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News Technology

Point Mobile’s Smart Batteries Supported by SOTI XSight

Point Mobile is proud to announce that our smart batteries can now be optimized with the SOTI XSight Smart Battery Dashboard. Take full advantage of the technology built into our smart batteries and get visibility into the battery age, the cause of battery drain, and the battery temperature. Keep your shift productive by maximizing smart battery lifecycles.

SOTI and Point Mobile Partnership

The SOTI XSight Smart Battery Dashboard enables organizations to proactively gather data about their smart batteries. With SOTI XSight and Point Mobile, organizations can predict battery levels for a shift, prevent the early replacement of batteries, track battery lifecycles and more. This innovative technology protects investments in Point Mobile’s smart batteries, reduces downtime and reduces operational costs.  

“We’re glad to announce that customers are now able to enjoy the world-leading smart battery solution from SOTI by using our hardware. This innovative advancement not only promises enhanced productivity but also ensures cost-effectiveness. We take immense pride in empowering our customers with cutting-edge technology designed to elevate their experiences and drive success.”
Bongsoo Kim, Vice President & General Manager of Global Business, Point Mobile

The SOTI XSight Smart Battery Dashboard currently supports the following Point Mobile products. 

  • PM85 (Android 9)
  • PM90 (Android 9/11)
  • PM75 (Android 11)
  • PM67 (Android 11)
  • PM451 (Android 9/11)
  • PM351 (Android 11)

With the SOTI XSight Smart Battery Dashboard, companies can monitor:

  • Batteries lasting full working shifts: Organizations can view which batteries will last for their full daily shift and forecast how long batteries will last during selected shifts in the future
  • Battery age: View the age of batteries since their first use within a device
  • Battery cycles: View the total number of charge cycles batteries have undergone 
  • Charge levels at a selected time: View battery charge levels at a selected time to see how quickly they are draining

SOTI XSight can help you drill down on which user-installed apps are causing the most battery drain, the charge pattern of single batteries and battery temperature trends if they are normal, too hot or too cold. 

How Does It Work? 

A plugin known as XT Socket Plugin is installed alongside the SOTI XSight agent. The plugin is responsible for integrating with a Point Mobile provided API for battery data. The XT Socket Plugin collects data and sends it to the SOTI XSight agent to store and submit to the server. 

An XT Socket Plugin is made specifically for each smart battery manufacturer to capture these enhanced battery analytics. Customers with supported Point Mobile smart batteries can download the XT Socket Point Mobile Plugin

With access to detailed battery performance data, organizations will be able to make smarter, data-driven decisions. 

Optimizing smart batteries is just the beginning of what SOTI XSight can do. Combining diagnostic intelligence with mobile-first support improves the ROI of business-critical mobile investments. SOTI XSight enables organizations to leverage advanced diagnostics to rapidly resolve app and mobile device issues. Most importantly, organizations can visualize combined device and business data in real-time to improve performance and reduce operating costs. SOTI XSight enhances and integrates with SOTI MobiControl, an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution. 

To learn more about SOTI XSight, visit soti.net/xsight

SOTI XSight

About SOTI

SOTI is a proven innovator and industry leader for simplifying business mobility solutions by making them smarter, faster and more reliable. With SOTI’s innovative portfolio of solutions, organizations can trust SOTI to elevate and streamline their mobile operations, maximize their ROI and reduce device downtime. Globally, with over 17,000 customers, SOTI has proven itself to be the go-to mobile platform provider to manage, secure and support business-critical devices. With SOTI’s world-class support, enterprises can take mobility to endless possibilities. For more information, visit soti.net.

Categories
Software Technology

Updating a device via FOTA

FOTA or Firmware Over The Air describes the process of installing operation system updates of a mobile device wirelessly. Updates can include new functions, extensions or services, but also bugfixes and patches to ensure device security. Depending on the filze size and connection speed, updates can take up to 10 minutes. In this blog post, we will take a look at how to perform updates on Android-based Point Mobile devices.

FOTA client on Android-based Point Mobile computer
FOTA client application on Point Mobile device with Android

How do I receive my update wirelessly?

