How Motorola Solutions made two mobile computers condensation- and freezer-proof
Good phone conversation today with the PR folks from Motorola Solutions. The occasion was the introduction of two interesting new products, the Omni XT15f industrial handheld, and the Psion VH10f vehicle-mount computer. The key here is the "f" in both of the names. It stands for "freezer" and that's what the two new devices are all about. Big deal? [... read more] -- Posted Friday, May 17, 2013 by chb

Motorola introduces freezer-rated Psion VH10/VH10f
Motorola Solutions introduced the Psion VH10 and VH10f vehicle computers. The VH10 platform is specially suited for forklifts and similar, offering a bright 8-inch 800 x 480 pixel WVGA touchscreen as well as plenty of function keys and a full QWERTY keyboard. Windows CE 6.0 offers compatibility with numerous apps and software tools, and the device, which uses vehicle power but can also be ordered with a battery backup, is built for use in the harshest environments. The VH10f version includes internal and external heaters to guard against damage from moving in and out of freezer environments, as well as eliminate external condensation. [See description, analysis and specs of the Motorola Solutions Psion VH10/VH10f] -- Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by chb

Motorola introduces freezer-rated Psion Omnii XT15f
Motorola Solutions introduced the Omnii XT15f, a special "freezer and condensation-rated" version of the Psion Omnii XT15 rugged handheld. Since the temperature extremes and condensation issues when working in and around freezers can affect displays, touch screens, keypads, battery life and longevity, the XT15f includes a variety of frost-free and heating technologies that address those issues. [See description, analysis and specs of the Motorola Solutions Psion Omnii XT15f] -- Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by chb

6,500 Datalogic Elf mobile computers improve store replenishment efficiency at The Co-operative Food
Datalogic announced that The Co-operative Food, one of the largest food retailers in the United Kingdom, deployed 6,500 Datalogic's Elf Mobile Computer (see our analysis of the Elf) for speeding up daily operations, thereby increasing productivity of its SMART (Store Merchandising and Replenishment Transformation) system in more than 2,800 stores in the UK. [See Datalogic press release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 8, 2013 by chb

Juniper Systems launches Get Rugged blog
Juniper Systems has revealed its new company blog, named Get Rugged. As the company itself, the Get Rugged blog concentrates on industries that collect data in rugged environments. Juniper's goal with the blog is to provide an entertaining, informative space for those in the data collection sphere who wish to learn more about their field and exchange ideas. Blog authors include Juniper Systems employees from across various departments, promising to offer a wide range of interesting topics and perspectives. "It is important to us for our customers to know that as individuals we are passionate about rugged data collection, and that we aren’t just a faceless business entity," said Kirk Earl, Marketing Communications Manager. [See Juniper press release and Get Rugged blog] -- Posted Thursday, May 2, 2013 by chb

Socket Mobile reports profitable 1Q2013
Socket Mobile, a longtime provider of mobile productivity solutions, announced 1Q2013 revenues of US$4.3 million, up 8% from 1Q2012. 1Q2013 net income was US75k, versus a net loss of US$872k 1Q2012. CEO Kevin Mills said that their SoMo 655 family of handheld computers and accessories grew 28% sequentially over the 4Q2012, and that the SoMo 655 (see our analysis of the SoMo 655) extends the availability of their classic PDA for at least five years (Microsoft announced continued support until 2020 for the Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 OS running on the SoMo 655). [See Socket Mobile press release] -- Posted Friday, April 26, 2013 by chb

Added: QSI QTERM-G58 rugged HMI terminal
Also added: the QTERM-G58 human-machine interface terminal from QSI, which is the Salt Lake City-based US subsidiary of Swedish Beijer Electronics. The G58 is an ultra-rugged, highly customizable handheld terminal with such rare features as a sealed 12-pin multi-potocol connector to support EIA232/422/485 and USB, DC or battery operation, and either Windows Embedded CE 6.0 or QSI's own Qlarity object-based graphic programming language and environment. [See description, specs and analysis of the QSI QTERM-G58] -- Posted Monday, April 22, 2013 by chb

Added: Catchwell CW31 industrial PDA
Catchwell is a Korean manufacturer of rugged handheld computers and a top supplier of the Korean postal service. They make a number of very compact Windows CE/Windows Mobile devices such as the CW31 in the popular class of 3.5-inch keyboard PDAs. Powered by the 806MHz Marvell PXA320, the CW31 is available with your choice of 38- or 53-key keypad, 1D laser or 2D imager, and QVGA or full VGA display. It carries IP65 sealing and can handle 6-foot drops, yet weighs just 12.8 ounces. [See description, specs and analysis of the Catchwell CW31] -- Posted Monday, April 22, 2013 by chb

