July 2018

A closer look at Panasonic's updated Android Oreo-based Toughbook FZ-N1 handheld
Panasonic originally launched the Android-based 4.7-inch Toughpad FZ-N1 early 2016, together with a Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise-based sibling, the Toughpad FZ-F1. The Android version went on to be very popular, whereas with Microsoft's withdrawal from the mobile space, the FZ-F1 is now gone. To prove its commitment to the handheld space, Panasonic has upgraded the FZ-N1, now under the Toughbook brand, with a faster processor, enhanced electronics, more memory and storage, and various refinements. RuggedPCReview takes a first look at Panasonic's updated Toughbook handheld. [See description, analysis and specs of the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-N1] -- Posted Tuesday, July 24, 2018 by chb

Rugged and refined Toughbook N1 delivers the power and tools that workers demand
Panasonic, an industry leader in mobile computing solutions that are purpose-built for the way people work, today announced a major update to its popular and acclaimed Toughbook N1 rugged handheld device. The latest 4.7-inch device has been refined to meet the challenges of today's workplaces, with hardware and features designed to make capturing, sharing and analyzing data faster and easier than ever. [See Panasonic press release]
-- Posted Tuesday, July 24, 2018 by chb

Google hit with record antitrust fine over Android
European Union regulators have slapped Google with a record five billion dollar fine over using "Android as a vehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine" and pressuring device manufacturers to preinstall a growing number of Google apps. We've definitely seen an increase in the latter over the last several versions of Android, as well as a heavier hand by Google to use its tools and services on Android devices. Android, of course, is free, and so it should be interesting to see how this plays out. [See Gpogle hit with record $5 billion EU antitrust fine] -- Posted Wednesday, July 18, 2018 by chb

Added: Unitech EA602 rugged Android handheld
The vast majority of the world's smartphones uses Android, so chances are that employees are already familiar with Android. Which means it makes sense to make handhelds look and work like smartphones. Only make them much more durable and add industrial grade scanning. That's what Unitech did with their new and competitively priced EA602. [See description, analysis and specs of the Unitech EA602] -- Posted Monday, July 16, 2018 by chb

Nautiz X2 All-In-One rugged Android handheld upgraded to Android 7.0
Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, today announced that the Nautiz X2 enterprise handheld now comes with the Android 7.0 operating system. The popular Nautiz X2 was first introduced in February 2017 and is built for data entry, barcode scanning and data entry in extreme environments. [See Handheld press release] -- Posted Tuesday, July 10, 2018 by chb

Juniper Systems donates $88k worth of data collection devices to Utah State University's College of Natural Resources
Since the beginning, Juniper Systems has put an importance on education, conserving natural resources, and serving the community. By donating 25 Mesa 2 Rugged Tablets, 6 Geode Sub-meter GPS Receivers, and all the appropriate accessories to Utah State University’s Quinney College of Natural Resources, we strive to continue this focus. These data collection tools will be used to educate undergraduate students on the basics of modern GIS and field data collection and to support graduate student and professor field research projects around the world. [See Juniper Systems donates $88k worth of data collection devices to Utah State University's College of Natural Resources] -- Posted Thursday, July 5, 2018 by chb