March 2015

SDG Systems, a leader in system and application software integration for Android on enterprise platforms, has enhanced the EPX-Barcode (EPX-B) software in its Enterprise Platform eXtension Framework software solution for Android. SDG has created EPX-B hardware drivers to support Honeywell and Intermec barcode scanning engines on Android. With EPX-B, Android OEMs and ODMs can select from an increasing number of scan engines meet their system requirements. [See SDG Systems EPX-B Barcode Scanning for Android page]

AMREL releases rugged 5.3-inch multi-purpose Android handheld
AMREL introduced the APEX AH53, a handheld that represents a meld between a modern big-screen Android smartphone and a tough, durable mobile computer with industrial-grade features and components. IP67 sealing, a wide operating temperature range, a 5-foot drop spec, NFC, 3.75G WWAN, and the availability of a dedicated 1D/2D barcode reader mean that the AH53 can be used for any number of field data collection, communication and computing assignments even under the most trying conditions. [See RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the AMREL APEX AH53] -- Posted Saturday, March 28, 2015

Cypress's TrueTouch touchscreen solution helps rugged Kyocera DuraForce smartphone handle harsh environments
Cypress Semiconductor announced that Kyocera has selected Cypress's TrueTouch capacitive touchscreen solution for its new, rugged DuraForce smartphone. DuraForce is designed for operation it in harsh environments where water, dust and other hazards are present. The Cypress-enabled, 4.5-inch touchscreen display allows users to make calls, check messages and email, take pictures and use other key features even if they are wearing thick gloves or the screen is wet. [See Cypress media release] -- Posted Friday, March 20, 2015

Full review: Winmate M101H rugged tablet PC
RuggedPCReview conducted a full examination of the thin-and-light Winmate M101H 10.1-inch rugged tablet. We found a compelling combination of a bright, super-high resolution capacitive multitouch display, very good performance thanks to an Intel 4th gen "Haswell" Core processor, attractive design, and full-shift battery life, all in a light but sufficiently hardened package for numerous applications that require Windows in the field, but don't need the extra protection (and weight and cost) of a fully rugged device. [See full review of the Winmate M101H rugged tablet] -- Posted Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Full review: Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme
There are only a few fully rugged convertible laptops, and the Dell Latitude 12 RuggedExtreme is one of them. Equipped with a unique flip-hinge, the device can be turned from conventional laptop to tablet in a couple of seconds. The Dell convertible is based on ultra-low voltage Intel Haswell processors, has a bright 11.6-inch resistive multi-touch display that works with gloves and in the rain, and offers excellent outdoor view ability. There's ample onboard connectivity, and the machine is tough enough to be used just about anywhere. [See full review of the Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme] -- Posted Friday, March 6, 2015

Next-gen Intel Atom chips will come in 3/5/7 varieties
Intel announced that starting with the next generation of Atom processors, chip branding will employ the same good/better/best 3/5/7 naming system as has been used in Intel's high-end Core processors for several years. There will be entry-level X3 (codenamed "SoFIA") 28nm chips that support both Windows and Android, and "Cherry Trail" 14nm Atom X5 and X7 processors on the higher end. The latter with include somewhat wing-clipped versions of the powerful Broadwell-class graphics. All are SoCs (Systems on Chip), and just as Core processors, the upcoming Atom X chips will come with various levels and degrees of a very large variety of technologies and Intel features. No word on whether this will be the end of using the Celeron and Pentium brand names, as is the case under the current Bay Trail series. [See Introducing Brand Levels for the Intel Atom Processor] -- Posted Monday, March 2, 2015

Wacom unveils the Cintiq 13HD tablet
Tablets are everywhere and some also have pens, but when maximum precision matters, a dedicated graphics tablet may be the answer. For that, Wacom announced the US$799 Cintiq 13HD touch, a 13-inch tablet that can display 16.7 million colors, has a perfect viewing angle, full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution, senses 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity as well as tilt recognition. Wacom's goal with this new Cintiq tablet is to provide a digital workflow that emulates drawing or painting on paper or canvas. [See Wacom Cintiq 13HD]
-- Posted Monday, March 2, 2015