Added: Honeywell Dolphin 70e Black
With hundreds of millions of sleek, elegant, high-tech smartphones out there, Honeywell saw great potential for a more durable more rugged version of those devices, one that in Honeywell's words "marries the size, style and usability of a consumer device with the reliability and longevity of a traditional rugged handheld." The result is the Dolphin 70e Black, a stylish 7-ounce multi-talented ruggedized enterprise digital assistant that runs Android or Windows Mobile. [See description, specs and analysis of the Honeywell Dolphin 70e] -- Posted Tuesday, April 16, 2013 by chb

Added: Janam XT85
Janam's XT85 is a compact, rugged keyboard PDA that merges legacy (design, display, IR, OS) and state-of-the-art (dual-band WiFi, 3G/4G WWAN, microSD, scanners) technology to appeal to enterprise deployments with higher operational and performance demands than older industrial handhelds can deliver, and where ruggedness requirements rule out consumer smartphones. [See description, specs and analysis of the Janam XT85] -- Posted Tuesday, April 16, 2013 by chb

Added: Rugged Handheld Comparison Tool
RuggedPCReview.com has added a comprehensive rugged handheld computer comparison tool. The new utility allows site visitor to select via pull-down menus from about 100 leading rugged handhelds and compare complete technical specs of up to three devices side-by-side. Each tech spec includes an image of the device and a link to RuggedPCReview's description and analysis, as well as links to vendor pages. We're busy adding more rugged handhelds to the new comparison tool, and will also launch comparison tools for rugged tables, panels, and notebooks. [See the RuggedPCReview.com Handheld Comparison Tool] -- Posted Monday, April 15, 2013 by chb

Juniper Systems rugged handhelds now with RFID options
Juniper Systems announced that it will now be offering RFID options for its existing rugged handheld computers, thanks to its recent business partnership with IDBLUE. This partnership will allow Juniper Systems to provide the IDBLUE RFID reader -- available in both HF and UHF versions and has a pending Class I, Division 2 certification for hazardous locations -- as part of a bundled package, or as a separate product which can be used with any Bluetooth-equipped Juniper Systems rugged handheld computer. [See Juniper press release] -- Posted Wednesday, April 10, 2013 by chb

Datalogic Lynx video
Datalogic published another one of their videos highlighting their rugged handhelds. This latest one shows the small and light Lynx data capture and communications PDA (see our analysis of the Lynx) [See Datalogic Lynx video on YouTube] -- Posted Monday, April 8, 2013 by chb

CipherLab CP60: ultra-rugged Windows CE/Mobile industrial handheld that even supports 4G LTE
The CipherLab CP60 industrial mobile computer combines PDA, phone, data communication, GPS, and scanning functionality into a single and compact (albeit rather large) Windows CE/Mobile (either is available) handheld. Offering superior ruggedness specs (6-foot drop, -4 to 122 degree operating temperature range, 2,000 1-meter tumbles, etc.), this is a unit for the toughest jobs out there. [See description, analysis and specs of the CipherLab CP60] -- Posted Sunday, March 10, 2013 by chb

Review: Juniper Systems Aspect field mapping solution
There's a large demand for the creation of as-built documentation of irrigation systems, infrastructures, buildings, and numerous other assets. Traditional GIS and triangulation surveying are too often expensive for this type of work that does not always need sub-meter accuracy. We're looking at Juniper Systems' Aspect field mapping solution, an easy-to-use system with desktop and mobile components, designed for generating informative, attractive as-built documentation. [See description and analysis of the Juniper Systems Aspect field mapping solution] -- Posted Monday, February 25, 2013 by chb

Mobile pioneers: where are they now? BSQUARE
Bsquare was one of the first software companies when mobile computing emerged from predominantly proprietary platforms in the mid 1990s. Initially specializing on Windows CE, Bsquare expanded its operations into all sorts of embedded and mobile solutions. Where does Bsquare stand today? The company just reported fiscal year 2012 revenues of US$71.1 million, with a small profit of about a million. That's up from US$62.7 million for 2011, with a half million loss. What does Bsquare do these days? They are selling Windows Embedded and Windows Mobile as a Microsoft Value-Added Provider, board support packages for various mobile processor platforms, and various testing and certification tools. Bsquare's engineering services also include Linux, Android and QNX, and the company has launched a Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 porting service for Android, iOS and legacy Windows applications. -- Posted Friday, February 22, 2013 by chb

