January 2020

Janam XT3 — Next evolution of a smartphone-style rugged Android touch computer
Smartphones have conquered the world, and it's only natural that enterprise users want the same handy form factor and advanced technology to do their work. Janam has been offering that with their XT2/XT2+ for several years. Now they released their new and much more powerful Janam XT3. [See description, analysis and specs of the Janam XT3] -- Posted Friday, January 31, 2020

Dell: Do You Have What It Takes? Top 20 Most Rugged Jobs in America
Have you ever scaled a 20-foot tree, hung off the side of a skyscraper, been 700 meters underground, or labored on a ship for 36 hours straight? How about run diagnostics on a 15-foot electricity pole, taken pipeline readings in zero-degree weather, or checked refinery equipment in a thunderstorm? It's hard to imagine that this is a normal day of work for some people... and it's for this reason that Dell is excited to celebrate them by sharing the Top 20 Most Rugged Jobs in America. [See Dell media release, the video showing Dell's Rugged PCs, video showing Dell's ruggedness test lab, and the Top 20 Most Rugged Jobs graphic.] -- Posted Thursday, January 30, 2020

Full review: with modular design, exceptional battery life, high performance, and great attention to detail, Panasonic's Toughbook 55 is a winner
Panasonic's Toughbook 55 is for those who can't risk having their laptop break down on the job. They may not necessarily need a fully-rugged computer with its higher weight and substantially higher cost, but they want the reassurance that comes with getting a reliable tool for the job. Our detailed review shows that the Toughbook 55 delivers in every respect. [See review of the Panasonic Toughbook 55] -- Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Introducing the Mesa® 3 Rugged Tablet running Android by Juniper Systems
Juniper Systems is excited to announce the release of the Mesa 3 Rugged Tablet running on the Android operating system. Built on the success of the Mesa 2, the Mesa 3 running Android is the next evolution in rugged handheld computing and data collection for all Android-based application needs. Offering performance increases across the board, the Mesa 3 is backed by Juniper Systems' world-class support and durability promise. The Mesa 3 running Android is now available and shipping worldwide. [See Juniper Systems media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020

JLT introduces rugged industry's smallest fixed-mount vehicle computer with highest performance
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, announces the launch of an addition to its popular VERSO Series of high-performance vehicle-mount computers. The new VERSO 10 computer provides customers with the industry's most compact, highest-performing rugged fixed-mount terminal and is perfect for installation even in the tightest spaces. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Zebra study: Real-time data access is critical for energy, utilities, field workers
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today announced study findings that indicate energy and utilities companies across the world will accelerate investments in mobile technologies to empower their front-line workers in the field. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Winmate releases 7-inch rugged Android tablet
Winmate released the M700DQ8, a 7-inch rugged Android-based tablet equipped with a high performance Qualcomm® Snapdragon 660 Octa-core processor running at up to 2.2 GHz. The M700DQ8 provides a set of features that make it ideal for mobile computing applications where a small, durable, environmentally rugged tablet is required, such as field service, transportation, logistics, factory automation, smart retail, and more. [See Winmate media release] -- Posted Friday, January 24, 2020

Janam debuts groundbreaking self-credentialing solutions at INTIX 2020
Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that capture data and communicate wirelessly, today unveiled next-generation contactless ticketing technology to power the flow of activity where fans, patrons and consumers transition from anonymous to known. The new XT3 rugged touch computer and Guardian GT1 entry pedestal allow individuals to gain access to the enterprise by digitally self-certifying their identity. [See Janam media release] -- Posted Thursday, January 23, 2020

Samsung introduces Galaxy XCover Pro: A sleek, durable and enterprise-ready smartphone built for business
Samsung Electronics unveiled the new Galaxy XCover Pro, a smartphone designed and engineered for frontline workers across a variety of industries around the world. The Galaxy XCover Pro completely re-imagines the enterprise-ready smartphone, delivering a rugged, yet stylish device for both field and customer-facing settings. The Galaxy XCover Pro builds on Samsung Galaxy smartphones' premium legacy features including an immersive display, long-lasting battery and the protection by Samsung Knox security platform. In addition, the device is enhanced with unique partner-enabled mobility solutions for use in a wide range of business scenarios, including the ability to integrate the newly announced walkie talkie capability in Microsoft Teams. [See Samsung media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Sonim Technologies names Denny as EVP of sales, Graff as CMO
Sonim Technologies named Randy Denny as EVP of sales, and John Graff as chief marketing officer. As EVP of sales, Denny will lead the global sales, customer service and sales operations for Sonim. A veteran of the rugged device industry, Denny most recently served as VP of sales North America for RealWear, a maker of rugged android devices. He also served as senior VP of global sales for Xplore Technologies, a maker of rugged tablet and handheld devices. As CMO, Graff will be responsible for corporate marketing, channel marketing, communications, product management and product marketing. Prior to Sonim, Graff served as chief revenue officer and vice president of marketing at Xplore Technologies. -- Posted Tuesday, January 21, 2020

