Zebra Technologies, maker of handheld computers for enterprise workers, has unveiled its latest two devices, as well as an expanded Mobility DNA enterprise application suite aimed at making mobile workers even more productive.
The new Zebra handhelds—the TC75 and TC55 enterprise mobile computers—are aimed at workers in a variety of industries, including field service, transportation and logistics, direct store delivery, route accounting, public safety and more, while still maintaining the familiar feel of a fully featured smartphone. Both models are ruggedized and designed to withstand a wide range of conditions in harsh work environments.
The expanded Mobility DNA suite adds new applications and application development and administration tools for Zebra mobile computer users, including SimulScan Document Capture, Workforce Connect Push-To-Talk (PTT) Pro, AppGallery, Swipe Assist and All-Touch Terminal Emulation, according to a May 12 announcement by Zebra.
The TC75 (pictured) is based on the company's existing TC70 computer and is Zebra's latest enterprise-grade Android device that includes multicarrier 4G LTE capabilities for constant connectivity wherever it is used. The TC55 has been updated to use the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system and now includes an integrated 2D imager to speed bar code scanning and other data collection.
The TC75 handheld computer includes a 4.7-inch HD display that can be touched using gloved hands, an optional stylus or bare fingers; a tough Corning Gorilla Glass outer covering; a 1.7GHz dual-core processor; 1GB of RAM; and 8GB of internal flash storage. It also features two Nano SIM slots and a Mini SIM/SAM slot, an 8MP rear auto-focus camera, a front 1.3MP fixed-focus camera and a Li-Ion 4,620mAh replaceable battery. The computer is 6.3 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, 1.1 inches thick and weighs 13.3 ounces.
The ruggedized TC75 features IP67 certification to battle against dust, dirt, water, extreme temperatures, repeated 8-foot-high drops on concrete and more. It runs on the Android AOSP 4.4.3 operating system and includes 4G LTE connectivity.
Adding to the flexibility of the TC75, users can switch out a growing number of accessory add-ons to provide additional capabilities for users, including a trigger grip or a magnetic stripe payment reader that lets the device collect credit card information. The TC75 lists for $2,595.
Zebra's TC55 handheld has been upgraded from Android Jelly Bean and now runs on Android 4.4 KitKat. It has a 4.3-inch Blanview LCD display, a Corning Gorilla Glass 2 display cover, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash storage. TC55 users can do their work through multiple connectivity options, including 4G LTE from Verizon or AT&T, WiFi or Bluetooth 4.0.
The TC55, which retails for $1,049, includes a standard 2,940mAh Li-Ion battery and weighs 7.8 ounces. It features an 8MP auto-focus camera and a wide range of bar code scanning capabilities, as well as enterprise-ready applications and security features. The TC55 handheld is 5.4 inches long, 2.7 inches wide and 0.63 inches thick.
"Zebra is committed to end-to-end mobility solutions that enable our customers to run their operations reliably and deliver results where consumer-grade solutions simply fail," Joe White, Zebra's vice president of mobile computing, said in a statement. "The TC75 and TC55 mobile computers along with our Mobility DNA suite were developed to help businesses accelerate the adoption of their mobility solutions, improve productivity and operational agility and unlock true enterprise asset intelligence."
Both the TC75 and the TC55 run on a security-hardened version of Android that uses a layer of mobility extensions to perform needed security tasks, including application whitelisting, support for mobile device management clients, peripheral and port lock-downs and more, White told eWEEK. Both devices, which also include near-field communications (NFC) and other enterprise features, are available immediately.
Ruggedized tablets and smartphones continue to expand in the enterprise marketplace to help equip mobile workers who require tougher devices to do their work in harsh conditions, according to earlier eWEEK reports.
Earlier in May, Zebra competitor Janam Technologies announced its latest rugged mobile computer, the pistol-grip mounted XG3, which offers workers in a wide variety of industries a powerful machine that can be used in almost any environment. The machine lists for $1,995 and includes a 3.5-inch VGA TFT display with hardened glass, a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, 512MB of RAM that can be expanded to up to 1GB, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth capabilities and a long-lasting 5,200mAh hot-swappable Li-ion battery. The XG3 also includes a motion-sensing accelerometer and runs on the Microsoft Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 operating system. XG3 buyers can also choose from a variety of keypad designs to meet their exact needs.
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