Professional Golfers' Association of America to use Intermec rugged handhelds for data collection
Intermec announced that the PGA of America, an organization of 27,000 professional golfers, has selected the Intermec CN50 and Intermec CK71 rugged handheld mobile computers for data collection at its signature tournaments. The PGA teamed with Florida-based barcode and RFID technology specialists Scan Read Technologies and Intermec to deploy the new system. Previously renting equipment for each tournament, the PGA estimates it will save upwards of $3 million by 2016 by using in its own technology solution. [See Intermec press release] -- Posted Monday, February 11, 2013 by chb

Motorola Solutions adds compact, rugged, economical MC45 mobile computer for field workforce deployment
Motorola Solutions expanded its already broad lineup of rugged enterprise handhelds with the economical and very compact MC45. Weighing less than 9 ounces, the MC45 runs Windows Embedded 6.5.3 Handheld on its 3.2-inch QVGA resistive touch display, includes a laser scanner, 3.5G WWAN, and exemplary ruggedness. [See description, analysis and specs of the Motorola MC45] -- Posted Wednesday, February 6, 2013 by chb

Intermec enhances 70 Series of ultra-rugged handhelds with fully integrated RFID
Intermec announced integrated RFID capabilities for its ultra-rugged CK70, CN70 and CN70e mobile computers. The devices now offer a fully-integrated UHF RFID reader without the need of an external antenna by using Intermec’s IM11 embedded module along with an internally housed antenna. This way, customers get advanced RFID read performance without changes to the compact form factor of the 70 Series mobile computers. [See Intermec press release] -- Posted Monday, January 14, 2013 by chb

Motorola Solutions showing Windows Embedded 8 Handheld prototypes
Motorola Solutions announced it is showcasing new Motorola enterprise mobile computing prototypes running Windows Embedded 8 Handheld at NRF, and that its HTML5 cross-platform development framework, RhoElements, will support Windows Embedded 8 Handheld. Motorola Solution also said that in addition to enterprise-rade security and manageability, the upcoming devices will have full Windows Phone 8 application compatibility. [See Motorola Solutions press release] -- Posted Monday, January 14, 2013 by chb

Microsoft delivers Windows Embedded 8 Handheld for Enterprise handheld devices, but not just yet
At the National Retail Federation (NRF) Annual Convention & Expo in New York, Microsoft issued a press release entitled "Microsoft Delivers Windows Embedded 8 Handheld for Enterprise Handheld Devices." According to the release, Microsoft is working with Motorola Solutions "to design a line of retail devices from the circuit board up," with the promise of generating the next device for Home Depot which, after deploying 34,000 Windows Embedded Handheld devices in 2010 complained, "How can we get more?" Microsoft says that "because Windows Embedded 8 Handheld is built on Windows Phone 8, organizations can benefit from enterprise-class manageability, and both Microsoft and Windows Phone 8 management partners already offer solutions that support Windows Embedded 8 Handheld." The only problem is that Microsoft -- which said it is working also with Intermec, Honeywell, Ingenico and Bluebird -- won't even release the Windows Embedded 8 Handheld SDK until later this year. [See Microsoft release] -- Posted Monday, January 14, 2013 by chb

Datalogic introduces small data capture/communication handheld for retail and warehousing
Datalogic introduced the Lynx PDA, a small and light data capture handheld for use in retail and light outdoor duty. The Lynx runs Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 on a 806MHz Marvell PXA310 processor, comes with a choice of a numeric or QWERTY keyboard, laser scanner or 1D/2D CMOS imager, 3MP AF camera with flash, A-GPS and full voice/data communication. [See description, analysis and specs of the Datalogic Lynx] -- Posted Tuesday, December 4, 2012 by chb

Getac introduces PS336 rugged handheld computer with exchangeable end-caps
Getac USA introduced the Getac PS336 rugged handheld computer that can fill various functions via a variety of exchangeable "Flexiconn" end-caps. End-caps initially are available with RFID, long-range Bluetooth, laser scanner, and a 3-in-1 combo (HF RFID, Smart card, SAM), but with an open interface, third parties can create additional modules. The 1GHz TI Sitara-powered PS336 -- which runs Windows Embedded Handheld on a 3.5-inch VGA touch screen -- can handle 6-foot drops, extreme temperatures (-22 to 140F) and carries full IP68 sealing. [See description, analysis and specs of the Getac PS336] -- Posted Friday, November 9, 2012 by chb

