March 2010
Datalogic announces Power3 system platform
While we're still digesting the various implications of the "Open Source Mobility" business model launched by Psion Teklogix a few weeks ago (see Psion's OSM press release), Datalogic Mobile announced their new Power3 System Platform. Power3 included C3 (capture, compute, communicate), F3 (form, feel, function), and D3 (develop, deploy, direct). The new platform, whose first product probably is the just-released Datalogic Elf, is described on Datalogic's website. It includes such interesting things as a parallel computing architecture that combine a PCA chip with a Cortex-M3 processor. -- Posted Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by chb
Motorola releases upgraded MC75A
Motorola announced an updated version of its successful MC75 "enterprise digital assistant." Physically, the device stays pretty much the same, but the technology has been beefed up significantly, and thanks to a switch to Windows Mobile 6.5, the interface looks all different. The fairly compact (6.0 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches, 14 ounces) MC75A is now powered by the 806MHz Marvell MXA320, has more RAM and storage, a 3.2mp camera, upgraded scanners, and 3.5G wireless. The MC75A can handle 5-foot drops, is IP54-sealed, has a 14 to 122F operating temperature range, and is fully compatible with Motorola Mobility Suite and Mobility Services Platform. [See description and specs of the Motorola MC75A] -- Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by chb
Datalogic announces rugged Elf professional PDA
Datalogic announced a new industrial/professional PDA designed for a variety of field service/sales, delivery, retail and logistics markets. The PXA310-powered device runs Windows Mobile 6.5 on a 3.5-inch VGA display, and offers a complete set of integrated communication (WiFi, Bluetooth, voice/data WWAN, GPS) and data collection (laser scanner or imager, RFID) features. The Datalogic Elf, which measures 3.2 x 6.2 x 1.65 inches and weighs just under a pound, can be ordered with either a QWERTY or a numeric keypad. The Elf can handle 5-foot drops, is IP64-sealed, and has a wide 14 to 122F operating temperature range. [See description and specs of the Datalogic Elf] -- Posted Tuesday, March 23, 2010 by chb
Added: Unitech HT680
Addressing a need for a small and handy (i.e. pocktable) data collection terminal rugged enough to be used almost anywhere, Unitech introduced the HT680 mobile computer. The HT680 weighs just 11 ounces, has a 2.7-inch QVGA touch display, includes Bluetooth and comes in four versions with permutations of 1D laser scanner or 2D imager, with or without WiFi. WWAN is optionally available, and the device can handle a 6-foot drop. [See description and specs of the Unitech HT680] -- Posted Friday, March 19, 2010 by chb
Consumerization of rugged markets?
RuggedPCReview.com recently posted an article on Windows Mobile and the vertical markets, and concluded with the question, "What will the small but significant number of vendors who make and sell Windows Mobile devices do as their chosen operating system platform looks increasingly dated and is becoming a target of customer dissatisfaction?" We received some good (and rather concerned) feedback on that column, and think it's an issue that is not going to go away. [...more] -- Posted Thursday, March 18, 2010 by chb
Android discussion at Psion Teklogix
On Psion Teklogix's new community site, Psion's Peter Ahn stated that "Android OS may become an important player in the long run. Having said that, Android O/S is still in its enfancy today, and our industry may not move fast in bringing business applications to Android O/S." Ahn also said that there are indirect benefits from the iPhone/Android war as WinCE/WinMo has been adding some of their features, such as finger touch and gesture support, an improved browser and an app store. [See Android discussion at Psion Teklogix community] -- Posted Thursday, March 11, 2010 by chb
Smartphone market share 2009
According to Gartner, the 2009 smartphone sales unit market was as follows (2008 percentage in parentheses): Symbian 46.9% (54.2%), RIM 19.9% (16.6%), iPhone 14.4% (8.2%), Windows Mobile 8.7% (11.8%), Linux 4.7% (7.6%), Android 3.9% (0.5%), Palm WebOS 0.7% (NA). -- Posted Friday, March 5, 2010 by chb
Windows Phone 7 not compatible with WinMo 6.5
Microsoft seems to go off in another direction with Windows Phone 7, and older devices will not be compatible or upgradeable. Read an InformationWeek article on Windows Phone 7 compatibility issues. -- Posted Thursday, March 4, 2010 by chb
Psion Teklogix introduces WorkAbout Pro 3
Psion Teklogix introduced the WorkAbout Pro 3 rugged handheld terminal that represents a technology, ergonomics, and versatility upgrade of the company's line of WorkAbout handhelds. The new model is quicker, tougher and more versatile, and adheres to Psion Teklogix's new "Open Source Mobility" philosophy that emphasizes a modular product platforms that allow sharing of common components and tools with developers, resellers and clients. [See description and specs of the Psion Teklogix WorkAbout Pro 3] -- Posted Thursday, March 4, 2010 by chb