First, make sure you have a stable cellular or Wi-Fi connection on your mobile device. When you are updating using your phone provider’s network, keep in mind that depending on your data plan, there might be extra charges on your next bill when downloading larger file sizes. The system update menu can be found in the Android settings: Navigate to System, tap Advanced, and choose System Update in the collapsed menu to open the app for OS updates. From there choose FOTA on the right side to check if there is any update available. If so, a message appears informing you about the latest version, including release notes which further describe the changes. The same screen also shows the download size of the file on the bottom left, which is useful to know if you have to save data traffic. Once you are sure you want to install the update, simply tap Download on the bottom right, and the download will start.

By the way: The little info button (the blue i) will lead you to the product page on our website where you’ll find additional information.

After completing the download, a restart is required. The device will ask you if you wish to proceed, and after you tap Yes, the device will reboot and the update will be applied.

What if my download got stuck or I have bad connection?

From time to time, it’s possible that the connection gets lost, and the download cannot be completed. In rare cases, the update process has to be restarted, however the device might think there is already a firmware file download. When this happens, go to the settings menu in the system update menu. Choose Delete all the PFU files, which will erase all downloaded update files in the internal storage. After that, the OS update can be initiated again as described above.

If an update gets stuck, you can delete the existing PFU downloads from the internal memory

That’s about it in terms of updating a Point Mobile device via FOTA. If you have any questions about it, let us know in the comments.

Categories
News Software Technology

Configure kiosk features directly on a device with EmKioskConfig

Our technical teams recently released a new tool that will make the life of IT guys a lot easier. It lets you configure the kiosk mode directly on a mobile device, without the need of a PC. Users who previously worked with Scan2Stage on a computer will instantly feel familiar: The UI was designed similar to the EmKiosk menu, making the usage as simple as possible.

Getting started

After opening the application on your Android device, the main settings screen will appear. Divided in two sections, it lets you choose settings related to the kiosk mode itself, and everything related to device settings. Kiosk settings include basic layout options or which apps should be hidden, and device settings include Wi-Fi or barcode scanner settings. Thanks to the intuitive UI, every feature can be turned on or off with toggle switches. The setup can be done entirely on a mobile device, which will act as a master device or server, and nearby devices will be the devices to receive the configurations. After you are done, simply tap on SAVE on the bottom of the screen.

Apply settings with Direct Clone

Similar to when setting up devices using the desktop version, all settings will be applied via Direct Clone from the EmKit menu on the device. When creating the backup file, make sure you tick the EmKiosk section as well. In the next step you can set a password (optional) for this backup file. And lastly, open up your Direct Clone server and start the cloning process. Now move over to the client device, and launch Direct Clone there as well (when setting up a device: Press and hold power button, and then tap Direct Clone in the menu, or navigate to EmKit menu, and then tap Direct Clone). Tap on START DIRECT CLONE SERVICE, and the process will start.

Compatibility

EmKioskConfig runs on all Android-based Point Mobile devices as listed below. All upcoming models will be compatible as well. Please note that at this point, EmKioskConfig is not pre-installed yet, and has to be installed manually.

ModelOS version
PM45 (Android 9 only)45.76 and higher
PM85 (Android 9 only)85.26 and higher
PM9090.11 and higher
PM45141.06 and higher
PM3030.02 and higher
PM6767.02 and higher
PM7575.02 and higher

Learn more about the EmKit ?
Not sure how to get EmKioskConfig? Contact us ?

Categories
News Technology

PM67: A new Android Enterprise Recommended rugged device

PM67 is part of Android Enterprise Recommended program led by Google.
PM67 mobile computer

Good news: The PM67 mobile computer, easily recognized with its full physical keypad, is now part of the Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) program–making it the 6th device from Point Mobile to do so. Run by the Android 11 operating system, PM67 passed all the latest requirements Android has set for AER devices. The long list of requirements includes minimum CPU clock speed, architecture, ingress protection, and more, to make sure devices are suitable for professional usage. Manufacturers are also required to provide prompt security update and patches the program requires. Find more about what it takes to be an AER device in my previous post: Google’s guide for choosing enterprise devices.

