October 2016

ARBOR's Gladius G0830 is a flexible, innovative Intel Cherry Trail-powered fanless 8-inch tablet and dock system for restaurant point-of-sale, retail and warehousing deployments, or even emerging IoT applications. Closely integrated with a multi-function dock and an optional pistol grip for scanning operations, the Gladius G0830 supports both Windows 10 and Android. [See full review of the ARBOR Gladius G0830]

Case study: Rugged technology helps GIS professionals calculate utility pole measurements for telecom companies
Utility poles are prime real estate for telecommunications companies. Businesses jockey for space on these poles, which hold not only electricity wiring, but also cellphone equipment, cable television and fiber optic cables and antennas, and more. The process of adding a specific company's equipment to a utility pole isn't easy, and it's highly regulated. Handheld Group's Nautiz X8 rugged computer helps improve efficiency, saving significant time, and increasing profits for GIS contractors and their clients. [See For Good Measure — Rugged technology helps GIS professionals calculate utility pole measurements for telecom companies] -- Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Intel releases Atom E3900 series of IoT-centric processors
Intel introduced the Atom E3900 series of processors. Unlike the E3800 series that has seen use in many rugged and vertical market devices, the E3900 is clearly targeted at IoT applications in video, industrial and automotive applications. The chips offer more advanced video, can support up to 15 1080p30 video inputs(!), and include specific IoT features such as enhanced security, and synchronization via what Intel calls "Time Coordinated Computing Technology." TDP is in the 6 to 12 watt range, and the chips are expected to be used in a very wide range of IoT "edge" devices. [See Intel's Atom E3900 fact sheet] -- Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Exclusive: First full review of the 12.5-inch, Intel Kaby Lake-powered rugged Xplore XSLATE R12
Xplore Technologies announced the Xplore XSLATE R12 rugged tablet for those who need a larger display in a tablet that's tough enough to go anywhere AND delivers blistering performance. Think full HD 12.5-inch capacitive display AND Wacom pen, 2.7/3.5 GHz "Kaby Lake" i7-7500U processor, and excellent connectivity. In an exclusive, RuggedPCReview puts the XSLATE R12 though its paces and finds much to like. [See Xplore media release and RuggedPCReview's full review of the Xplore XSLATE R12] -- Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Rugged JLT VERSO 12 mobile computers keep containers moving during hottest Middle-Eastern summer temperatures at Basra Gateway Terminal in Iraq
JLT Mobile Computers announced that it has successfully delivered 50 JLT VERSO 12 mobile computers to the Basra Gateway Terminal. BGT is operated by terminal operator International Container Terminal Services Inc., and is Iraq’s premier container and multi-purpose cargo handling facility at the port of Umm Qasr. This order represents the third port in the ICTSI group that uses JLT mobile computers, following major design wins at Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) in Gdynia, Poland, and Batumi International Container Terminal (BICTL) in Batumi, Georgia. The JLT computers are operated with new equipment including reach stackers, terminal tractors, and forklifts. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Monday, October 24, 2016

Handheld on track with major orders to European railways
Handheld Group announced major wins with two European railways. The projects are valued at more than $2 million over the next 12 months. Each of the two railways selected a separate device — one opted for a NAUTIZ handheld device, and the other chose an ALGIZ rugged tablet solution. Both projects involve hardware, accessories and services. Project deliveries have already begun and are expected to continue over the next 12 to 18 months. [See Handheld Group media release] -- Posted Thursday, October 20, 2016

