August 2015

IDTI: Touch panel market to reach US$31.9 billion by 2018
According to DigiTimes, touch panel manufacturer IDTI estimates the touch panel market to reach US$31.9 billion in 2018. The optimistic prediction is based on touch panels used in all-in-one (AIO) PCs and smartphones, in addition to newer applications such as vehicles and industrial applications. [See DigiTimes] -- Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2015 by chb

Xplore continues to expand engagement with one of the world's largest airlines
Xplore Technologies announced it has received additional orders for its XC6 Windows tablet PCs from one of the world’s largest and most well-known airlines. The newest order is in addition to an order announced in December 2014 and is an expansion of the previously announced multi-million dollar project. The airline is using the tablets to supply to the airline’s ground crews and expedite the baggage handling process at airports across the United States. [See Xplore media release] -- Posted Saturday, August 22, 2015 by chb

Gartner: iPhone up in worldwide smartphone growth slowdown
According to Gartner, worldwide smartphone sales had their lowest growth rate in Q2 2015 since 2013. A total of 330 million were sold, compared to 290 million in Q2 2014. Samsung's marketshare fell from 26.2 to 21.9%, Apple's rose from 12.1 to 14.6%. In terms of OS marketshare, Android fell from 83.8 to 92.2%, iOS rose from 12.2 to 14.6%, Windows fell from 2.8 to 2.5%. Once prominent smartphone vendors like Motorola and HTC were no longer in the top-10 of overall cellphone sellers. [See Gartner media release] -- Posted Friday, August 21, 2015 by chb

Panasonic launches ATEX-certified versions of its rugged 5-inch Toughpads
Panasonic announced ATEX certified versions of its fully rugged 5-inch Windows and Android handheld tablets designed for use in potentially hazardous industries such as oil and gas, mining, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-E1 ATEX and FZ-X1 ATEX tablets bring together the best of the handheld, smartphone and tablet market and have been certified for above ground, Zone 2 Working Space use in potentially explosive gas environments (Acetaldehyde, Gasoline, Ethylene). [See Panasonic Europe media release] -- Posted Tuesday, August 18, 2015 by chb

Xplore: To be or not to be? Rugged without regret
"To be or not to be?" asks Xplore's latest blog entry. It's not a Shakespearean matter of life and death here, but contemplations over paying extra for rugged tablets versus paying less for standard consumer gear, which will likely end up costing more in the long run. [See Xplore's: To be or not to be? Rugged without regret ] -- Posted Tuesday, August 11, 2015 by chb

How Does Law Enforcement Use Tablets?
Law enforcement is increasingly using advanced computing and communications technology to perform its job. This means highly durable, rugged computing gear that's also flexible, customizable, highly mobile and, unfortunately, costly. MobileDemand just published a case study of how the Missouri town of Sullivan is going about it, and how they managed to satisfy both their budget as well as their functional requirements with rugged tablets. [See How Does Law Enforcement Use Tablets?] -- Posted Tuesday, August 11, 2015 by chb

New: Winmate adds M133W 13.3-inch full-HD procap Broadwell-powered rugged tablet
Winmate has added the large-screen M133W to its growing lineup of rugged tablet computers. The M133W has a full HD 1920 x 1080 glove/rain/stylus-capable capacitive multi-touch screen, substantial onboard connectivity, dual cameras, a full complement of sensors, and it's available with three CPU options, including an Intel "Broadwell" Core i5-4200U. The M133W has a wide operating temperature range, is IP65-sealed, and can accommodate two internal SSDs. [See description, analysis and specs of the Winmate M133W] -- Posted Monday, August 10, 2015 by chb

All JLT Mobile rugged computers compatible with Windows 10
JLT Mobile Computers, Swedish developer and manufacturer of rugged computers for demanding environments, announces that all JLT rugged computers have been tested to be compatible with Microsoft Windows 10. A free upgrade to the latest software is available for users with Windows 7 Pro through Microsoft. Windows 10 will shortly be provided directly from JLT for both new and existing clients as well. [See JLT Mobile media release] -- Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2015 by chb