The list of Point Mobile devices in Android Enterprise website.
List of Point Mobile devices found on Android Enterprise website

More information about PM67

PM67 is a device with industrial-grade ruggedness. It’s designed to withstand 1.5m (5ft) drops and is IP67 rain/dust proof. PM67 is powered by 2.0GHz octa-core processor and 3GB RAM/32GB ROM. With the full physical keypad for accurate data input and 1D/2D scan engine, it’s a device suitable even for harsh industrial settings.

Learn more about PM67 ? 
Learn more about Android Enterprise Recommended ? 
Link to PM67’s product page in the Android Enterprise Solution Directory   ? 

Categories
Software Technology

How to monitor your battery’s health with EmHealthReport

One of the most important things when using enterprise mobile devices on a daily basis is battery life. Technology has come a long way in terms of screens, memory, expandability, and of course functionality, but the more features a device has, the more taxing it becomes for your battery. While most modern devices offer replaceable batteries, big capacities, and advanced power management, it still makes sense to check and monitor the health of your batteries regularly – especially when managing a large fleet of devices. Ultimately, batteries are consumable articles and wear out over time. In this post, we will take a look a closer look on the battery situation on Point Mobile devices.

EmKit on a PM75 mobile computer
EmHealthReport app in the Productivity section of the EmKit

It all starts with EmHealthReport

Our EmKit has been around for a while. Power users have known it since its debut in 2017, and since then it underwent a lot of updates with tons of new features added to it. One of the latest updates concerns the battery: EmHealthReport is a little application in the EmKit that gives you a detailed overview of your battery’s wear level, age, temperature, and more. It is pre-installed on all of our devices running on Android 9 or higher, and there is a standalone application that can be installed optionally for devices with Android or lower. You’ll find the application under EmKit ? EmHealthReport.

EmHealthReport feature list

The following table explains which features are included in EmHealthReport. 

Feature Description

Battery Asset
Information

Battery Manufacturer Date Date when the battery was manufactured
Battery Serial Number Point Mobile battery’s unique serial number

Battery
Health-related
Information

Battery Level Remaining battery capacity expressed as a
percentage of battery power
Battery Age Indicating state of battery age data to
determine when it should be replaced
Battery Voltage Indicating battery voltage as measured at
the time of query
Battery Temperature Indicating battery temperature as measured
at the time of query

eMMC Health-related Information

Pre-EOL Information Indicating status of eMMC
health data
Device life time estimation
type A
Indicating estimated used
percentage of eMMC
Device life time estimation
type B

Additionally, EmHealthReport also indicates the wear-level of both battery and the eMMC module as seen below. 

Battery:

  Status Description

Good

Battery status is good as the number of
battery charging cycles is under 400.

Dismission

Battery is required to replace as the
number of battery charging cycles is above 400.


eMMC:

  Status Description
Normal
eMMC is healthy
Warning 80% of eMMC’s available blocks are in use
Dead 90% of eMMC’s available blocks are in use
Unknown Cannot detect the eMMC information


For further tips on how to prolong your battery life, check out Google’s Android Help Center by clicking the link below.

Learn more on Google’s Android Help Center ?
More info about the EmKit ?


Categories
Technology

The easiest way to pair PM5 with mobile computers

PM5 Bluetooth scanner with ring (left) and sled with extendable lanyard (right)

Our PM5 Bluetooth scanner was designed to be as light and small as possible so you can wear it with just one finger, or carry it in your pocket with a sled. This is to help warehouse workers whose task consists of hours-long scanning of items, which can take a toll on wrists and arms if they’re using heavy scanning devices.

Add a big screen to the fun-size Bluetooth scanner

Since PM5 is mainly built for making scanning as light as possible, you will need an additional device in case you want to process the captured data or check them in real-time. Point Mobile’s Android mobile computers can easily connect to the little Bluetooth scanning machine and help you check and process data with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate touch screen, guaranteed by the World’s most popular mobile operating system and the wide range of solutions it offers you to choose.

Once paired with a compatible Android device, workers can see the data PM5 is reading in real-time on the screen, which will reduce errors even more and boost productivity. However, if the users have to find the PM5 on the Bluetooth setting every time they want to pair the devices, it will be a huge waste of time and frankly a big annoyance for those who are fairly used to the instant-connecting consumer wearable devices of today.

