October 2018

Honeywell announced a new vehicle-mounted computer, built for the company's Mobility Edge Platform, to help forklift operators locate and move products quickly and efficiently throughout distribution centers. The rugged Thor VM1A vehicle-mounted computer — a refresh of the company's VM1 and CV41 computers — runs on the Android operating system and features the same smart dock and field-replaceable front touchscreen and keyboard the previous models. This makes servicing or swapping the devices a simple and easy task to minimize downtime. [See Honeywell media release]

Xplore rugged tablets on Mars!
Well, not really. But given Xplore's many years of experience in making rugged tablets and nothing but rugged tablets, it's no wonder to find all sorts of Xplore rugged tablets in National Geographic's TV Series Mars. The 6-part sci-fi/documentary series mixes a Mars expedition in the 2030s with current day interviews and footage. In the sci-fi footage, the XSlate B10, iX104 XC6, and XSlate R12 are all used on Mars and on Earth. Given the much lower gravity on Mars, we're probably talking 20-foot drop spec. -- Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Giada releases DD68 book-sized PC powered by Intel's latest 8th-gen processors
Giada, a provider of embedded PCs, embedded motherboards, server and storage appliances, is pleased to announce the compact Giada DD68, the company's latest book-sized PC, ideal for signage player applications in hospitality, retail, commercial, service and advertising roles. This device brings organizations all the performance and efficiency of Intel's new Whiskey Lake CPUs, independent outputs to multiple 4K displays, plus the ease of use and rapid employee and client uptake offered by intuitive touch screen support. [See Giada media release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Cincoze announces DS-1200 rugged embedded PC featuring 8th-gen Intel Core processors, modular design, and PCI/PCIe expansion
Cincoze, a manufacturer of embedded computing platforms, introduced their DS-1200 rugged embedded computer series. Featuring Intel Q370 chipsets and 8th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron 35W/65W LGA 1151 processors, the DS-1200 series supports advanced technologies such as DDR4-2666 SO-DIMM memory, USB 3.1 (Gen2) ports, and ultra-fast PCIex4 NVMe SSD for users to experience the highest performance possible. The DS-1200 platform also offers three full-size Mini PCI Express slots and one or two PCI/PCIe expansion slots for additional I/O expansion. [See Cincoze media release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2018

StayLinked SmartTE now available for Janam's Android-powered rugged mobile computers
Janam Technologies LLC announced today that it is working with StayLinked to offer terminal emulation software for its Android-powered rugged mobile computers. StayLinked SmartTE is a terminal emulation modernization solution that is fueling the massive migration from Windows-based devices to touch screen Android-powered rugged mobile computers in the supply chain. With StayLinked SmartTE, organizations can transform their "green screen" application screens into easy-to-use, graphical screens while retaining their application's functionality. [See Janam media release] -- Posted Thursday, October 25, 2018

FirstNet Momentum: More than 3,600 public safety agencies subscribed
More than 3,600 Public Safety Agencies SubscribedMore than 3,600 public safety agencies across the country have now joined FirstNet. That's a nearly 50% increase in the number of agencies subscribing to the nationwide public safety communications platform in less than 2 months. With more than 250,000 connections on FirstNet, first responders from federal, state, local and tribal public safety agencies continue to turn to FirstNet for the communications capabilities they need, especially during emergencies and large events. [See FirstNet media release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Dell introduces powerful new semi-rugged and rugged laptops
Dell has introduced their new line of 14-inch semi-rugged and fully rugged laptops. The new line — which will replace the previous 14 Rugged and 14 Rugged Extreme models — includes the semi-rugged 4.9-pound Latitude 5420 Rugged, the 5.5-pound Latitude 5424 with media bay and extra expansion, and the fully rugged Latitude 7424 Rugged Extreme. All models are available with Intel 6th, 7th, and 8th generation Core processors, all come with Full HD displays, and all are available with fast PCIe NVMe drives, and all can accommodate over 100 watt-hours of battery power. [See RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Dell Latitude 5420 Rugged, the Dell Latitude 5424 Rugged, and the Dell Latitude 7424 Rugged Extreme] -- Posted Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Honeywell transforms picking in small and medium distribution centers with voice for SAP Business One
Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced the launch of a fully integrated voice-directed productivity solution for SAP Business One users. Honeywell signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with SAP (NYSE: SAP) to integrate and offer its Guided Work Solutions as an add-on for SAP Business One. The bundled solutions are expected to provide distribution center customers with improved productivity, accuracy and safety. [See Honeywell media release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 23, 2018

