March 2024

April 3, 2024 Webinar: The Future of Dimensioning
Join Intel RealSense and MobileDemand, as they delve into real-world use cases on the transformative capabilities of 3D stereo depth technology and its integration with xDIM Mobile Dimensioning. The free webinar takes place Wednesday, April 03 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT. [Register for webinar] -- Posted Thursday, March 28, 2024

VDC on Rugged Handheld Computers & Smartphones
In a new report, VDC Research says the global market for rugged handheld computers and smartphones is facing persistent headwinds through the first half of 2024 but remains poised for longer-term growth. Connectivity requirements continue to evolve as 5G-enabled devices become more widely available and demand develops for WiFi 6/6e, CBRS, Band 14 and private cellular networks. Zebra Technologies and Honeywell are dominating the rugged handheld competitive landscape while Samsung and Kyocera lead the rugged smartphone market. Across both categories niche, lower-cost Asia-based vendors are attempting to expand their reach outside of their home markets. [Get Executive Brief] -- Posted Thursday, March 28, 2024

u-blox launches new GNSS platform for enhanced positioning accuracy in urban environments
u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has announced F10, the company’s first dual-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) platform combining L1 and L5 bands to offer enhanced multipath resistance and meter-level positioning accuracy. The platform caters to urban mobility applications, such as aftermarket telematics and micromobility. [See u-blox media release] -- Posted Thursday, March 28, 2024

NEXCOM's new software-defined edge computing solutions at Embedded World 2024
NEXCOM will highlight AIC OT-X, the latest software-defined edge computing OS for embedded IoT devices, at Embedded World 2024 in Nürnberg, Germany, at Hall 5, Booth 5-253, from April 9 to 11, 2024. The experienced edge and IoT manufacturer, returning to Embedded World after ten years, will be showing a range of products ideal for 5G, industrial IoT, transportation AI, smart city and more — with an emphasis on Edge AI, OT Cybersecurity, and carbon footprint management. [See Nexcom media release -- Posted Thursday, March 28, 2024

FULL REVIEW: Getac ZX80 rugged 8-inch Android tablet
There aren't many competent state-of-the-art fully rugged small Android tablets around, the kind that have what it takes to hold up in the field and get the job done. The new 8-inch Getac ZX80 is one of them. The ZX80 comes with 12GB of RAM, and can be equipped with 4G/5G LTE, external antenna pass-throughs, NFC, and an industrial-grade barcode reader. In our testing, the ZX80 ran 16-1/2 hours on a charge. It also has the brightest display of any available rugged Android tablet we tested, and scored the overall highest rugged Android tablet performance benchmark results we've seen in our lab. [See full review of the Getac ZX80 rugged Android tablet] -- Posted Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Avalue unveils the latest ePaper product — EPD-4200-B1
Avalue Technology Inc. (TAIEX: 3479-TW), a professional embedded industrial computer manufacturer, is providing complete smart retail, smart healthcare, smart manufacturing, smart transportation, and embedded solutions. Avalue launched the latest open-frame architecture e-paper display - EPD-4200-B1, focusing on outdoor signage application market. [See Avalue news release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Darveen to make strong debut at Embedded World 2024
Darveen, a global provider specializing in rugged industrial computer solutions, is set to make a significant debut at Embedded World 2024 (Hall 3, Booth 3-230) in Nuremberg, Germany from April 9th to 11th, 2024. With a thematic focus on 'Embedded Solutions for Resilient Guidance and Steady Progress', Darveen presents a comprehensive display across three exhibition areas, showcasing a diverse range of industrial embedded product solutions meticulously designed for various industrial applications. [See Darveen media release] -- Posted Friday, March 22, 2024

MHI powers largest MODEX in event’s history
MHI's MODEX 2024 saw a record-shattering number of registered manufacturing and supply chain professionals, reaching a total of 48,733. The event, held March 11-14 in Atlanta, saw attendees engaged with 1,200 exhibitors showcasing the latest supply chain technology and innovation across three halls and 580,000 net square feet at the Georgia World Congress Center. This was the largest MODEX event to date for MHI, with 32% more registered visitors than MODEX 2022. [See Modex 2024 wrap-up] -- Posted Friday, March 22, 2024

Winmate and TL Electronic at Embedded World 2024
Winmate and TL Electronic GmbH will showcase exclusive mobile computing solutions at Embedded World 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, scheduled for April 9th-11th. The event serves as a platform for the embedded community to share information about new technologies, engage in discussion, and develop key contacts. Winmate will exhibit its rugged computing solutions, designed to enhance operational efficiency and productivity for various industrial applications. Winmate will also showcase a range of products, including Rugged Tablets, Panel PCs, and Embedded Systems that are built for harsh conditions while providing reliable and high-performance solutions. Visit Winmate at Booth #1-460. -- Posted Friday, March 22, 2024

