{POS SYSTEMS}

Hat Trick for HP's Tablet

HP (Palo Alto, CA) has extended its store computing portfolio with the new HP MX10, which arms its ElitePad Mobile POS with an accompanying Retail Expansion Dock for maximum functionality and multiple use scenarios. Introduced in June, ElitePad Mobile POS combines the ElitePad 900 along with sled for scanning and payment processing, the so-called Retail Jacket. Now, with the Retail Expansion Dock, HP has offered full peripheral connectivity via Serial, USB, and RJ-45 ports, dual-hinge arm for adjustable height and tilt, and "dock, lock, and walk-away" capability. ElitePad 900, RP Digest readers will recall, features Windows 8 Pro, 10-inch display, 802.11a/b/g/n, and more rugged construction than consumer devices.

"With the HP MX10, retailers gain the advantage of a three-in-one solution that allows them to assist customers on the sales floor while still having access to full POS," observed Ray Carlin, VP and GM of the Retail Solutions Business Unit at HP. Here's how the value proposition works for MX10, according to HP: use the ElitePad for assisted selling, clienteling, and mobile manager's workstation; add the ElitePad Retail Jacket for Mobile POS; and, finally, deploy the ElitePad Retail Expansion Dock for portable and fixed POS and secure locking. In addition, the compact footprint of the MX10 Expansion Dock--10.4 in. (W) x 8.3 (D) x 13.3 in. (H) and 6.5 lbs.--makes it suitable for non-traditional, or even temporary, store implementations.

As primary market, of course, specialty retail comes to mind. During talks with RP Digest, Cory McElroy, Strategy and Planning Manager of the Retail Solutions Business Unit at HP, emphasized that the MX10 should not be considered as simply another tablet-cradle bundle, of which more appear every day. "It's a full solution with various degrees of integration, depending on how frequently you want to make the device mobile," stated McElroy. Neither should the lower tiers define the end-user community, "more the traditional POS space, with pricing similarities to an all-in-one," according to McElroy. "It's the multi-use scenario that really excites us and our partners."

HP MX10 Retail Solution

{HANDHELD COMPUTERs}

Jelly Bean, and Beyond, for Motorola

A path to the future? Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has given the channel an early look with this week's release of three popular devices--the ET1, MC40, and MC67--running Android Jelly Bean OS and supported by two new software resources. So-called Extensions by Motorola Solutions, or Mx, fortifies security, device management, and performance, while RhoMobile Suite 4.0 provides cross-platform development tools. "We're trying to think through the entire problem for retailers," RP Digest was told by Barry Issberner, Senior Director of Product Marketing for the Enterprise at Motorola Solutions. "They need devices, they need stable, predictable platforms, and they need to know somebody's standing behind their systems. Finally, they need flexibility for the future."

While ET1 and MC40, both aimed at retail, previously featured Android, the Jelly Bean OS brings increased security, better graphics support, and improved logging, according to Motorola. "We felt it was time to bring some of our most important devices up-to-date," related Issberner, "and make sure we completed the entire platform for the enterprise. Even with Jelly Bean, however, we felt more was needed." Thus, Mx, which strengthens specifics of device management, such as memory encryption, application access, wireless roaming, and speed of data collection.  A "no charge," proprietary item, Mx has been recommended, not required by Motorola Solutions, and works in conjunction with third-party schemes such as SOTI, AirWatch, and Wavelink.

Completing this package, RhoMobile Suite 4.0 allows developers to write, integrate, host, and manage applications that work across platforms, "whether iOS, Android, Windows Phone, or in the future, Windows Embedded 8 Handheld." RhoMobile Suite 4.0 simplifies the development process by creating one common set of APIs for both JavaScript and Ruby, the company noted. In addition, Motorola offers its free SDK for its Android family. In the case of RhoMobile, of course, licensing comes into play for support and more robust developer resources. With its latest announcement, Motorola Solutions seems to have charted the course between consumer devices and the more rigorous requirements of business users.

MC40 by Motorola Solutions

{TOUCHSCREENS}

Elo @ The Office

Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA) has rolled out "Elo @ The Office," its nifty new approach to the needs of business environments such as lobbies and meeting rooms. Such bundles combine Elo's large-screen touch computers with leading software packages to enable cloud-based collaboration, digital whiteboard, building directory, and virtual receptionist functionalities. In keeping with the times, Elo @ The Office extends compatibility with communication schemes such as Cisco WebEx, Citrix GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Lync, Microsoft Skype, Ready Talk, as well as applications such as QlikView for business intelligence and Salesforce.com for CRM.