Tap-to-Pair: Use NFC for Bluetooth connection

Thankfully, PM5 comes with an NFC chip that allows it to connect to Android devices with NFC-readers such as PM90, PM85, and the latest PM75 mobile computer: Tap-to-Pair.

PM5 and PM90, Tap-to-Pair
Tap-to-Pair instantly connects PM5 with an Android-based Point Mobile computer

As shown in the picture, all you have to do is get PM5 close to the back of the PM90 mobile computer where the NFC antenna is located, and both devices are connected through SPP and HID mode, which means the screen of PM90 will now show you every data captured by PM5 without delay.

PM5 and PM90
Collected data will be sent directly from PM5 to any compatible Point Mobile device

Supporting both SPP and HID mode

SPP and HID refer to types of Bluetooth connections. SPP (Serial Port Profile) supports general Android devices, which allows the host device to configure PM5 to the user’s need including notification and symbology settings. Meanwhile, HID (Human) supports connection with general Android devices as well as Windows 10 PC, and this is the mode through which PM5 sends scanned data to the host device.

The following table shows types of Bluetooth connections and supporting host devices.

Bluetooth ModesSupporting host devices
SPP (Serial Port Profile)– Point Mobile Android devices (Ring Control app)
– General Android devices (Ring Control Lite app)
HID (Human Interface Device)– Point Mobile Android devices
– General Android devices
– Windows 10 PC
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)(Used only for updating Bluetooth firmware)
– Point Mobile Android devices
– General Android devices

Other options to pair

If all you need to do is configure PM5 to your needs, there’s another way to pair it to Android devices: Scan-to-Pair. As you guessed from its name, you can scan a barcode to pair the two devices.

First, you have to open the Ring Control (Lite) app on your Android device and go to Scan-to-Pair. All you have to do is scan the barcode on the screen with your PM5 and it will be connected to the Android device in SPP mode and allow the host device to change the settings of the PM5. However, it will not allow PM5 to send captured data to the host device, as it requires connecting in HID mode.

Scan-to-Screen on Ring Control application.

For Windows PC, you’ll need to go to the Bluetooth settings and find the PM5 in the nearby Bluetooth device list to connect it. PM5 supports both SPP and HID mode for Windows PC.

Learn more about PM5 Bluetooth scanner ?

Categories
Software Technology

Setting up your mobile computers with Scan2Stage

Scan2Set application on PM75 computer
Setting up mobile devices doesn’t have to be an arduous process – with the right tools.

If you ever had to set up a large number of mobile devices manually, chances are you ran into a lot of big problems. Not only is it time consuming, but also a constant source of errors. IT administrators have to exactly define each setting and parameter for the device, and then take each and every device to apply those settings. On a large scale, this means hours and hours of repetitive work. Luckily, our EmKit™ contains a very handy tool that solves this problem: Scan2Stage!

What is Scan2Stage? And what is Scan2Set?

Both are applications used to configure and set up Point Mobile devices. In Scan2Stage, the IT admin defines which apps should be visible, if GMS services are required, what time OS updates should be performed, and so on. Once all done, a QR code will be created automatically. This code contains all of those parameters, and when scanned from a Point Mobile device, the device will configure itself to those desired settings. It’s a pretty straight forward process and immensely simplifies the workload.

Difference Scan2Stage and Scan2Set from EmKit

Configurable settings

For a better understanding, we want to give you an overview of the (many) configurable settings. You want to restrict certain apps? No problem! Specific device settings? OS Update schedule? Kiosk mode? Go ahead, it just takes a few clicks.

  1. Schedule
    This section lets you make some kind of task list for your devices. It can be set to a specific time and even a specific order. Let’s use OS updates as an example. Installation during a busy work day is close to impossible, so it makes much more sense to perform updates after the work is done. Scan2Stage lets you choose the specific time and date when tasks should be done.
  2. GMS Package Manager
    GMS stands for Google Managed Services, which basically contain the standard Google apps as we know them: Phone, Message, Contacts, Maps, Youtube, Chrome, or even the Play Store. A lot of companies do not require those apps, so they can be either disabled altogether, or separately.
  3. OS Update
    When we release a new version, you can use this section to perform the update on your fleet. This even works if you are in a closed network.
  4. Device Settings
    All hardware related settings are configured here: Wi-Fi and network, phone, buttons, date & time, screen lock, and more. Each menu contains of more specific instructions to further customize the device.
  5. Scanner Settings
    You might now this menu from the Scanner app in the EmKit. All scanner settings can be determined here, for example how the wedge should handle a barcode, notification sound, various scanner modes, or simply which symbologies should be activated or deactivated.
  6. EmSolution
    In EmSolution, Kiosk settings are managed. A device strictly for work use only should only contain applications that are required for work. In some cases, even the settings app should not be accessible by default, which can be set here, too.