Socket reports Q3 2012 financials
Socket Mobile reported revenue for Q3 2012 of US$2.8 million, compared to US$4.7 million Q3 2011. Net loss for the quarter was $983,000, compared to a net loss of $727,000 in Q3 2011. Socket CEO Kevin Mills said that "Sales of our barcode scanning and our handheld computer products were both impacted by marketplace transitions during September, but we have seen a healthier order pace return in October. With our handheld computer products, we experienced purchasing delays in September after the supply of SoMo650s ran out as customers that had stocked SoMo650s were working to exhaust their inventories before purchasing the SoMo655 (see our preview of the SoMo655." [See press release] -- Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2012 by chb

Microsoft unveils Windows Phone 8
Microsoft officially debuted Windows Phone 8, the latest version of the company's smartphone operating system, along with details and pricing for a range of new smartphones from Nokia (Lumia 920), Samsung (ATIV S) and HTC (8X). With a similar look and feel, the same technology core, and the same built-in SkyDrive cloud service, Microsoft says Windows Phone 8 is built to work seamlessly with Windows 8 PCs, Microsoft Surface devices and the Xbox 360 console. [See Microsoft press release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2012 by chb

Intermec adds updated models to its CK3 line of rugged mobile computers
Intermec announced what it called the "Next Generation Series" of the Intermec CK3 rugged mobile computer, consisting of the newly TI OMAP-powered CK3X and CK3R. The CK3X, which supports voice and RFID, is optimized for warehouse operations and is the natural migration option from the existing CK3B, while the CK3R is optimized for light industrial and retail front of store applications. [See description and specs of the Intermec CK3R and CK3X] -- Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2012 by chb

Honeywell announces rugged Enterprise Hybrid Device
Honeywell announced the Dolphin 70e Black. It's what Honeywell calls a rugged Enterprise Hybrid Device, or EHD, and it was created for auto-ID and data capture customers who want something lighter and sleeker than a traditional industrial handheld. The Dolphin 70e Black looks like a modern smartphone, measures about 2.7 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches, weighs 7 ounces, has a 4.3-inch sunlight-readable display with a capacitive touch screen, and is sealed to IP67 specs. The battery lasts up to 12 hours and the device includes an enterprise-class area imager. The device will be available in February of 2012 both in Windows and Android versions. [See Honeywell press release] -- Posted Tuesday, October 23, 2012 by chb

Motorola Solutions introduces HC1 headset computer for completely hands-free operation
Motorola Solutions introduced the HC1 headset computer. The HC1 combines an OMAP 3730-powered computer with a micro-display to create a wearable headset device that is completely hands-free to operate via voice commands and sensor-based head-tracking. The HC1, which is based on Windows CE 6.0, was created in a collaboration between Motorola Solutions and Kopin Corporation, and uses Kopin's Golden-i technology. [See analysis and specs of the Motorola HC1 headset computer] -- Posted Monday, October 22, 2012 by chb

Juniper Systems releases Aspect Field Mapping Solutions
Juniper Systems announced Juniper Aspect Field Mapping Solutions. Formerly known as IntuiTrace, the new, enhanced version offers more imagery options, increased database functionality, and compatibility with Bing and Google Earth maps, ESRI, ArcGIS Online and existing customer GIS. Juniper Aspect was designed from the ground up as an accurate as-built documentation solution for the Juniper Mesa Rugged Notepad and Archer Field PC that seamlessly synchronizes between handhelds and desktops. [See the Juniper Systems Aspect page, the Aspect brochure, or view an Aspect explanation video on YouTube. -- Posted Tuesday, October 16, 2012 by chb

Sand Springs police department deploys Intermec e-Citation solution for improved safety and efficiency
Intermec announced that the Sand Springs Police Department, located in the suburbs of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has deployed a new e-Citation solution featuring the Intermec CN50 mobile computer and digiTICKET software from Tulsa-based Saltus Technologies. The solution replaces SSPD's carbon paper-based process for improved efficiency and officer safety. With the new system, officers scan the 2D barcode on the back of a driver’s license using the CN50 scanner and can quickly complete tickets by printing with mobile thermal printers. The CN50 also allows the digiTICKET software to capture an electronic signature, photograph, GPS coordinates of the stop and even voice-directed notes by the officer. [See Intermec press release]
-- Posted Monday, October 1, 2012 by chb