OnLogic: There are three types of edge computers
"Edge" computers are systems that do their work not in a remote datacenter or on the cloud, but right where the data originates (or at least close to it). Such computers are often industrial systems, but what, exactly, are they? The folks at OnLogic differentiate between three types of edge computers: fan-cooled, fanless, and rugged. They also did a nice write-up about the three types of edge computers, how to pick the right one, and what all to consider when engaging in an edge computer project. [See How to find the right edge computer] -- Posted Friday, January 17, 2020

Handheld failures frustrate workforce and cost business, latest Panasonic research shows
Handheld mobile computing failures are frustrating delivery drivers, warehouse workers, retailers and emergency services personnel across the UK and costing business. On average, the handheld mobile computing devices with bar code readers fail more than 2.5 times a year (based on a sample of 250 UK device users) and take 2.6 days or more to replace or repair, according to workers in the latest research undertaken by Opinion Matters, on behalf of Panasonic TOUGHBOOK. [See Panasonic media release -- Posted Thursday, January 16, 2020

Zebra Technologies named a "Leader" for global indoor location services in Gartner Magic Quadrant
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today announced it has been recognized by Gartner, Inc. as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for Indoor Location Services, Global. This is the first year Gartner has placed a company in the Leaders quadrant. Zebra Technologies has been recognized as a Visionary for each of the last two years. A complimentary copy of the full report is available from the Zebra Technologies' website. -- Posted Thursday, January 16, 2020

Gamber-Johnson continues to expand its international sales team
Gamber-Johnson, a leading international supplier of rugged mounting systems for public safety vehicles, fleet vehicles, forklifts, and other mobility applications, announced today that they have expanded their international sales team by hiring Alberto Varela to fill their Latin America sales manager position and by promoting Ian Davies, European Sales Manager to Director of International Sales. [See Gamber-Johnson media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Leading German car manufacturer chooses Getac for worldwide provision of rugged mobile devices and solutions
Getac, a leading rugged mobile computing manufacturer today announced it has been selected by the BMW Group to supply rugged mobile devices and solutions across its global network for a wide range of applications including R&D, production, warehouse logistics and workshop diagnostics. The announcement expands on an existing technology partnership between the two companies, which has seen Getac supply rugged equipment to the BMW Group for vehicle and application testing over the last six years. With the partnership renewed, Getac has received a large new order from the BMW Group for its S410, V110, F110, A140, UX10 and T800 series rugged notebooks and tablets. [See Getac media release] -- Posted Tuesday, January 14, 2020

First look: Janam's HT1 rugged 8-inch Android tablet
Janam's just released HT1 rugged tablet is the New York company's first entry in the small tablet market. With its 8-inch full HD display, the HT1 screen is larger than that of any smartphone, while still keeping the device small and handy. Up-to-date technology includes a speedy Snapdragon 625 chip, Android 9 GMS, and a reversible USB Type-C port. A large, replaceable battery, high-res cameras, and bolt-on expansion modules make for functionality on the job. [See description, analysis and specs of the Janam HT1 rugged Android tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Zebra Technologies unveils new intelligent automation solution at NRF 2020
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today introduced SmartSight, a new intelligent automation solution that improves front-of-store operations and enhances the shopper experience at mass merchants, grocers, and supermarkets/hypermarkets. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Janam unveils rugged tablet
Janam Technologies LLC, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that capture data and communicate wirelessly, today introduced the most powerful and advanced 8-inch rugged tablet. Designed to improve line of business applications including put-away and replenishment, cross docking, shipping and receiving, inventory management, merchandising and clienteling, the new HT1 combines stylish design, military-grade ruggedness and the latest technological advancements to propel businesses forward. [See Janam media release] -- Posted Monday, January 13, 2020

Datalogic previews the Memor 20 industrial PDA
Datalogic, a global leader in the automatic data capture and process automation markets, is pleased to announce the preview of the Memor 20, a rugged, industrial PDA, created to face the toughest enterprise challenges and support multiple applications in various environments including retail stores, manufacturing plants, warehouses, field mobility, hospitals and home care facilities. [See Datalogic media release] -- Posted Friday, January 10, 2020

JLT Mobile Computers to Showcase Total Rugged IT Solutions for the Supply Chain at MODEX 2020
JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, will be presenting a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, management and integration services for the supply chain, distribution and manufacturing industries at MODEX 2020, Booth 7185. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Friday, January 10, 2020

Fujitsu showcases the future of retail by connecting bricks and clicks at NRF 2020
Fujitsu America, Inc. and Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. (booth #5604), are delivering memorable and consistent experiences for stores and the digital enterprise to NRF 2020: Retail's Big Show. With Fujitsu, retailers can transform their operations, reduce costs, improve productivity and deliver personalized consumer engagement regardless of channel. Fujitsu will demonstrate how a connected retail framework fueled by customers, data and machines is the key enabler to digital and brick-and-mortar store transformation. [See Fujitsu news release] -- Posted Friday, January 10, 2020

