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Software Technology

Installing APK files without using Google Play

Installing APK files on Android device PM30
Installing APKs on an Android device is fairly simple

There could be several reasons why installing apps through Google Play is not an option. Maybe you don’t have an account, or the application you want to install is simply not available on the Play Store in the first place. Luckily, there is another way to install apps on your phone, and it’s fairly easy. However, please always make sure that you only install applications from trusted sources. Installing apps that are not on the Play Store happens at your own risk and may cause damage to your device.

What is an APK file?

Before we start, let’s take a look at what APK files actually are. APK stands for Android Package Kit, which is a package file format, similar to an executable file (EXE) on a PC, or package installer (PKG) on a Mac. The APK file format is the proprietary file format of the Android operating system.

Here’s how to install an APK file directly on your device

As mentioned before, installing an APK file on an Android device (from Android 8) is an easy and straightforward process.

  1. Make sure Unknown source installations are allowed in the settings. Go to Settings -> Apps & notifications -> Special app access -> Install unknown apps. There, tap Chrome and then activate the slider Allow from this source.
  2. Open Chrome and locate the APK file and download it onto your device.
  3. Open your file manager and navigate to the Downloads folder.
  4. Now tap on the app. Android will warn you about the potential risk when installing a third-party app from an unknown source. Tap Continue to proceed.
  5. Choose Install to start the installation.
  6. After the installation is complete you can now open the app, just like you would normally if it was installed from the app store.

Install APK’s from an SD card

There is another way to install an APK file on your device, although it is a little more inconvenient. If your device has no access to the internet, this is the way to go.

  1. After downloading the APK file on your computer, copy it over to an SD card.
  2. Put the SD card in your device. Some devices might require you to turn the device off or remove the battery before inserting the card. However on more recent devices you can insert and remove the SD card while the device is running.
  3. Open your file manager and navigate to the SD card folder.
  4. From there, find your app and tap on it to start the installation process. Android will warn you about the potential risk when installing a third-party app from an unknown source. Tap Continue to proceed.
  5. Choose Install to start the installation.
  6. After the installation is complete you can now open the app, just like you would normally if it was installed from the app store.

The menus look different on your device?

The menus and settings as described above can vary from device to device. This is because every Android version looks different, but also because manufacturers sometimes adjust the layout based on their requirements. However, it should not be too difficult to find the right menu. For example, the Unknown sources toggle can be found under Security on some devices.

Are there any risks when installing APK files directly?

Even though installing APK files on your device is very easy, there are some risks you have to keep in mind. Make sure you only download and install from trusted sources. Some APK files might contain malicious code that can potentially harm your device or leak personal information. Always check your sources upfront to keep your data safe!

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Industries Software

Crucial part of the delivery process: The Last Mile

Last mile delivery Aventeon with PM90
Last Mile delivery plays an important role in the entire delivery process

It is a long way until a delivery reaches its intended recipient. Once loaded on the truck, the last step of the delivery has begun: The Last Mile Delivery. We call it the Last Mile Delivery because it is figuratively the “last mile” right before knocking on the recipients’ door. In other words, it is that part of the transport process where goods are delivered to the end customer. What seems trivial at first is actually an important part of the whole customer experience, with delivery often being the only physical contact moment between a customer and a supplier.

These days, companies must adapt to changing customer demands in both B2C and B2B (and even C2C) markets, as the arisen expectations have created new possibilities for deliveries that go much further than shipping a box from A to B. We are taking home deliveries, same day deliveries, time windows, delayed deliveries, alternative locations, unmanned pack-stations at offices, neighborhood stores and in-public transport stations, customer centric return processes for products and packaging and just-in-time deliveries to service-engineers and building sites. But how to manage and keep track of all these services?

Software as the key to a successful Last Mile and happy customers

To understand the how companies ensure positive customer experiences while completing their Last Mile Delivery, we take Aventeon’s Logistics.ONE solution as a prime example: It acts as a central system and provides drivers with all the necessary information, presents a logical workflow, guarantees uniform capturing of data, offers monitoring and feeds the central systems with all the necessary data. The user interface is intuitive and simple, and lets the driver focus on the task. As a modern application, it runs on mobile devices with the Android operating system, taking advantage of device-specific modules such as cameras and integrated barcode scanners.