Intermec offers HTML5-capable WebKit-based browser for select rugged Intermec devices
Intermec announced a new HTML5-capable browser, allowing for the development of OS agnostic web apps that can run on iOS, Android and select Intermec rugged mobile computers. The browser, which is based on the widely used WebKit rendering engine, supports apps designed to run either on-line, off-line, or a combination of the two. It comes preloaded on Intermec's CN50, CS40, CN70, CN70e and CK70, and is a free download for the CK3, CK71 and CV41. That means that HTML5 apps that run on smartphones and tablets can also run on these select Intermec rugged devices without changes or rewrites. "With future operating system roadmaps uncertain," the press release suggests this as a good way to go for verticals until the smoke clears. Our take: If this works, it would extend the life of older Windows Mobile based devices by letting them run browser-based apps, probably similar to the iPhone's initial Safari-based apps. [See Intermec press release] -- Posted Tuesday, September 25, 2012 by chb

Rugged handhelds in land survey and conservation: Why BRLC chose Juniper Systems Archer Field PC
When conservation groups resolved to survey habitats along the Bear River in the Great Basin in order to preserve the important wetlands in those dry areas, they needed tough, compact handheld computers that would not break, were easy to use, and would run all day on a battery charge. The Bear River Land Conservancy (BRLC) found that in Juniper Systems' Archer Field PC. [Read about the Bear River riparian area survey project] -- Posted Monday, September 24, 2012 by chb

Handheld launches the Nautiz X1 Ultra-Rugged Smartphone
Handheld Group, a Swedish manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, announced the launch of its Nautiz X1 ultra-rugged smartphone. The 4.9 x 2.6 x 0.6 inch, 6.3 ounce Nautiz X, powered by a 1GHz dual core OMAP 4430 processor, has a 4-inch procap sunlight readable display, a 5mp camera, Bluetooth, WiFi, mobile broadband over both GSM or CDMA networks, and runs either Android 4.0 or Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. It carries IP67 sealing, can handle 4-foot drops, and will start at US$899. Orders can be placed immediately, the device will be available January 2013. [See description and specs of the Handheld Group Nautiz X1 rugged smartphone] -- Posted Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by chb

Getac US totally revamps its website
Getac announced it has completely redesigned its North American website with the help of creative agency Envoy. The emphasis of the redesign was to provide customers with an easy-to-navigate site "that will help them choose which Getac rugged computer best fits their extreme working environment." The new Getac site is indeed easy to use, full of very good product photography, and it presents the major selling points clearly and concisely. A most impressive job. [See the new Getac US website] -- Posted Thursday, August 30, 2012 by chb

Upcoming Intermec Webinar: How to Fast Track Field Mobility
On Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at 1pm EDT, Intermec will conduct a free webinar on how to fast-track field mobility without jeopardizing success. The webinar case study from Intermec and Field Technologies shows how ThyssenKrupp Elevator rapidly deployed an effective field service mobility solution that delivered increased flexibility and productivity for their field service workers. In total, 2,800 devices -- fully loaded with custom diagnostic applications, accessories, and training manuals -- were deployed across 150 locations Iin just 90 days! [Sign up for Intermec webinar] -- Posted Wednesday, August 29, 2012 by chb

Trimble releases June T41 rugged handheld
Trimble introduced the Juno T41 handheld computer, designed to be a smartphone-inspired option for industries requiring a rugged field computer for data collection and mobile workforce management. The Juno T41 has a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 pixel capacitive multi-touch display with Gorilla Glass, GPS, IP65 or IP68 (fully waterproof) sealing, an 8MP camera with dual LED flash, up to 16GB of Flash, and a microSD card slot. Trimble positions the T41 as a developer-friendly device for real-world field conditions, available with either Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 or Android OS 2.3.4. -- Posted Wednesday, August 15, 2012 by chb

Janam golden with XM66 rugged scanner handheld
Without ever mentioning the London Olympics, Janam announced that its rugged handheld devices are being used to scan spectator tickets "during this summer's preeminent global sporting event." Janam CEO Harry Lerner said, "This is yet another case where mission critical operational needs are best addressed with purpose-built tools, as opposed to fragile consumer devices in attachable sleds with half a day of battery life." The device in question is the Janam XM66, a Windows Mobile 6-powered keypad handheld that weighs less than ten ounces. [Read Janam press release] -- Posted Friday, August 10, 2012 by chb