First look: The faster, tougher new Durabook S14I
With their new Durabook S14I semi-rugged laptop computer, Durabook Americas makes a definite statement. Re-defining the somewhat vague term "semi-rugged," the S14I sets new class standards with a 4-foot drop spec, IP53 sealing, all-quad-core 8th gen Intel Core processor options, USB 3.1, and quickest available discrete graphics. [See descriptions, analysis and specs of the Durabook S14i semi-rugged laptop] -- Posted Thursday, October 18, 2018

Juniper System launches attachable keyboard for the Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet
Sometimes a physical keyboard works better than touch-typing on a tablet. There are some tablets with integrated physical keyboards, but that either makes the tablet larger or the screen smaller. Which may or may not be an issue. Juniper Systems offers an alternate solution with its new 54-key snap-on keyboard for their rugged Mesa 2 tablet. No tools needed. See how it works at "The Mesa 2 Rugged Tablet Attachable Keyboard is here or watch the video that shows how it works. -- Posted Thursday, October 18, 2018

Jif-Pak selects Janam rugged mobile computers to improve workflow processes
Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, announced today that Jif-Pak, the global leader in meat and poultry nettings and casings, is using the XT2 rugged touch computer to track inventory across its 75,000 square foot facility in Vista, California. To improve overall operations, Jif-Pak sought a rugged mobile computer that could enable better tracking of raw materials and finished goods from assembly to final delivery to customers. [See Janam media release] -- Posted Thursday, October 18, 2018

Durabook delivers world's toughest semi-rugged computer
Durabook Americas, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corporation, has introduced the most durable semi-rugged computer available. The Durabook S14I exceeds the capabilities of all other devices in its class, with the highest drop and IP ratings, 8th generation Intel® CPU, exceptional graphics performance, and a wide selection of I/O options. The S14I is ideal for demanding markets like public safety, government, military and field service, in applications like asset management, diagnostics and maintenance. [See Durabook Americas media release] -- Posted Thursday, October 18, 2018

JLT Mobile Computers expands its Android products suite with new fully rugged tablets and handheld computers
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, sees an increasing demand for Android within many of its core segments, including warehouse logistics, transportation, ports, mining and agriculture markets. Responding to this trend, in March 2018 JLT launched its latest generation JLT6012 vehicle-mount computer with Android support, and is now expanding its Android operating system product suite with three new fully rugged portable computers. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Will smartphones become indestructible?
In a recent article, tech industry pundit Shelly Palmer wondered what's next for smartphones, a device genre that lives on continuous improvement. According to Palmer, among five features/improvements we'll see in the near future is that smartphones will become indestructible. That's both good news, but also something to think about for the rugged handheld industry. [See "Smartphones: What's Next?" by Shelly palmer] -- Posted Monday, October 15, 2018

IDC: Global Q3/2018 PS shipments flat, Lenovo on top
According to IDC, preliminary results for the third quarter of 2018 (3Q18) show that shipments of traditional PCs (desktop, notebook, and workstation) totaled nearly 67.4 million units, marking a decline of 0.9% in year-on-year terms. In terms of unit marketshare, Lenovo was 1st with 24%, followed by HP (22.8), Dell (17%), Acer (7.2%), and Apple (7.1%). [See IDC media release] -- Posted Monday, October 15, 2018

Review: Bak USA's rugged 8-inch Seal Windows tablet
There's a new kid on the rugged tablet block. It's Bak USA, a company that describes itself as a "social enterprise that builds computers." And they do it in the US, in Buffalo. RuggedPCReview examined and benchmarked the 8-inch, Intel x7-Z8700-powered, IP65-sealed Bak USA Seal Windows tablet that starts at US$699. It's for real. [See review of the Bak USA Rugged Seal Tablet] -- Posted Monday, October 15, 2018

What happend in rugged computing 10 years ago: October 2008
In October 2008, we reported that Intermec got a US Army contract for their CK61G and the Seattle PD picked Intermec's CN3. We reported that the LXE TX700 and TX800, which LXE ( later bought by Honeywell) took over after they bought Swedish Akerstroms, was now made in the US. Motorola began offering Windows Mobile 6.1 and launched the VC6096 vehicle computer, Finmeccanica bought DRS Technologies. Toshiba unveiled the very cool Portege M750 Tablet PC and Fujitsu the ST6012 slate. RuggedPCReview did a full review of the super-tough Xplore iX104C4. [See what happened in rugged computing five years ago in October 2008] -- Posted Thursday, October 11, 2018