As you can see, there is a lot of possibilities and options with this tool set, and it can take a while to define each and every parameter. Of course, there are sub-menus and a few more menus, so if you are interested in learning more, check out the EmKit manual at the end of this post.

QR code for applying all the settings

Once you are all set, a simple click is left to do: This will generate a QR code on which all of your data is stored. Now, once scanned by a Point Mobile device (either using the physical barcode scanner, or via the camera on devices without a scanner), the entire configuration will be applied on that device. In other words, using this method, all you have to do for setting up a large amount of devices, is simply sending over that generated QR code to the user of the device. Have them scan it – and done!

We created a few videos about the EmKit and its tools a while back, check them out below. These videos are available in English, Korean, German and Russian.


Watch other videos about the EmKit™ on Youtube  ? 
Read the EmKit™ manual ?

Categories
Technology

What is “Wi-Fi 6 ready”?

You are choosing a device just right for you, and trying to compare each product by specifications: which is the most powerful? Does it support the latest technology, such as Wi-Fi 6? And then, you might stumble upon the terms Wi-Fi 6 ready or 802.11ax-ready. What does the “ready” mean here?

Wi-Fi 6 ready: how it started

Wi-Fi 6 is the next generation of a wireless communication technology standardized by IEEE, and its outstanding performance and benefits are explained very well in the post by Earl.

For this post, we’re going to explore what “Wi-Fi 6 ready” is, its benefits compared to previous generation of Wi-Fi, and how it differs from standard Wi-Fi 6.

The term “Wi-Fi 6 ready” was used first by Qualcomm back in late 2018 when the new Snapdragon 855 processor was released. It included sets of new wireless communication technology that enables faster, stable connection, and support for multiple devices with same access point – a crucial feature for businesses who deployed a lot of mobile devices with high user density.

This happened before full 802.11ax standards were finally ratified. As a result, Qualcomm’s then new processor supported a subset of the 802.11ax standard, making it not fully compliant – hence the naming of Wi-Fi 6 ready, also known as 802.11ax-ready. However, this was still a great upgrade from the previous generation that might change the whole work process and a big step towards the world of IoT.

What makes Wi-Fi 6 ready an upgrade from Wi-Fi 5?

Target wakeup Time (TWT) and support for 8 spatial streams are two major features that are considered a technological breakthrough of Wi-Fi, which are also supported by Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 6 ready processors.

TWT technology saves battery life of each device and reduces contention between users through scheduled wakeup time.

Target Wakeup Time (TWT) enables devices to determine when and how frequently they will wake up to send or receive data. This allows a Wi-Fi 6 enabled AP to significantly increase device sleep time and conserve battery life. In addition, TWT also reduces contention and overlap between users.

Comparison between 8 spatial streams supporting devices and 4 spatial streams supporting devices.

Just like fully compliant Wi-Fi 6 devices, Wi-Fi 6 ready also support up to 8 spatial streams: if your device supports 802.ax-ready, it is able to identify the 8-stream configuration in the AP through a process called sounding, supporting twice the devices than when there are only 4-stream 802.11ac devices as visualized in the image above.

Difference between Wi-Fi 6 ready and Wi-Fi 6 IEEE standard

The full IEEE Wi-Fi 6 compliant device does support more features, including OFDMA, 1024-QAM, and a faster data rate. However, the efficient TWT (Target Wake Time) and 8 spatial stream support also makes Wi-Fi 6 ready a significant and reasonable upgrade from Wi-Fi 5, especially if you’re seeking to solve the congestion and slow data rate issue in your workplace.