CipherLab USA announces strategic partnership with Serialio.com
CipherLab USA announced a partnership with Serialio.com in offering an inventory and tracking system for reusable and recyclable assets. Inventory inaccuracy within the retail value chain is found in a wide range of processes such as transaction errors, shrinkage errors, supply errors, theft and more, which costs companies millions of dollars each year. The platform developed by Serialio.com and CipherLab USA provides users with an end-to-end solution including the CipherLabs 1862 Bluetooth UHF RFID reader and Serialio.com’s cloud-based software that allows configuring workflows to specific user needs and demands. -- Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Added: Ubiqconn MT7000 all-in-one in-vehicle terminal for emerging vehicular IoT applications
With emerging IoT solutions coming on strong, we're seeing a large number of new IoT building blocks. An example is the elegant new Ubiqconn MT7000, a durable, all-in-one vehicle terminal for fleet management, asset management, and Electronic Logging (ELD) applications. With a 7-inch procap display, various OS choices, and substantial onboard wired and wireless connectivity, the MT7000 is suitable for all sorts of dispatch systems, asset and fleet management applications, diagnostic monitoring systems, as well as vehicle navigation and tracking metrics. [See description, analysis and specs of the Ubiqconn MT7000] -- Posted Tuesday, October 18, 2016

MobileDemand presents two new rugged tablet case studies
MobileDemand published two new case studies. One is on Honda Transmission Manufacturing, located in Russel's Point, Ohio, using MobileDemand xTablet T1200 systems to replace their tugger-mounted and forklift-mounted laptops, as well as using MobileDemand xTablet T1400, xTablet T1600 and xTablet Flex 10 devices for various applications. The second is on the use of a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 with MobileDemand's premium rugged case to run a Blue Robotics BlueROV2 underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to discover uncharted shipwrecks along the dramatic Southern California Pacific Ocean coastline. [See Honda Manufacturing Replaces Rugged Laptops with Rugged Windows Tablets and Marine Exploration Driven By Rugged Surface Pro 4 Tablet] -- Posted Monday, October 17, 2016

Getac scores record high September revenues
DigiTimes reports that Getac Technology reported consolidated revenues of US$67 million for September 2016, increasing 18.22% on month and 34.9% on year. Revenues for the third quarter of 2016 increased 13.2% sequentially and 15.8% on year to a record high US$170 million. Accumulated 2016 revenues through September totaled US$458 million, growing 8.51% on year. DigiTimes mentioned that Getac rugged notebooks have found their way into the military units in the Netherlands, pushing sales in September. -- Posted Monday, October 17, 2016

GammaTech reloads its fully rugged DURABOOK R8300 notebook
GammaTech announced it has taken a major step in updating both technology and security of its DURABOOK R8300 fully rugged notebook. The unit, designed for deployment in the most extreme applications and environments, is now available with Intel "Sky Lake" 6th generation Core processors and related technology, Windows 10 Professional, as well as faster and higher capacity RAM and mass storage. Unchanged is the unit's exceptional and extensively field-tested toughness and durability, allowing it to operate in the harshest conditions, from scorching-hot deserts to freezing terrains, stealth missions to an active combat zone. [See GammaTech USA media release and RuggedPCReview's description, analysis and specs of the DURABOOK R8300] -- Posted Sunday, October 16, 2016

Janam and IntelliTrack partner to deliver intuitive inventory management solutions
Janam Technologies announced that Janam’s XT2 rugged touch computer has been certified to run IntelliTrack’s Stratus Mobile for Android application which, combined with the Stratus cloud-based desktop application, offers customers a powerful, easy-to-use inventory control solution. Doug Lloyd, Janam VP of Global Sales Operations, said, “Inventory is one of the largest expenses for many of our customers. We are thrilled that our partnership with IntelliTrack will enable our customers to significantly reduce these costs with a robust and affordable solution that provides real-time visibility to inventory levels and enables organizations to make smarter decisions about their business.” [See Janam media release] -- Posted Friday, October 14, 2016

