May 2019

There's an increasing need for highly configurable, super-compact rugged Mini PCs for emerging IoT gateway, Industry 4.0, machine vision, digital signage, and endless other applications. RuggedPCReview.com took a detailed look at Logic Supply's Karbon 300 and found it an interesting demonstration of what all is possible today with a little PC that has a footprint hardly larger than that of a smartphone. [See review of the Logic Supply Karbon 300]

Full review: Juniper Systems' Geode sub-meter GPS receiver
GPS is everywhere today, and it's accurate enough for most consumer applications. Professionals, however, often need better accuracy than the 15-25 feet consumer tech can provide. This used to be quite expensive (and still is if true survey-grade accuracy is needed), but there are now dedicated sub-meter GNSS receivers that can bring remarkable accuracy to handhelds and tablets. One such device is Juniper Systems' Geode ((US$1,400), that we're examining and explaining in detail. [See full review of the Juniper Systems Geode sub-meter GNSS receiver] -- Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Intel 10th generation Core processors introduced, sort of
At Computex 2019 in Taipei, Intel introduced the 10th generation of Core processors, codenamed "Ice Lake." The 10nm Ice Lake platform brings the first really new micro architecture, codenamed "Sunny Cove" since the 6th generation "Skylake" platform. It includes new transistor technology that can accelerate AI applications as well as leveraging machine learning. There's a new graphics engine and integrated Thunderbolt 3. Initial processors will be for mobile applications with TDPs of 9, 15 and 28 watts, and up to four cores/eight threads. These will come in two chip packages, a tiny one for Y-Series processors and a slightly larger one for U-Series chips. Intel has not announced actual chips yet. [See Intel media release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Winmate's M101M8 rugged Android tablet now SOTI MobiControl certified
Winmate is pleased to announce that the 10.1-inch M101M8 Rugged Android tablet is now certified to be compatible with SOTI Mobicontrol. SOTI, the world's leading software provider for mobile device management allows users to manage and secure enterprise mobile devices through MobiControl. Authorized corporate IT managers or individuals can access/control/track/manage all enterprise owned M101M8 units over-the-air to give remote control and support at anytime, anywhere. -- Posted Thursday, May 23, 2019

U.S. Marine Corps selects PacStar Secure Wireless Command Post to provide access for Classified Mobile Devices at the Network Edge
PacStar, a leading developer and supplier of advanced communications solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), announced today that U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has selected components from PacStar Secure Wireless Command Post (SWCP) for network infrastructure, encryption and cybersecurity for the Marine Common Handheld (MCH) program. The PacStar system will provide secure, encrypted access to classified networks for smart mobile devices at the very edge of the tactical network. The program will follow Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) requirements to provide secure wireless access. [See PacStar media release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Zebra introduces new kiosks offering concierge-style self service at customers' fingertips
Zebra, an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, today introduced the new CC6000 and CC600 Customer Concierge kiosks, providing customers with an optimal online and in-store shopping experience with the self-service capabilities they expect. The 10-inch CC6000 and 5-inch CC600 kiosks combine the familiarity of a consumer tablet with an enterprise-class Android platform that enables retailers to deliver a truly unique shopping experience featuring quick access to product information, pricing and availability and personalized service. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Trimble releases next-generation integrated smartphone and GIS data collector
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today the Trimble® TDC600 handheld, an ultra-rugged, all-in-one smartphone and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data collector for Geographic Information System (GIS) and field inspection applications. The next-generation smartphone data collector boasts an Android 8.0 operating system, bright sunlight-readable 6-inch display, powerful 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB memory and an enhanced capacity all-day battery. [See Trimble media release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Hey and bye, Huawei
Hey and bye, Huawei, we barely knew you. Google has suspended business with the world's 2nd largest smartphone maker, which means no more full Android with all the Android apps and access to the Google Play Store for Huawei. So Android, the world's dominant smartphone and handheld OS has become a political instrument. Intel, Qualcomm and Broadcom have followed suit, cutting off working with Huawei. Not a good situation. -- Posted Monday, May 20, 2019

Android Contemplations 2019
RuggedPCReview.com editor-in-chief Conrad Blickenstorfer presents thoughts on the current state and future of Android, especially in the rugged space, based both on personal experiences as well as numerous Android product and status reviews going back to Android's very beginnings. [Read Android contemplations 2019] -- Posted Monday, May 20, 2019