American Nutrition improves productivity by 20% with Janam rugged mobile computers
Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, announced today that American Nutrition, a leading manufacturer of pet food and treats for branded companies and retailers, is using XG3-ER gun-shaped, rugged mobile computers from Janam to improve operations across its three world-class facilities. Janam's XG3-ER was selected because of its ability to improve supply chain visibility, increase employee productivity and reliably run American Nutrition's WMS. [See Janam media release] -- Posted Thursday, October 11, 2018

Datalogic and Brother Mobile Solutions expand their solutions for the retail market
Datalogic announced its strategic alliance in North America with Brother Mobile Solutions, a premier provider of mobile printing solutions for workforces on the go, to enhance its mobile print proposition, with a focus on the retail market. This alliance between Datalogic's advanced scanning systems and Brother Mobile Solutions' printer solutions increase the efficiency and reduce the costs of labeling and packaging products of retail customers. [See Datalogic media release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Orlando Police Department uses leading-edge Motorola Solutions Si500 body-worn cameras
Police officers from the Orlando Police Department are using Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI) Si500 body-worn cameras to strengthen community trust by improving accountability and transparency. When a video is taken, built-in security protects evidence captured at the scene of incident so that it remains untouched throughout its lifecycle. Our solutions are built for the mission-critical needs of public safety," said Robert Marshall, vice president of sales, Motorola Solutions. "We have been working closely with the Orlando Police Department to provide them with secure solutions, such as the Si500, that help them protect residents and the millions of visitors who enjoy the city's attractions." [See Motorola Solutions media release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Florida selects Motorola Solutions for new public safety statewide radio system
The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) announced that it has the authority to award a contract to Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI) to build and manage the new statewide Project 25 (P25) public safety radio system. Motorola Solutions will provide Florida with an interoperable ASTRO® 25 land mobile radio (LMR) system for improved coverage, reliability and audio clarity for first responders across the state. The new Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) buildout — valued at over half a billion dollars — is scheduled to begin in 2020. [See Motorola Solutions media release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Handheld announces free MaxGo Android apps for staging and security
Handheld Group, a leading supplier of rugged mobile computers, today announced the release of MaxGo, a suite of Android apps that allows easy configuration of staging and security settings. MaxGo apps are available at no cost for all Handheld Android rugged computer users. MaxGo software apps are designed to facilitate an even easier, safer experience for Handheld customers and their clients using rugged Android devices. This growing suite of applications allows users to instantly apply identical settings — including security, staging and kiosk configurations — to multiple devices. [See Handheld Group media release] -- Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Juniper adds Cedar CP3 rugged smartphone
Two years after launching its predecessor, Juniper Systems introduced the CP3 Rugged Handheld, which brings with it massive upgrades to nearly every specification. The Cedar CP3 offers 14- to 16-hour battery life operating at full brightness and running GPS; a 16-megapixel user-facing camera and dual 12-megapixel rear camera; a bright, high-resolution 5.5-inch AMOLED display; and 6 gigabytes RAM with 64 gigabytes of internal storage. [See description, analysis and specs of the Cedar CP3 by Juniper Systems] -- Posted Friday, October 5, 2018

Panasonic Toughbook hits the road to educate customers as they prepare for FirstNet
Today, the Panasonic Toughbook Truck begins its journey to support first responders' transition to FirstNet, the nationwide public safety communications platform dedicated to America's public safety community. The 40-foot Toughbook Truck is designed and outfitted to offer an educational, immersive mobile experience across the U.S. in partnership with AT&T and Sierra Wireless. For a complete list of cities and dates, visit ToughbookFirstResponder.com. [See Panasonic media release] -- Posted Monday, October 1, 2018

How does SBAS improve GPS?
In its Get Rugged blog, Juniper Systems explains what SBAS is — a regional network of ground and satellite technologies that work together to boost the accuracy and dependability of GPS data. The increased accuracy is critical for aviation and is widely used by the geospatial industry. Author Jackson Murphy explains how SBAS works, where there is SBA coverage, what SBAS systems are under development, and where to download SBAS coverage maps. [See Juniper System's How does SBAS improve GPS?] -- Posted Monday, October 1, 2018