Kyocera's smart mobile computing and scanning solution combines rugged 5G smartphones, AsReader scanners, and Seiko printers to optimize productivity
Kyocera. announced the launch of its latest offering to maximize business productivity using mobile technology: Smart Mobile Computing and Scanning. The complete solution operates using Kyocera's rugged 5G smartphones DuraForce PRO 3 and DuraSport 5G; a variety of handheld, long-range scanners and RFID readers from AsReader; and compact Seiko mobile printers, all supported by industry-leading two-year manufacturer's warranties and superior customer service. [See Kyocera media release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 19, 2024

FULL REVIEW: Panasonic Toughbook 40
The Panasonic Toughbook 40 is the successor to the Toughbook 31, which was the successor to a long line of Toughbooks going back to the original one that pretty much defined the rugged laptop genre over a quarter of a century ago. For many customers, the Toughbook 40 is the real deal. It is a real rugged laptop, not a tablet or a hybrid. It is big, tough and powerful. RuggedPCReview.com examined and tested the Toughbook 40 in detail and here is what we found. [See full review of the Panasonic Toughbook 40] -- Posted Friday, March 15, 2024

FULL REVIEW: MobileDemand xTablet T1175
MobileDemand has long been known as a supplier of budget-priced rugged tablets for certain markets. But now the company is reaching higher: their new 10-inch xTablet T1175 is not only MobileDemand's most powerful tablet offering but for now also one of the most powerful rugged tablets currently available, period. RuggedPCReview.com examined the T1185 in detail and found much to like. [See full review of the MobileDemand xTablet T1175] -- Posted Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Zebra Technologies introduces automation solutions at MODEX 2024 to empower connected workers
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a leading digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people, today announced new enterprise mobile computing and intelligent automation solutions designed to enable an agile, resilient supply chain with the power of a connected workforce. Zebra will highlight its expanded portfolio of solutions at MODEX 2024 Booth B6623 in the Georgia World Congress Center — Hall B, March 11-14 in Atlanta, Ga. [See Zebra media release] -- Posted Monday, March 11, 2024

DT Research 6-inch and 8-inch rugged tablets deliver scanning and tag reading for asset and inventory management
DT Research, a leading designer and manufacturer of purpose-built computing solutions for vertical markets, today announced the company's DT362DN (6- inch) and DT382DN (8-inch) rugged tablets for ultra mobile computing in the office, warehouse, and field. The DT362DN and DT382DN handhelds run the Microsoft® Windows® 11 IoT Enterprise operating system for flexible integration with existing applications and systems. The powerful Intel® Core® i3-N300 8-Core processor (up to 3.80 GHz) and 16GB of RAM provide ample workload support. With features and options such as RFID and NFC readers, barcode scanners, GPS, Smartcard/CAC reader, and cameras, these tablets streamline data collection for asset and inventory management and mission-critical projects. [See DT Research media release] -- Posted Monday, March 11, 2024

Janam unveils breakthrough All-in-One UHF RFID reader for supply chain operations
Janam Technologies, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers and contactless access solutions, today announced the launch of its XR2 UHF RFID Reader — an all-in-one device designed for real-time tracking and unprecedented visibility into the location and status of items throughout the supply chain. Built to thrive in demanding warehouse, manufacturing and logistics operations, XR2 combines the most advanced RAIN RFID technology with a sleek, intuitive and ergonomic design that sets a new standard for power and performance. [See Janam media release] -- Posted Monday, March 11, 2024

Darveen announces distribution partnership with Contradata
Darveen, a global provider specializing in rugged industrial computer solutions, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with Contradata, a prominent player in the distribution of electronics in Italy since its establishment in 1978. Specializing in rugged embedded computing solutions, Darveen aims to leverage Contradata's robust presence in the industrial PC and embedded solutions segment to further strengthen its market presence in Italy. [See Darveen media release] -- Posted Tuesday, March 5, 2024

FULL REVIEW: Dell Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet
Sometimes, what you need on the job is a handy, lightweight, high-performance rugged Windows 11 tablet, and the 2.25-pound 10-inch Dell Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet perfectly fills that role. Combining speed, a very bright display, full shift-plus battery life and commendable versatility with Dell's significant corporate capabilities and services, there's an awful lot to like. [See full review of the Dell Latitude 7030 Rugged Extreme Tablet] -- Posted Monday, March 4, 2024

What happened in rugged computing 15 years ago: March 2009
In March 2009, Getac added Computrace to its firmware. Fujitsu consolidated its North American businesses. Parvuz introduced the Zypad WR11XX wrist computer. Winmate announced a full Intel Atom-based product line. RuggedPCReview did a case study on Dive Support Computing with the Itronix MR1 rugged UMPC. Datalogic started overnight service and 5 year service terms. GammaTech announced the Durabook RT10 MCA. Handheld U.S. added the Kenaz GPS to its Recon rugged PDA. GD-Itronix introduced the GD8000 rugged notebook, Dell the rugged Latitude E6400 XFR, and Motion the J3400 Tablet PC. We reviewed Panasonic's H1 medical tablet and Winmate's IA80 rugged tablet. Motorola added the MC55 EDA, and Getac the PS535F rugged GPS PDA. Jon Peddie predicted all graphics would soon be integrated into CPUs. Datamax and O'Neil merged. [See what happened in rugged computing 15 years ago in March 2009] -- Posted Friday, March 1, 2024