Touchstar switches platforms

OVER TO ANDROID

WAREHOUSES • WITH WINDOWS CE WINDING DOWN, TOUCHSTAR IS MOVING TO ANDROID AND FINDING IT MORE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOGISTICS SECTOR

TOUCHSTAR TECHNOLOGIES HAS announced two additions to its TS Series product suite. The Android TS8200 handheld and TS7200 truck-mounted terminal are powered by the latest high-speed processor technology and the next generation in mobile operating systems.

TouchStar says the new products “provide the ideal hardware solution for warehouse and logistics-based applications”.

As with existing TS Series equipment, the new devices maintain their robust credentials, with a combination of high-impact polycarbonate plastics, metal alloy chassis and Sorbothane® rubber shock absorbers that allow for an extremely reliable solution and prolonged life within robust environments. Both new devices allow users with mobile access to web-oriented applications and VT emulation, streamlining operations for increased productivity and accuracy. Available with an array of communication options - Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1 and 3G/4G – they allow users to stay connected wherever they are and whatever task they are performing.

Moreover, plans by Microsoft to introduce a “slow sunset” phase-out of support for the Windows operating system (OS) have prompted TouchStar to introduce these new Android products. “We have moved to Android as it’s proving to be the most nimble, flexible, and adaptable OS. We’re also seeing more applications for warehouse use are being released specifically for rugged Android devices with support focused on those deployments,” says the company’s Jon Hall. “The good thing about Android is that it is an open source OS without the limitations imposed on developers by Microsoft Windows CE. With Android we have all options from the full Android OS experience available to us, so we can build solutions that offer what we know the users in the warehouse sector require.”

STURDY BUILD Designed in conjunction with TouchStar’s extensive user base, the latest generation in the TS8000 series, the TS8200, further enhances the existing range with a lighter and more ergonomically designed mobile computer.

The highly durable hard capped keys are optimally positioned to provide ultimate user comfort in scan-intensive environments. The dynamic data collection capabilities of the high-resolution speed laser scanner and advanced imaging technology allow for both close range and extreme long-range scanning capability. Furthermore, the availability of a hot swappable battery guarantees continuous operation and reduced downtime, maximising output and increasing workload efficiency.

Providing excellent visibility in all lighting conditions, the TS8200’s rugged touchscreen combines with the high-performance of the colour 5M pixel camera to provide startling productivity and efficiency gains for all supply chain scenarios.

The new TS7200 has been designed to withstand the most extreme environments and to be versatile within all warehouse and logistics operations. It provides a robust, user-friendly mounting solution, allowing the terminal to be perfectly positioned for the user across all makes of forklift truck and material handling equipment.

The TS7200 replaces the physical keyboard with a fully capacitive QWERTY keyboard in a robust touchscreen that is fully resistant to dust, oil and water. Combined with the highdefinition graphics and keyboard, the TS7200 provides outstanding readability in both direct sunlight and all ambient lighting conditions making it the perfect overall solution for harsh and demanding environments.

TouchStar provides a wide range of handheld, wearable and truck- and vehiclemounted mobile computer, including ATEXcertified devices specifically designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. HCB www.rugged-mobile-computers.co.uk