Review: Juniper System's Cedar CT8 rugged Android tablet
There are jobs that require the absolutely most rugged mobile computing equipment available, at a price. For many other jobs, however, customers seek budget-friendly solutions that balance ruggedness with cost. Juniper Systems has both an ultra-rugged line and also their budget-friendly Cedar-branded handhelds and tablets. We've reviewed Juniper's US$999 8-inch Cedar CT8 rugged Android 8.1 tablet and found much to like. It's tough, quick, handy, has a replaceable battery, very good cameras and GNSS, and can be expanded via bolt-on attachments. [See description, analysis and specs of the Cedar CT8 by Juniper Systems.] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2019

New Industrial Panel PC Series with Stainless Steel Bezels
Teguar has introduced a new line of rugged panel mount PCs to address the strict sanitation requirements for applications such as food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and clean room computing. With the TSP-2945 series, a new hybrid category has been created which combines features of industrial panel PCs with features of fully waterproof PCs. [See Teguar media release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Winmate's ultra-rugged tablets updated with 7th gen. Intel Core i5 processor
Winmate gives its ultra-rugged Tablet PC series a performance boost by upgrading the Intel® Core i5 CPU to a 7th generation Core i5-7200U Kaby Lake processor. The 8.4-inch R08IK8M-RTU1GP and 10.4-inch R10IK8M-RTT2GP are industrial Windows tablets coming in an ultra sturdy, fan less form factor, with the displays big enough to show sufficient diagrams and charts. The sunlight readable display ensures all information is viewable even in really bright environments. [See Winmate media release] -- Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Zebra Technologies celebrates 50 years of innovating at the edge
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, celebrates its 50th anniversary as it continues to empower the front line of business. Since the inception of its first printing prototypes in the late 1960s, Zebra has evolved into a trusted advisor to its partners and customers based on its legacy of innovation to help transform the enterprise. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Friday, May 10, 2019

Sonim Technologies announces pricing of Initial Public Offering
Sonim Technologies (Nasdaq: SONM), a leading U.S. provider of ultra-rugged mobility solutions designed specifically for task workers physically engaged in their work environments, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 3,571,429 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $11.00 per share. According to an interview published in the Urgent Communications site, Sonim Technologies sold about 311,000 devices in 2018. [See Sonim media release] -- Posted Thursday, May 9, 2019

DURABOOK R8300, S14I, U11 and R11 available to Department of Defense customers via U.S. Air Force CCS-2 BPA
Durabook Americas, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corporation, today announced that a broad selection of its renowned rugged computers, including the R8300, U11, R11 and S14I, are available via the U.S. Air Force Client Computing Solutions (CCS-2) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) in the Rugged Systems category for fiscal year 2019a (January 1 - June 30). Availability was secured through Durabook Americas' channel partners Transource Computers (CCS-2 contract FA8055-17-A-1104) and NCS Technologies Inc. (CCS-2 contract FA8055-17-A-1102). [See Durabook media release] -- Posted Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Review: Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2 rugged smartphone
Slender, fragile consumer smartphones don't make sense on the job, but not everyone needs a dedicated rugged mobile handheld computer. That's where the Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2 comes in, a 8-ounce, 5-inch, IP68-sealed Android 8.1 rugged smartphone. It's technologically up-to-date, has a great display, six sensors, and three excellent cameras with great software support. All for a great price. [See review of the Kyocera DuraForce PRO 2] -- Posted Friday, May 3, 2019

Motorola Solutions reports 13% sales increase Q1 2019
Motorola Solutions reported sales of $1.657 billion for Q1 of 2019, up 13% from $1.468 billion Q1 2018. Approximately $137 million of revenue growth was related to acquisitions. GAP operating earnings were $229 million, versus $171 million same quarter a year ago. For Q2, 2019, Motorola Solutions expects revenue growth of approximately 4-5%. [See Motorola Solutions press release] -- Posted Thursday, May 2, 2019

Siyata Mobile launches UR7 rugged clamshell handset and CP250 in-vehicle device with partner Communications Company Ltd
Siyata Mobile Inc., a leader in 4G/LTE Push-To-Talk devices, announced the launch of both its 4G/LTE UR7 rugged handset and CP250 4G/LTE in-vehicle device with Partner Communications Company Ltd. Employers across various industries are driving the demand for reliable, durable and safe methods of communicating with their workers. The UR7 meets these demands as the first 4G/LTE rugged smartphone in a clamshell form, offering crystal clear cellular call quality via dual speakers. The Uniden® CP250 in-vehicle device provides a simple, streamlined and most importantly, safe way to communicate on the road by eliminating the distractions typically present in in-vehicle communications. [See Siyata media release] -- Posted Thursday, May 2, 2019