Learn more about Qualcomm’s 802.11ax-ready features  ? 
Learn more about Target Wakeup Time (TWT)

Categories
News Technology

PM30 Mobile Computer now part of Android Enterprise Recommended

Shortly after its release to the market, PM30 has successfully passed all the requirements to join the Android Enterprise Recommended initiative, a program led by Google which helps businesses select the right hardware and service.

To be part of the program, devices have to match a strict set of minimum specifications, such as Android version, CPU clock speed, architecture, ingress protection, and more. Derek’s post gives a great overview about the requirements, so make sure to read it if you haven’t done so already.

PM30 part of AER (Android Enterprise Recommended)
Now part of Android Enterprise Recommended: PM30

New requirement: Publishing security update information

Each year the program evolves, leading to new requirements in order to be validated. This time, the focus is mainly on improved transparency regarding security updates. Manufacturers must now publish security update information on their websites and link Google’s Security Bulletins to it, including the date until when security updates are released and details about the fixes contained in each respective update, as well as any manufacturer-specific fixes.

We have already adjusted our website to those requirements, which can be found here or if you navigate to Products ? Business Solutions ? PULS. From there, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and you’ll see all the latest security related information. At this point, only PM30 appears on the list, but other products of our line up (that are listed in the AER program) will be added shortly.

PULS security patch overview history
Latest patch information of our products can be found in the PULS section of our website

More info about PM30

The PM30 is an IP67 rated mobile computer with a 4.7in screen, a drop spec of 1.5m (MIL-STD-810G), a 2.2GHz Octa-core processor, and 4GB RAM/64GB ROM as standard. It also marks the thinnest and lightest mobile device in our line up, making it easy to carry and operate. What’s remarkable is that despite its small size, we managed to put a slim imager engine in it, an optical fingerprint reader, and wireless charging technology. Specifically for the healthcare market, we introduced a white version (PM30hc).

Learn more about Android Enterprise Recommended ? 
Link to PM30’s product page in the Android Enterprise Solution Directory  ? 

Categories
Technology

Why it’s a good idea to update your POS system

Android mobile POS device PM500

For most of the world and in many stores, how we handle the payment is evolving but not fast enough. Unlike smartphones and the ever-convenient applications of mobile OS, the Point-of-Sale devices and the payment solution in traditional brick stores seem to be a little stagnant: A big display with the touch screen that doesn’t work very well, all the confusing functions and buttons make the experience frustrating for both customers and employees. It needs time and practice for a cashier to master the system, and customers get frustrated faced with an inexperienced employee at the checkout desk. Old people who are not used to the technologies are having a harder time training themselves to use them fast and without errors.

In addition to that, it’s no secret that restaurants and big retailers are adapting to the new normal, which is the increasing dependency on online shopping and delivery: and to achieve that you might need an additional device and another quite costly solution.

Android mobile POS

But, there are better ways that streamline all the tasks regarding payment, including inventory management and even on-the-site payment or delivery service: modern mobile POS running Android.

As the world’s most popular operating system, Android is so intuitive and easy to use that it doesn’t require almost any training regardless of one’s age. Some devices incorporate scanning the item, offering IC, MSR, NFC, and other newly introduced payment solutions, as well as printers into a single mobile device. Not only they are faster than most prevalent POS in big retail stores, but they are also small and have modern designs that clean up the desk giving the business a modern look.

The benefit of Android-based payment solution

This example of the Android POS solution below shows how big a difference it will make in our daily lives.

Cybernaptics, an IT solution provider based in Mauritius, West Africa and East Africa, has introduced a simple yet powerful Android mobile payment solution to the market: SalesFlex.

SalesFlex payment solution developed by Cybernaptics

SalesFlex welcomes the users with icon-menus that describe their functions simply. With SalesFlex, businesses can take orders, issues on-site receipts, integrate the payment and sales record with ERP or central accounting system.

These new types of mobile POS solutions reduce training cost and time, make fewer human errors with a faster process that brings higher customer satisfaction. Also, streamlining the many tasks and data into one application increases productivity and is cost-effective since you can do three more jobs with one device and one solution.

NFC payment with PM500 Android mobile POS

Moreover, the versatile nature of the mobile operating system allows using completely different types of solutions in the very same device that’s used for payment: by simply installing the solution that suits your business.

Learn more about SalesFlex and Cybernaptics ?