YRCW Worldwide to deploy Intermec CN70e to 10,000 drivers
YRCW Worldwide announced that it will be deploying Intermec CN70e handheld mobile devices to more than 10,000 professional city drivers for YRCW Freight, Reddaway and Holland beginning in October. Drivers will be able to maximize productivity, enhance customer service, optimize pickup and delivery operations, and more expediently enter shipment information and communicate it to the dispatch centers. [See YRC Worldwide press release] -- Posted Thursday, July 26, 2012 by chb

Nokia's dire situation
Things look dim for Nokia, the former undisputed Number 1 in cellphones. Completely sleeping through the smartphone revolution, Nokia's stock dropped 98% since 2000, and the upcoming release of the latest financials on July 19 could make things worse. The flagship Lumina 9000 phone is selling poorly, according to market researcher Asymco only about 330,000 units in the all-important US market where Nielsen says the Windows Phone market share has dropped to just 0.3%. Add to that the fact that the upcoming Windows Phone 8 is incompatible with any older versions of Windows Phone, including the 7.5 version installed on the Lumina 9000, and Nokia will have to pull a major rabbit out of its hat to remain relevant. -- Posted Monday, July 16, 2012 by chb

LightSpeed partners with Socket Mobile to bring interactive POS experience to retail
Socket Mobile, a provider of mobile productivity solutions, announced a partnership with LightSpeed, a technology company that is reinventing the retail experience with the industry's first interactive point of sale system, combining personalized selling with inventory scanning, wireless payments and powerful intuitive retail tools for Mac OS and iOS. -- Posted Tuesday, July 10, 2012 by chb

BSQUARE renews Microsoft Embedded OEM distribution agreement for 14th year
BSQUARE announced the renewal of their OEM distribution agreement with Microsoft, allowing Bsquare to provide OEMs with licenses for Microsoft Windows Embedded products including Windows Embedded Standard 7, Windows Embedded Compact 7, Windows Embedded Server and vertical specific operating systems such as POSReady 7. The agreement renews the Bsquare/Microsoft distribution relationship for the 14th year. [See BSQUARE press release] -- Posted Friday, June 29, 2012 by chb

Thoughts about Windows Phone 8
While Phone 7 and the Phone 7.5 update were billed as the future, apparently they weren't as now there will be Windows Phone 8, which is.... completely incompatible with Phone 7/7.5. And why? Because Phone 8 will supposedly share the same Windows kernel that "real" Windows has ... [read more] -- Posted Friday, June 22, 2012 by chb

Microsoft unveils Windows Phone 8
Windows Phone 7, we hardly knew you. At the Windows Phone Develop Summit Microsoft discussed the upcoming Windows Phone 8. Right upfront: since the Windows 7 core was still based on Windows CE and Windows 8 will have a shared Windows core (yes, it's back to Windows on all devices), Phone 7 devices cannot be upgraded to Windows Phone 8 (but there will be a Windows Phone 7.8 for "legacy devices."). Initial Windows Phone 8 devices will be dual-core, offer higher resolution (up to 1280 x 768 pixel), have microSD card support, and early hardware will come from Nokia, Samsung, HTC, and Huawei. As expected, the interface is using the tile approach already known from Phone 7 and the preview versions of the Windows 8 Metro interface. -- Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2012 by chb

Motorola Solutions buying Psion!
Motorola Solutions announced it will acquire Psion in a transaction where Motorola Solutions will purchase all Psion shares for about US$200 million. Psion currently has over 800 employees and had 2011 sales of about US$275 million, dwarfed by Moto Solutions' 2011 sales of US$8.2 billion. Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, said: "Psion is a compelling opportunity to strengthen our industry-leading, mobile-computing portfolio with ruggedized handheld products and vehicle-mount terminals that will deepen our presence in the global markets in which we compete." Our take: Psion, of course, started with consumer handhelds, but ever since the acquisition of Teklogix in 2000, the Teklogix side of rugged computing devices took over and eventually became all of Psion. The rugged computing side of Motorola Solutions is really Symbol, and there seems very considerable product overlap between the two companies. The US$200 million purchase price is almost pocket change for a company like Motorola Solutions, and it should be interesting to see how this all plays out. [See Motorola Solutions press release] -- Posted Friday, June 15, 2012 by chb

New Balance selects Psion Omnii XT15 for distribution centers
Psion announced that global athletic and lifestyle company New Balance has selected the Psion Omnii XT15 as the mobile handheld for its distribution centers. New Balance has purchased hundreds of Psion Omnii XT15’s to streamline order tracking in its factory and distribution centers across the country. New Balance plans to roll out the Psion Omnii XT15 to all of its distribution centers in 2012. [See Psion press release] -- Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2012 by chb