Introducing the Mesa 3 Rugged Tablet by Juniper Systems, now shipping
Juniper Systems is excited to announce the release of the Mesa 3 Rugged Tablet. Built on the success of the Mesa 2, the Mesa 3 is the next evolution in rugged handheld computing and data collection. Offering performance increases across the board, the Mesa 3 is backed by Juniper Systems' world-class support and durability promise. The Mesa 3 is now available and shipping worldwide. [See Juniper Systems media release] -- Posted Thursday, January 9, 2020

Office Depot transforming customer experience and supply chain operations with Zebra mobile solutions
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today announced that Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODP), a leading B2B integrated distribution platform of business services and supplies, selected Zebra mobile computing solutions to help transform the customer experience and improve operational efficiency. Office Depot is streamlining warehouse and delivery operations with TC51 and TC56 touch computers running the Workforce Connect Push to Talk (PTT) voice solution and RS507X ring imagers. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Leica BLK2GO named CES 2020 Best of Innovation winner, BLK247 recognised as Innovation award nominee
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, today announced two more BLK products have been recognised by CES as part of the annual CES Innovation Awards, the series' fourth appearance since 2017 in the annual awards program. For the 2020 awards, the Leica BLK2GO was named a CES 2020 Best of Innovation Award Winner and the Leica BLK247 was named a CES Best of Innovation Award Nominee, both in the category of Digital Imaging and Photography. [See Leica Geosystems media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Datalogic vision technology for self-checkout highlighted at NRF 2020
Datalogic, a global leader in the automatic data capture and process automation markets, is pleased to announce it will be showcasing new vision technology for self-checkout that helps eliminate shopper frustration and fight checkout shrink — major areas of concern for retail enterprises, grocery stores and store operations. These self-checkout technologies will be shown at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show 2020 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City in Datalogic's booth #5337. [See Datalogic media release] -- Posted Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Innolux Corporation and Tanvas partner to deliver TanvasTouch Surface Haptics in an automotive-qualified display
Tanvas, Inc., pioneers of the next generation of multi-touch haptic technology, has partnered with Innolux Corporation to produce a 15" automotive-qualified touch display using TanvasTouch, programmable textures and haptic effects on smooth, physical surfaces. Traditional vibrotactile and electromechanical haptics are not suitable for large and curved automotive displays because they require movement of the display. With TanvasTouch, there are no moving parts. Software-defined haptics enable an unlimited range of effects that can be felt with the swipe of a finger. [See Innolux media release] -- Posted Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Global demand for medical display devices growing steadily, says Digitimes Research
According to DigiTimes, global shipments of medical display devices have been expanding at an annual rate of about 5% in recent years, driven by demand for upgrades in display products that has come along with the emerging trend of smart medical care and IoT connectivity. Global shipments of medical displays are projected to reach 2.55 million units in 2019, with patient monitoring displays accounting for 64% of total unit shipments. In terms of sales value, diagnostic displays accounted for the highest portion of 46%. -- Posted Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Entry-Level MobileDemand Flex 10B rugged Windows tablet introduced, providing value to enterprises
MobileDemand, provider of rugged productivity enhancing mobility systems to firstline workers, today announced the xTablet Flex 10B, its third-generation Flex 10 rugged Windows-based tablet. Built upon the foundation of its proven rugged predecessors in the Flex 10 series, the Flex 10B feature-rich tablet has the latest power and performance upgrades to help users maximize workforce efficiencies. With this launch, MobileDemand is enabling businesses to protect their investment and improve their bottom line with a budget-friendly industrial tablet. [See MobileDemand media release] -- Posted Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Speed Demon Top 10: Rugged Tablets
Does performance matter in a rugged tablet? It depends. If cost is an issue, the primary consideration is getting enough performance to get the job done. But for demanding jobs, you need as much performance as you can get. And there's another consideration: high performance hardware doesn't get obsolete as quickly as gear that just barely gets by. Here at RuggedPCReview.com we applaud the quest for best possible performance, and so we're listing the "speed demons" among the rugged tablets we've tested over the past several years. Gold, Silver and Bronze galore. And we have a new champion. [See Speed Demon Top 10: Rugged Tablets] -- Posted Monday, January 6, 2020

Panasonic and compact utility start-up Tropos Motors concept trucks is changing how work is done
Panasonic in collaboration with Tropos Motors revealed two multi-technology production-ready compact utility commercial vehicles. These right-sized, highly capable fleet truck concepts are powered by Panasonic's proprietary software and cloud services platform OneConnect and represent a more accessible and a more agile fleet approach conceived to keep business flowing in tight or last mile spaces. [See Panasonic media release] -- Posted Monday, January 6, 2020

Winmate collaborates with Microsoft to accelerate IoT deployment
Winmate announced that it has joined Microsoft Azure Certified for Internet of Things (IoT), allowing customers to have IoT solutions up and running quickly with hardware and software that has been pre-tested and verified to work with Microsoft Azure IoT services. Winmate devices with the certification allow users to define the data flow and upload/exchange field data to Microsoft Azure cloud service platforms no matter where they are, driving their business forward more efficiently. [See Winmate media release] -- Posted Thursday, January 2, 2020