September 2022
First look: Handheld's rugged Android 12-based Nautiz X81 
With the new Nautiz X81, Handheld repurposed their popular Nautiz X8's form factor and design with state-of-the-art Android functionality and technology. It makes the new handheld more than just an upgrade. For all practical purposes, the Nautiz X81 is an entirely new, modern Android device built on the size, ergonomics and the choice of user interface — touch and/or keypad — of a platform that was already perfect for the job. [See discussion, analysis and specs of the Handheld Nautiz X81] -- Posted Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Handheld releases new Nautiz X81: An ultra-rugged 5G Android 12 handheld with a familiar feel
Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today announced the release of the all-new Nautiz X81, an ultra-rugged Android handheld joining the popular Nautiz line with expanded outdoor-rugged reliability, 5G connectivity, as well as nearly limitless customization capability. [See Handheld media release] -- Posted Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Zebra Technologies' MotionWorks Enterprise integrates with ServiceNow to improve workflow visibility
Zebra Technologies Corporation an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge, today announced that MotionWorks Enterprise data can be integrated with the ServiceNow® Hardware Asset Management (HAM) solution. The integration will allow a broader range of transportation and logistics providers, manufacturers, retailers and healthcare organizations to track and trace their physical assets and turn that data into actionable business insights. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Monday, September 26, 2022
Trimble Ventures invests in Civ Robotics
Trimble Ventures, Trimble's corporate venture capital fund, announced today its investment in Civ Robotics, a San Francisco-based construction tech startup focusing on transforming surveying layout for civil engineering and infrastructure projects. This investment supports Trimble Ventures' mission to invest in early and growth-stage companies that are accelerating innovation, digital transformation and sustainability in the industries Trimble serves — such as agriculture, construction, geospatial and transportation. [See Trimble media release] -- Posted Monday, September 26, 2022
Samsung brings the rugged Galaxy XCover6 Pro and Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro to the U.S.
September 22, 2022 — Samsung Electronics America today expanded its rugged portfolio in the U.S., announcing market availability for its Galaxy XCover6 Pro smartphone and Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro tablet. These purposefully engineered, enterprise-ready mobile devices are powerful enough to support today's most demanding businesses. Both devices deliver enhanced mobility with 5G connectivity, strong performance, end-to-end security, a replaceable battery and ruggedized durability to help employees get more done, even in tough work environments. [See Samsung media release] -- Posted Thursday, September 22, 2022
Germany's largest 3rd party logistics firm picks CipherLab
Having been using CipherLab mobile computers for 20 years, the German third-party logistics provider Bönders GmbH started using the RS series for warehouse management in 2015 and developed the app to help drivers deliver and scan goods and enable staff in the warehouse to execute quality control and photo documentation. Besides that, the IT team has quickly configured and deployed the devices with CipherLab's ReMoCloud software. [See how CipherLab RS35 collocated with specific-developed apps to fulfill demands in T&L and warehouse operations] -- Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Fluke announces SMFT-1000, expanding its solar toolkit offerings
Fluke a leading provider of safe, rugged, and reliable industrial tools and integrated software, today introduced the Solar Multifunction Tester 1000 (SMFT-1000), the latest addition to their expanding line of solar tools. The SMFT-1000 offers up-to-date hardware measurement capabilities with Fluke TruTest® Solar Software integration, simplifying data collection and reporting with a single tool. [See Fluke media release] -- Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Trimble acquires B2B software to expand its civil construction portfolio
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) announced it has acquired privately-held B2W Software, a leading provider of estimating and operations solutions for the heavy civil construction industry. Financial terms were not disclosed. [See Trimble media release] -- Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Winmate: Marine computer solutions for smart ships
In the era of the Industrial Internet of Things, IIoT, ships are expected to be safe, reliable, and efficient with connected control and monitoring wherever they go. Smart ships rely on big data to improve navigational safety and operational efficiency, including real-time data transmission, data collection, and remote control. Winmate offers marine-grade computers, displays, and Panel PCs solutions for fast and reliable data processing and communication. [See Winmate marine computing products and solutions] -- Posted Monday, September 19, 2022
Intel introduces the "Intel Processor"
In a somewhat cryptic release, Intel announced "a new processor for the essential product space: Intel Processor." This will replace the Intel Pentium and Celeron branding that the company had used both for certain Intel Core as well as Intel Atom based chips, and also to "enhance Intel customer communication on each product's value proposition." [See Intel news release] -- Posted Friday, September 16, 2022
Durabook introduces first fanless 8" fully rugged tablet with Intel's 12th Gen CPU
Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, today announced the launch of its new Durabook R8, the world's first fanless 8" fully rugged tablet featuring 12th generation Intel® Core™ processors for exceptionally powerful user performance. [See Durabook media release] -- Posted Thursday, September 15, 2022
Panasonic introduces TOUGHBOOK N1 Tactical: a rugged Android™ handheld for military and police
Panasonic today introduced the TOUGHBOOK N1 Tactical, a variant of its rugged Android handheld device, designed for use by the military or public safety officers such as the police. These tactical teams and special operators require the most reliable devices for mission planning, situational awareness (SA) and mission execution. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Tactical, is a next generation device specifically designed for these environments leveraging SA applications such as ATAK. [See Panasonic media release] -- Posted Wednesday, September 14, 2022
MilDef acquires Handheld Group and accelerates the pace in the strategy for profitable growth
MilDef has entered into an agreement to acquire all shares in the company Handheld Group AB ("Handheld"), specialised within the product segment rugged computers for an international customer base. The acquisition accelerates the pace in MilDef's strategy for profitable growth, adding a complementary product segment, broadening the customer base as well as strengthening MilDef's international footprint, including increased market presence in prioritised markets, such as the US and Germany. MilDef envisions substantial commercial synergies within several segments, most notably through cross-selling along the companies' current verticals. [See MilDef media release] -- Posted Monday, September 12, 2022
Handheld Group acquired by MilDef
Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today announced that they have signed an agreement to be acquired by MilDef, a Swedish-based international supplier of tactical IT listed on Nasdaq SmallCap. MilDef has thru the transaction acquired 100% of the outstanding shares in Handheld Group AB. [See Handheld Group media release] -- Posted Monday, September 12, 2022
RuggON upgrades VIKING Mobile Data Terminal with Android 11 and GNSS dead-reckoning technology
RuggON, an international maker of ruggedized mobile solutions, announced today it has upgraded the RuggON VIKING Mobile Data Terminal. The new unit now includes Android 11 OS and GNSS Dead-Reckoning technology. Inherently rugged, the VIKING delivers powerful, reliable computing performance for transport fleets (light or heavy-duty) and public transportation companies. [See RuggON media release] -- Posted Thursday, September 8, 2022
Review: The new Handheld Algiz RT10
With the announcement of the Handheld Algiz RT10, the increasingly popular segment of 10-inch rugged Android tablets has an interesting new entry. Sleek, elegant and projecting a strong brand identity, the Android 11-based Algiz RT10 offers a 1920 x 1200 pixel 600-nit display, function buttons, dual cameras, discrete GNSS, 5G WWAN, dual nano-SIMs, strong performance and battery life, an available Honeywell N6703 2D imager, plenty of ruggedness and a starting price of US$1,499. [See review of the Handheld Algiz RT10] -- Posted Thursday, September 8, 2022
New Handheld Algiz RT10 ultra-rugged Android tablet with future-proof features
Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today announced the release of the all-new Algiz RT10, an ultra-rugged 10-inch Android tablet that combines state-of-the-art design and performance with future-proof technology that will maintain its versatile utility through its entire life cycle. The new Algiz RT10 is ultra-rugged and durable, with an IP67 rating and the ability to withstand water, dust, shock and extreme temperatures. [See Handheld Group media release] -- Posted Thursday, September 8, 2022
Apple way ahead in smartwatch market
According to statista, Apple is miles ahead of everyone else in the global smartwatch market that saw unit sales of 127 million in 2021. Apple's marketshare of that was 30.1%, way ahead of Samsung with 10.2% and Huawei with 7.7%. Increasing smartwatch usage will undoubtedly have an impact on vertical market wearable acceptance and proliferation. [See Apple Several Ticks Ahead in the Smartwatch Market] -- Posted Wednesday, September 7, 2022
What happened in rugged computing 10 years ago: Sept. 2012
In September 2012, Getac signed its deal with FedEx TechConnect and introduced the Z710 rugged Android tablet. Panasonic upgraded most of its rugged notebooks to 3rd generation Core processors. The Handheld Group launched its Nautiz X1 rugged Android smartphone. MobileDemand introduced the xTablet T7200 with Pixel Xi screen. Intermec posted a video demonstrating major abuse on a CK71 handheld, and its Vocollect unit introduced the rugged SRX2 headset. Synaptics' ClearPad Series 3 offers multi-touch even with gloves on. DigiTimes predicted hard times for the Intel Atom, just when Intel announced the Atom Z2760 for Windows 8 tablets and convertibles. NORCO introduced the PPC-3308 rugged Tablet PC, Western Digital a super-thin 2.5-inch hybrid hard drive, and Avalue the EPS-QM57 series of Core i7-based rugged embedded industrial PCs. [See September 2012 archive] -- Posted Thursday, September 1, 2022
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"Over the many years that we have been testing and reviewing rugged mobile computers, and in our professional careers prior, we have noticed that there is very little standardization and that potential clients are often confused where and what to buy," said Dr. Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, Editor-in-Chief of RuggedPCReview.com and former CIO of the New York State Dormitory Authority. "We hope that our new service will answer many questions and provide all the answers a client needs to make an informed decision."