  • Action overview: Unloading, collecting signature and additional services in one screen
  • Doorstep Plus service: Setting desired delivery location and check list for successful delivery
  • Collecting the signature from the customer, including company name, email address and service feedback
  • Every tour has an Options menu for further information, or when a problem with a shipment occurs

So, back to our box that is about to be handed over to the recipient. When the driver arrived at the desired delivery location (For example, front of the door, unmanned pack station, neighbor, and so on), the right shipment will be identified and unloaded from the truck. At the same time, in the Logistics.ONE application, the driver chooses “Unload” from the open task list. In case additional services have been booked, the next window will give the driver further instructions, such as to verify with the client if there is any damage. Last but not least, the proof of delivery has to be collected, or in other words, the signature of the customer. After completing all these tasks, the driver is off heading towards the next location.

Driver relies on precise and up-to-date information

Of course the software alone is not the only factor that plays a role when deliveries are fulfilled. The ability to adapt quickly to changing customer demands is another very important aspect that companies in this business have to keep in mind. Also, having up-to-date information and constantly informing all those involved in the supply chain is decisive for being successfully active in the Last Mile. Adapting new processes, good staff training and professional resources must not be missed either.  

Learn more about Aventeon’s Logistics.ONE ? 

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Technology

Google’s guide for choosing enterprise devices

Android Enterprise Recommended on computer
Browsing Android Enterprise Recommended website on lap top computer.

Although enterprise mobility devices have a relatively smaller market than consumer smartphones do, still there are thousands of devices with different specs and form factors to confuse you. To make it worse, while you can easily get reviews and comparisons of the latest smartphones through videos and blog posts created by well-renowned tech journalists or YouTubers, this is not the case for enterprise mobile devices. There is simply not much insightful public information you can get by just googling. When it comes to Android devices, however, there is one northern star that guides you through the rough terrain of scattered information: Android Enterprise Recommended.

What is Android Enterprise Recommended?

Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) is a program led by Google, designed to help businesses choose high-quality Android devices as well as software solutions. It is a list of validated devices against strict requirements, and through a public platform, it encourages manufacturers to match those requirements and register their devices to the program. The AER directory categorizes products by form factor, manufacturer, memories, etc., in which you can easily navigate it through to the product that you need. Currently, Point Mobile has five devices (PM30, PM451, PM90, PM45, and PM85) listed as Android Enterprise Recommended, and planning to register many more new products in the future, such as the PM67 or the upcoming PM75.

Point Mobile devices in Android Enterprise Recommended website
Point Mobile devices in Android Enterprise Recommended directory

What are the requirements that Google inspects?

Depending on the type of the device and the version of OS, Google sets a different standard. For a rugged device with Android 11.0, for example, it needs to be equipped with at least 2GB RAM / 16GB ROM, a processor faster than 1.1GHz, IP54 water/dust resistance, and MIL-STD-810G drop resistance. To keep the general user experience excellent, AER also requires manufacturers to include Google’s default system apps, additional device management apps and encourages them to follow the specific guidelines about how to design their interface, so that customers can enjoy standardized and intuitive experiences across different devices.

The security update standard requires manufacturers to publish update within 90 days with an announcement on their websites that has link to it from Google’s Security Bulletins. As most businesses buy devices in bulk and manage a fleet of mobile computers, AER states that manufacturers must offer at least two of the next three solutions: work profile management, full device management, dedicated device management.

Android Enterprise Recommended Badge.
Much sought after:
Android Enterprise Recommended Badge

Advantages of certified devices for businesses

So, why do manufacturers and software companies keep registering their products to AER? And why should buyers consider choosing a device or service from that list? Well, the answer is simple: AER guarantees that a product matches the minimum level of specs to be suitable for enterprise use, in terms of performance, security, and availability. The sheer amount of available products (of any kind really) can be confusing, and buyers don’t have time to check every single product on the market. So by recommending products that are safe to be used in a professional environment, Google is giving us a hand which makes it a lot easier to choose the right product.

Visit the Android Enterprise Recommended website ? 
Find Point Mobile devices in the Enterprise Solutions Directory ? 

Categories
Technology

RF851 UHF Sled: Pair with PM85 by Bluetooth

Just a few steps required: Pairing RF851 with PM85

You got yourself an RF851 UHF sled for your warehouse, but you are not sure how to connect it with your PM85? Worry not – this little tutorial will shed some light into the connecting process.

