday, May 7, 2018

Added: Trimble TSC7 Controller
Trimble Trimble describes the Windows 10-based TSC7 Controller as a new field solution for land and civil construction surveyors, and that the TSC7, combined with specialized software, defines the next generation of data collection and computing for mobile workers. To accomplish that, Trimble took a 7-inch tablet and merged it with a large handle that includes both a small QWERTY keypad as well as a separate numeric keypad and function keys. Interesting solution! [See description, analysis and specs of the Trimble TSC7] -- Posted Monday, May 7, 2018

Feature: Rugged luggage that goes with rugged computers
The goals and qualities of a well-designed and manufactured rugged tablet case are not unlike those of good luggage. Both are mobile. Both the computer housing and a piece of luggage protect what's inside. Electronics for the tablet computer and a wide range of personal items for luggage. Here's a look at a joint project between rugged computer maker RuggON and luggage maker Mendoza. [See Ruggedness. Quality. Leading edge design] -- Posted Monday, May 7, 2018

VDC: Rugged tablet market to reach $840 million by 2021
According to VDC, the competitive environment for the global rugged tablet market is the most dynamic it has been in years and is expected to reach $840 million by 2021. Overall, Windows remains the dominant operating system for rugged tablets; however, traction for Android has been growing rapidly due to the rising costs of supporting legacy Windows platforms. While the use cases for tablets with smaller displays are not yet mainstream, VDC expects these deployments to hold the greatest upside potential for vendors to explore. [See VDC report outline] -- Posted Friday, May 4, 2018

Motorola Solutions reports 15% sales increase Q1 2018
Motorola Solutions reported sales of $1.468 billion for Q1 of 2018, up 15% from $1.281 billion Q1 2017. Approximately $49 million of revenue growth was related to acquisitions. GAP operating earnings were $171 million, versus $173 million same quarter a year ago. For Q2, 2018, Motorola Solutions expects revenue growth of approximately 15%. [See Motorola Solutions press release] -- Posted Friday, May 4, 2018

IDC: Chrome OS detachable tablets paint a brighter future while tablet market struggles
According to IDC, global tablet shipments in the first quarter of 2018 (1Q18) reached 31.7 million, declining 11.7% from the prior year. However, the growing niche of detachable tablets like the Microsoft Surface and iPad Pro did experience more than 2.9% year-over-year growth and captured 15.3% share as newer models came into play. Meanwhile, the decline for traditional slate tablets continued as vendors managed to ship 26.8 million units, down 13.9% from the prior year. Apple's leading position remained unchallenged during the quarter as the company managed to ship 9.1 million iPads. Of that, 1.8 million were iPad Pro tablets, making Apple the leader in the detachable market as well. [See IDC press release] -- Posted Friday, May 4, 2018

IDC: 334 million smartphones shipped Q1 2018
According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, smartphone vendors shipped a total of 334.3 million units during the first quarter of 2018 (1Q18), resulting in a 2.9% decline when compared to the 344.4 million units shipped in the first quarter of 2017. Samsung was on top with 78.2 million, Apple second with 52.2 million, and then the Chinese trio of Huawei, Xiaomi and OPPO. For comparison, back in 2010, it was 55 million phones, with the ranking Nokia, RIM, Apple, HTC and Motorola. [See IDC release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Full review: Handheld Group's Nautiz X9 rugged Android PDA
Handheld Group introduced the Nautiz X9 as a design that provides all the ease of use of a modern Android device but also offers professional-grade data collection. And the attractively styled 5-inch Android 7 mobile computer is the company's brawniest and most rugged Android handheld yet. There's one less reason to use brittle consumer tech on the job, even if it's in a case. [See full review of the Handheld Group Nautiz X9 -- Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Durabook Americas expands executive team to fuel continued growth
Durabook Americas, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corporation, announced today that due to increased demand for its DURABOOK product line and an aggressive growth strategy, the company has expanded its executive ranks. Former President, Tom Wang will now serve as Chief Operating Officer, and industry veteran, Joe Guest, will take the helm as the company's new President. Mr. Guest will focus on expanding the team's sales force, and building customer-driven rugged computing solutions for the military, law enforcement, field service and other markets with highly mobile workforces operating in demanding environments. [See Durabook Americas press release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018