Elo's Digital Whiteboard Solution combines its 70-inch touchscreen with Hitachi's StarBoard Software, enabling workers to capture meeting notes, deliver multi-media presentations, and work together in teams through multi-touch. Elo's Directory Solution employs JibeStream NovoTouch Software with its 55-inch touchscreen to provide directory listings and three-dimensional maps for visitors to buildings or wide campus settings. For the Elo Virtual Receptionist Solution, Elo has loaded its 42-inch touchscreen with WinTech LLC's ALICE Software so employees may communicate with visitors in the lobby from their desks using face-to-face video or audio-only conversations. A centrally located receptionist may manage several remote office lobbies with this system.

Elo's Touchscreens Are Bundled With Software for Advanced Office Solutions

{PRINTERS}

Epson Stacks Up

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) has unveiled its "stacked" receipt printer/check scanner configuration. Combining Epson's TM-S2000 multifunction scanner and TM-T70II three-inch thermal receipt printer, with accompanying metal stand, this new product offers numerous advantages, according to the company, beginning with its small footprint. The TM-T70II measures 4.9 in. (W) x 7.6 in. (D) x 4.5 in. (H), for instance, and features all-front facing controls, including paper loading and receipt printing. It also delivers 250 mm/second (9.8 inch/second) print speed for both text and graphics, whether logos or two-dimensional barcodes.

Its companion, the TM-S2000, offers the fastest check scanning speed in its class, up to 200 documents per minute, with 99.9% MICR accuracy. As additional advantages, the TM-S2000 has two-sided, 24-bit color ID scanning, up to 16 lines of endorsement printing, and support for cashier's checks with two-inch print areas. Options include three-track magnetic-stripe reading (MSR) for credit and debit cards, second pocket to process exceptions or separate documents, and USB hub. In terms of size, the TM-S2000 measures 5.6 in. (W) x 10.4 in. (D) x 7 in. (H).

"Banks are always looking to optimize efficiencies at the teller window," advised Tom Kettell, Senior Manager of Business Development for Epson's Business Systems Division. "That requires feature-rich technology. Epson's new stacked solution delivers maximum performance in its very small package, which is key to optimizing workflow." Using the same application programming interface (API), it also may be easily paired with other company products, such as the TM-S9000 multifunction scanner, with no need for additional validation processes.

New Check Scanner/Receipt Printer Combination

{SCANNERS}

PowerScan Bears Its Blueteeth

Datalogic ADC (Eugene, OR) has brought Bluetooth wireless communications to its PowerScan 9500, in the form of the PowerScan PBT9500. Devices in PowerScan 9500 represent the vendor's new two-dimensional handheld area imagers with rugged mechanics for industrial applications. With omnidirectional reading and advanced optical characteristics, they feature scanning range as high as 1 m/3.3 ft., dependent on the resolution of the barcode. An IP-65 rating protects against water and dust, with drop resistance of 1.2 m/3.9 ft. onto concrete, and wireless radio range of 90 m/295 ft.

In yellow-black, the PowerScan PBT9500 measures 8.3 inches long and weighs 13.4 ounces. Described as well balanced and ergonomic, this cordless device utilizes an intuitive aiming system and soft-pulsed white illumination light to reduce both unnatural wrist movements and strain on an operator's eyes. A quick, three-second battery replacement, combined with single or multi-slot battery charger, allows continuous service in the field. Additional benefits include Datalogic's patented "Green Spot" technology for visual good-read feedback and Motionix motion-sensing technology.

PowerScan PBT9500 Imager
From Datalogic ADC

{SOFTWARE}

Zebra Adds More Stripes
to Link-OS

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has updated its Link-OS environment, which makes the company's printers easier to integrate, manage, and maintain. First, the new browser-based "Profile Manager" allows end-users to centrally control printers throughout their network, whether from PC, tablet, or smartphone. Next, the new "Virtual Device" app allows end-users to switch among command languages and leverage inherent device management capabilities in Link-OS-enabled printers.

Currently supporting the iMZ220, iMZ320, QLn, and ZT200 series of Zebra printers, Link-OS significantly extends functionality, according to the vendor. "Cloud Connect" allows end-users to create new solutions and transfer existing apps to cloud-based platforms. Selected Link-OS printers feature "Print Touch" Near Field Communication tags, which automatically launch web pages and apps on NFC-enabled mobile devices. An "AirWatch Connector" app, created through the Zebra-AirWatch partnership, enables the management of multiple Link-OS devices from one console. Finally, the "Multi-Platform SDK" exposes the core features of the Link-OS apps for use by developers. 

ZT200 Series of Zebra Printers Among Those Benefitting From Link-OS