Follow these steps

  1. Download & install the RFID Demo app
  2. Turn on the RF851 by pressing the Power button on the right side. A red LED will light up on the left side.
  3. Now take your PM85 and open up the RFID Demo app
  4. On the top left side, tap “Bluetooth” to turn Bluetooth on
  5. Tap “Search Reader” on the top right side
  6. And then choose your RF851 from the list by tapping “CONNECT”

Done! The red LED on the left side will now turn green, which means both devices are paired successfully! All that’s left to do now is mount the PM85 on top of the RF851 like so: Slide the PM85 in with the left or right side first, then push down the other side to lock it in place.

Check out this illustration:

As you see, using RF851 and PM85 is fairly simple.

Did you know? You can also charge both devices simultaneously through the 1 Slot Cradle for RF851. Watch the video to find out how.

Visit RF851’s product page ? 

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Technology

PM45/PM85: How to connect Dual Slot Cradles for charging multiple devices simultaneously

Charge up to six devices by connecting three Dual Slot Cradles
Dual Slot Cradle
How to connect Dual Slot Cradles – instruction video

In industrial settings, accessories take a big part to promote productivity – one of their roles is preventing workers from losing time on charging and then deploying devices. It is an essential element of keeping the workflow simple and efficient. Point Mobile’s Dual Slot Cradle for PM45 and PM85 is designed to charge multiple devices simultaneously with maximum convenience so that only minimal force is needed to insert and pick up the devices.

Let’s take an example of the PM45 Dual Slot Cradle. Here is an easy six-step instruction about how to connect the Cradles to charge them with one power supply (if you want better visualization, check out the video instruction above).

  1. Pick up the cradle and push out the cap by using both thumbs.
  2. Pick up to the other cradle and remove the cap by using fingernails.
  3. Connect the cradles to engage them.
  4. Turn the cradles upside down to mount the bracket.
  5. When you connect the bracket, check if it’s in the right direction.
  6. Screw in the two screws to firmly connect the cradles.

Now, connect Dual Slot Cradles to charge multiple devices at the same time, and enjoy easy charging and deployment keeping the workflow smooth.

Visit PM45’s product page ? 
Visit PM85’s product page ? 

Categories
Technology

5G: Will it come to rugged devices, and when?

As the fifth generation technology for cellular networks, 5G is expected to replace 4G as as the worldwide standard. In a few years, most devices in the market will take advantage of the higher speed, lower latency and possibly reduced error rate. It looks like a bright future for us consumers – but what does it mean for professionally used devices in the enterprise environment?

Traditionally, the Auto ID industry is always a bit slower in adapting new trends and technology. When Android was already a big hit on consumer phones, enterprise devices were still running Windows Mobile operating systems, and it took another 2-3 years until the first rugged Android device saw the light of day. Up until now, there is still a surprising amount of Windows device being used, despite having no access to any kind of bugfixing or security patches. But why does it take so long much longer to use newer technology? In the enterprise field, often times apps (and even peripherals) are built for a specific type of device, running a specific type of software. Those customized apps run on hundreds or thousands of devices all over the place. When one of them fails, it will be replaced with the exact same type of device. This ensures the user needs no training for another device, software does not have to be changed, and accessory can keep being used. All in all, it is about saving money. That’s why companies rely on the same hardware platform for years until they are ready to deploy new devices. While consumer phones are typically replaced every two years, enterprises use their rugged devices for five to seven years and sometimes even longer.

5G in the auto industry world
5G is up to 100 times faster than 4G – but is it necessary for the Auto ID industry?

Great for consumers – not yet so great for professional use

We all know the incredible power of 5G: It is up to 100 times fast than 4G, offering data rates up to 10Gbp/s. There is a lower latency (only 1 millisecond compared to 4G’s 200 milliseconds), and it eventually brings better security. Downloading high quality videos will be done in minutes, streaming in 4K will be even faster. All in all, 5G will soon make our lives even more connected and comfortable.

So, 5G is mostly useful when loading huge files or using streaming services for videos or games. But looking at the enterprise sector, the typical data packages are rather small, sending mainly numbers and text in the background, and sometimes pictures for proof of delivery, for example. While 5G might open up great new opportunities in our industry, at this point there is simply no usage for that kind of transfer speed.

