March 2016

Fingerprint readers are on numerous devices these days, but when it comes to serious biometric verification, industrial-grade, FBI-approved technology and solutions are in order. And that's what AMREL's new XP7-ID ultra-rugged Android-based biometric smartphone offers. It combines a tough, waterproof 4-inch procap smartphone with a specialized "enrollment and verification" fingerprint sensor for defense, public safety, and industrial markets. [See description, analysis and specs of the AMREL XP7-ID biometric smartphone

Janam introduces smartphone-style rugged 5-inch Android Lollipop touch computer
Janam introduced the Janam XT2, a smartphone-style Android 5.1-based touch computer. The IP67-sealed XT2 has a 5-foot drop spec, a very wide -4° to 140°F operating temperature range, yet its footprint is no larger than that of an iPhone 6 Plus. The XT2 has a 5-inch 1280 x 720 pixel procap display, dual cameras, MSR, RFID/NFC, and an integrated industrial-grade Zebra SE4710 1D/2D imager. [See Janam media release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the Janam XT2] -- Posted Wednesday, March 30, 2016

50 years of Intel innovations
In light of the recent passing of former Intel CEO Andy Grove, and the 40th anniversary of the microprocessor, TechRepublic ran a fascinating look back at Intel's top contributions to the field. [See 50 years of Intel innovations] -- Posted Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Xplore Technologies launches new integrated website
Xplore Technologies announced it has launched a new fully integrated website that showcases the combined strengths and product offerings of Xplore and Motion Computing. The new Xplore website serves as a central resource for partners and customers, reflecting the integrated product portfolio and future of Xplore. "It has been an exciting year of bringing the Motion Computing product line together with Xplore under one corporate brand and product umbrella,” said Peter Poulin, chief marketing officer at Xplore Technologies. “Feedback from our customers on how best to address the global rugged tablet market was a critical factor in the design, and content, of our new integrated website. We are confident our customers will find the right rugged tablet platform to meet their industry and business requirements.” [See Xplore media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Full review: Janam XT1 5.9-inch Android rugged mini-tablet
What if you seek a light and handy data collection and communication device with a larger screen than virtually any other handheld computer, but one that comes in a package that's smaller than even compact tablets and offers integrated industrial grade scanning? Then it's time to look at Janam's Android-based 5.9-inch XT1 "mini-tablet." [See full review of the Janam XT1 mini-tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Handheld signs framework agreement with Saab
Handheld Group announced that its Nordic subsidiary Handheld Scandinavia has signed a strategic agreement with Saab – a global defense and security solution provider. The 2-year agreement includes ultra-rugged tablets for Saab's military, aerospace and emergency services solutions and covers Handheld's existing range of tablets as well as future products. Saab has integrated Handheld’s Algiz 10X rugged tablet with Paratus, Saab’s modular information system for emergency care. The system has been deployed in ambulances throughout Sweden. Most recently, Saab deployed Algiz 10X rugged tablets equipped with SITHS smart card readers. SITHS (Secure IT for health care) is based on a two-factor electronic authentication protocol and is the current standard for all National Quality Registries in Sweden. [See Handheld Group news release] -- Posted Monday, March 21, 2016

Juniper Systems on freezing and baking rugged handhelds
We love ruggedness testing "torture chambers." It's where rugged gear can be tested before shipping to customers, and it's also where manufacturers learn just how much their products can take. Juniper Systems' illustrated blog article "Yep, we bake and freeze our rugged handhelds" shows how they are testing their rugged handhelds and tablets. -- Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Android KitKat and Lollipop now on almost 3/4 of all devices
Google has published the latest Android version marketshare. Starting with oldest first, Gingerbread (2.3.x) still has 2.6%, Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.x) 2.3%, Jelly Bean (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) 22.3%, KitKat (4.4) 34.3%, Lollipop (5.x) 36.1%, and Marshmallow (6.0) 2.3%. [See source] -- Posted Monday, March 14, 2016

Full review: RuggON VM-521 vehicle-mount computer
With the VM-521, RuggON Corporation provides an elegant, meticulously designed and finished ultra-rugged vehicle mount computer for use in a very wide variety of deployments that require a solid, fixed-mount system. With a compact footprint that allows mounting almost anywhere, the very solid all-metal VM-521 addresses the needs of customers who require tablet computer power and functionality, but in a much more substantial package. [See full review of the RuggON VM-521 vehicle-mount computer] -- Posted Thursday, March 3, 2016

GammaTech partners with En-Net Services to bring its rugged computers to government agencies
GammaTech announced its newest partnership with En-Net, an information technology solutions supplier to public sector and government entities throughout the US. This partnership gives all En-Net customers access to GammaTech’s entire Durabook line of rugged mobile computing solutions. [See GammaTech media release] -- Posted Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Case study: Rugged Nautiz X4 handhelds improve logistics and cargo monitoring for a Scandinavian transport company
Handheld Group reports that Scandic Trans, a transport provider in Finland, has chosen Handheld's Nautiz X4 rugged handheld computers to meet their needs of logistical management, full communication capabilities and real-time cargo monitoring in every environmental condition. The Nautiz X4 also makes their jobs easier while saving time and increasing efficiency. [See case study] -- Posted Tuesday, March 1, 2016