May 2019

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]

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

Trimble releases next-generation integrated smartphone and GIS data collector
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today the TrimbleŽ 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

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

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