The biggest downside for using 5G in the Auto ID industry however is battery life: Operating a 5G chip will reduce battery life considerably, making users be more dependent on recharging devices or carrying replaceable batteries.

Point Mobile is testing prototype hardware with 5G

Even though adapting 5G for the mass market doesn’t seem to be something the Auto ID industry will do in the near future, we are testing the power and performance of 5G modules in some of our devices. The market has been slow on adapting trends in the past, but as the majority of professionally used Android devices is going through the roof, newer technologies seem to arrive in our sector faster than before. As a manufacturer for rugged mobile devices, we are preparing ourselves for the adaption of 5G, and will be ready with an updated line-up in time.

Categories
Technology

Why you should choose a rugged enterprise smartphone for your business

PM45 with EmKit
EmKit running on a PM45 with Android 9

Companies are constantly looking for new technologies for better productivity and optimized workflows to save time and money. When it comes to choosing the right mobile hardware, keeping the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) on a low is the key factor for most buyers. But while consumer smartphones are usually cheaper upon investment, professional enterprise devices are durable, repairable, and designed to be used for a much longer period of time.

In this article, we will take a closer look why choosing a rugged enterprise device is the better strategy in the long run.

Enterprise devices are designed for harsh environments

Using a consumer smartphone as an enterprise device can lead to many problems. Due to its frailness it may break easily in the active and demanding business environment, and the device would need to be repaired or even replaced. Typically, the life cycle of consumer devices ends approximately two years after launching, so sourcing a substitute can be troublesome. It could also generate extra costs – a different hardware may require software adjustments, new accessories or more training for your employees. This longsome procedure can be avoided with a device that was specifically optimized to be used professionally. Take our PM45 as an example: It is a rugged smartphone with an IP67 rating and can withstand multiple drops to concrete at 1.2m which makes it extremely durable and suited for rough usage environments. Additionally, there is a guaranteed and continuous supply of parts and services during its extended five-year lifecycle after the market launch. During that period, security updates as well as major OS releases are provided to keep businesses operative and help users focus on what?s important. Save valuable time and resources by taking advantage of PM45?s low TCO.

Comprehensive technical support and warranty

Professional device come with GMS/CTS certification by Google, which means most of the programming is following the standard Google SDK. However, for more advanced integration and customization, there is an additional SDK provided by us. Another advantage is to get the full support by a dedicated technical team: With professional enterprise-level support whenever required – should there be any technical questions or difficulties. Regular smartphone manufacturers typically do not offer those kinds of services.

To help companies selecting the right hardware, Google initiated its Android Enterprise Recommended program back in 2018. Devices that fulfill a strict set of requirements will be certified as a recommendable product, which gives confidence to businesses to choose the right device. Being part of this program e

We have to keep on thing in mind though: Even the most rugged device can break, which is why professional devices like PM45 come with optional warranty extensions (up to five years). There are various models to choose from-a basic warranty extension or the premium package, which includes all wear and tear, staging service and even battery swapping, as well as damages caused by the user. Off-the-shelf consumer smartphones are hard to be repaired and don?t have professional warranty extensions. Even worse: Sometimes they cannot even be repaired at all and go to waste immediately. 

Enterprise-level barcode scanner software via camera

Most enterprise applications require barcode scanning at some point. Those barcodes can be often in locations that are hard to reach or even worse, they are damaged. While a consumer smartphone lacks the proper technology to read barcodes in imperfect conditions, an enterprise smartphone such as PM45 comes with a powerful, enterprise-level barcode scanning software using the built-in autofocus camera. The scanning software reads 1D and 2D barcodes and operates as fast as a 2D imager, while it also captures pictures brightly under relatively dark areas without using the camera flash.

Professional devices come with a broad range of complementary accessories

Included software solutions, wide range of accessories and more

It is often required to stage and prepare several hundred devices to be used out in the field. Without dedicated enterprise tools, this tough job will waste a lot of precious time, since each device needs to be staged manually. It can also lead to mistakes and be a big source of errors. Luckily there is a solution for that, too: Point Mobile provides EmKit (Enterprise Mobility Kit), a value-added service kit, including kiosk mode, clone and back up tools – all free of charge and pre-installed. Well-known MDM solutions such as SOTI and Airwatch have certified PM45 and clients are pre-installed and ready to go on every unit. It helps companies to manage and utilize their mobile devices remotely.