MobileDemand: Rugged Surface cases flying off the shelf
MobileDemand reports that its rugged Surface cases, announced in February and shipping since April, have been selling at an incredible rate. Watch the video below which shows the rapid adoption nationwide of the new Surface cases. Equipped with multiple hand straps for easy carrying, an easel for any-angle viewing and protected ports, the rugged cases are ideal for mobile, enterprise operations. MobileDemand offers protective cases for the Surface Pro 4 and Surface 3 and were engineered as a participant in the Microsoft Designed for Surface Program. [See MobileDemand blog entry and Surface Case installed base video -- Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Bristol Township Police Department chooses Xplore rugged tablets to replace Panasonic Toughbooks in patrol cars, field
Xplore Technologies announced that the Bristol Township Police Department in Pennsylvania has chosen to standardize on Xplore R12 rugged tablet PCs after nearly 15 years of cycling through fast failing notebooks and other mobile devices that proved unfit for public safety’s extreme daily operating environments. Just one-third of the way through its full fleet upgrade to the R12, local law enforcement officers already boast about the rugged tablet’s uninterrupted 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and satellite GPS connectivity as they transition from the station to the patrol car and into the field for incident response and investigation. [See Xplore media release] and Not Missing a Beat case study] -- Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Getac releases next-generation, higher-resolution body-worn camera for law enforcement for its Veretos system
Getac introduced its next-gen Getac Veretos Body Worn Camera (BWC) for law enforcement. With one of the smallest and lightest designs in the industry, it delivers 130-degree panoramic 480p to 1080p video, even in low light conditions. Incorporating a wide range of communication features and up to 12 hours of full-shift battery life, the camera provides law enforcement with complete situational awareness in critical scenarios while its intuitive design makes the process of starting, stopping, and streaming video push-button easy. [See Getac media release and Getac Veretos product page] -- Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Avalue and Bytec announce IP67-sealed mobile power solution
Avalue Technology’s healthcare alliance partner Bytec Healthcare released their G2 Geni-Tec Mobile Power solution for use in healthcare environments. Bytec seeks to "mobilize healthcare" by bringing reliable and safe mobile power solutions to hospitals, integrators and medical device manufacturers. The G2 Battery Modules use the latest in Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery technology built into a compact, lightweight and IP67-sealed design. With a capacity of up to 216 Wh, the battery modules can be hot-swapped for continuous24/7/365 power. [See Avalue media release and Geni-Tec product page] -- Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Q2 rugged mobile market shows uneven YoY growth
VDC Research reports that the global rugged mobile market saw uneven growth between Q2 2015 and Q2 2016. Stabilized Q2 2016 markets allowed for year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth for rugged tablets and notebooks, while the handheld/PDA market experienced a weaker Q2 YoY compared with Q2 2015. Regionally, Asia-Pacific experienced YoY growth across rugged notebook, handheld, and tablet form factors, while only the tablet market grew in the Americas and the notebooks saw YoY growth in EMEA. [See Rugged Mobile Quarterly Shipments Q2 2016] -- Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Lenovo to take over Fujitsu's PC unit?
Fujitsu was once a global top-5 PC maker, and we still fondly remember Fujitsu's pioneering work in industrial and enterprise tablets well before Microsoft "invented" the Tablet PC. But that was then and this is now. While still having sold 4 million PCs last year, the Fujitsu PC unit is losing money and is said to be in talks to sell the unit to Lenovo, which is the world's #1 PC seller. -- Posted Friday, October 7, 2016

MilDef Group Acquires Amrel's rugged product lines
Located in El Monte, California, AMREL’s Computer Division has been a long-standing, player in the rugged computers market, providing COTS, modified COTS, and customized rugged solutions to Defense, Industrial, and Public Safety sector for the past 30+ years. MilDef assumes AMREL’s role and continues to market, sell, and service AMREL’s clientele with its complete range of rugged products’ portfolio. Edward Chen, CEO of AMREL Group, states, “MilDef and AMREL have been partners for over two decades and this acquisition is a natural fit and the synergy is apparent." -- Posted Thursday, October 6, 2016

Leidos chooses rugged computer server from Crystal Group for front-line SIGINT system
Systems integrators at Leidos in Reston, Va., needed rugged computer servers for a tactical real-time signals intelligence (SIGINT) system. They found their solution from Crystal Group in Hiawatha, Iowa.Leidos officials say they are choosing the Crystal RS378 3U rugged server for the Leidos eXpeditionary RT (XRT) system that is designed to distil real-time context-sensitive situational awareness information from vast quantifies and disparate sources of data. "We were looking for a ruggedized platform that is scalable to our application and to industry standards," says Matthew Smith, senior program manager at the Leidos office in Columbia, Md. "Crystal was very open to systems engineering based on our needs." -- Posted Tuesday, October 4, 2016