Now think about accessory: While consumer smartphones usually only come with a simple USB charger, a wide range of accessories for PM45 is available for various applications. The dual-slot cradle charges two devices at a time, and up to three can be connected to make a six-slot cradle. High-quality car cradles are also available by companies like Brodit and CarComm. A user-replaceable battery enables users to conveniently switch batteries or have more power, with the extended battery of 5,800mAh – which lasts almost two days in a row. Extended battery options for replaceable batteries as well as multi-slot cradles are some of the enterprise-level accessories that PM45 offers, designed for the optimal productivity of enterprise forces.

Learn more about PM45 ? 
Android Enterprise Recommended devices by Point Mobile ? 

Categories
Technology

Fuchsia – a door to the future of enterprise mobility?

There was a time when Windows Mobile PDAs monopolized the market and it wasn’t even that long ago. Around 2012, Android started to take over a big chunk of the enterprise mobility industry and is now considered the operating system of choice without thinking for mobile devices in retail, transport & logistics, warehouse management, delivery service, etc.

While Android is now an excellent operating system for both general consumers and businesses, you may wonder if it would go through the same decline that happened to Windows Mobile – at least when it comes to enterprise devices. For me, this question began to feel more tangible when I accidentally encountered the fact that Google’s thought-provoking new operating system, Fuchsia, has been roaming around the internet for years. And the more I think about it, the more exciting future I see in this OS, especially when used for large business operations.

What is all the fuchs about?

So basically, Fuchsia is an operating system built from scratch. Unlike Android or Chrome OS, it does not run on a Linux kernel. The replacement is called Zircon – much younger than decades-old Linux and developed by Google itself. If you look at what Zircon kernel is built for, you’ll see why it sounds so promising for businesses who are eager to innovate for better productivity. This so-called micron kernel was designed to scale any application from embedded RTOS to mobile and desktop devices of all kinds. Obviously, that means Fuchsia was developed with the Internet Of Things in mind since it has the ability to run an electronic device as simple as a smart lightbulb and all the while running the latest desktop with a powerful main processor.

While consumer smartphones and personal computers are getting connected ever more than before thanks to the efforts of software developers in tech giants, all the new smart devices appearing in our homes every year seem still far from being “seamlessly connected” yet.

For businesses, the perfect connection and cooperation among all the smart devices, computers, and machines look even further away, although it makes perfect sense to make it happen. Amazon’s gigantic fulfillment centers are using more and more robots and machines, and retail businesses are getting more and more dependent on smart devices that help them achieve true digitalization and automation. For them, the OS that runs anything with a copper brain would be huge benefits already right now.

Google Fuchsia concept image on a Point Mobile PM30 mobile computer
Concept image of Google Fuchsia on PM30 mobile computer

Fuchsia could solve many issues at once

As I mentioned already, Android is dominating the market and it does that for very good reasons. However, there are problems: Too many manufacturers build customized versions, updates are not passed on to users in time and there is an alarming number of threats and attacks. With a new platform from scratch, Google could eliminate those problems once and for all.

Will Fuchsia replace Android?

So someday, when Fuchsia devices are coming out to the market and solution-providers take on developing a new business solution that counts dozens of different devices with alien form, function, and technologies to each other and integrates them into one system, this might be a game-changer for big businesses. The current Enterprise Mobility Management solutions might expand to control and monitor not just traditional mobile computers or PCs, but also all-new kinds of machines, robots, etc.

For now, there are only assumptions about what Google (or other companies) would do with Fuchsia OS, and Google officially stated in 2019 that while Fuchsia is not a replacement for Android, as it is targeted at “modern phones and PCs”. As Fuchsia is still under development and won’t see the light of day very soon, Android is going to keep dominating enterprise mobile devices for years to come. However, when the change starts, I can foresee that whole new types of devices coming into the market.

Categories
Insight News

Welcome to our Blog!

Point Mobile logo

It is done: We successfully launched our own blog!

This blog is ran by the marketing team of Point Mobile and we are thrilled to provide you with the latest news and trends of the Auto ID industry.

There is a lot going on – so stay tuned for updates.