30 Nov 2021
UPDATED - May 2024: Samsung series of rugged smartphones and tablets has been designed specifically for frontline and field workers in specific industry verticals including health, transportation, manufacturing and the public sector.
In 2024, the latest devices in the Business Rugged series are the XCover7 smartphone and Tab Active5 tablet.
The devices are now available in Australia through business channels by authorised Samsung Device Resellers like MobileCorp, and the carriers.
Supplied. Samsung
Samsung has taken rugged devices to the next level
Samsung has taken the rugged device sector to a new level with multi-functional design and accessories bundled by industry.
The rugged series have been designed for 'a day in the life" of workers in the most demanding professions and environments.
Functionality swaps simply between personal and work use, and the devices are capable of doubling up as phones, bar code scanners, mobile point of sale, and 'push to talk' radios.
Video: For All Day Rugged
Knox Capture - Barcode Scanning Ready
All Samsung rugged devices are barcode scanning ready with a feature known as Knox Capture.
Based on Scandit technology, Knox Capture enables single, selective, or batch scanning for a wide range of barcode types.
The xCover button on the left side of the device is set as the default for scanning but the hardware key can be remapped to trigger scanning, or the keyboard wedge can be used to fill in any field with a scan, without typing.
Either front or back camera can be used for scanning, and a UI button in the camera scanning overlay is used to turn the device flashlight on and off while scanning in dark conditions.
Knox Capture can be integrated with business apps and workflows without requiring software development or system integration. Data formatting can be applied, and adding rules can modify data based on certain actions and criteria.
Knox Capture can be bulk deployed over-the-air to target devices using a range of EMM platforms with profile files.
Push to Talk functionality
There are two programmable buttons - one on the top and one on the left side - on each device. Either button can be allocated to the 'push to talk' (PTT) function and each can be easily used with gloves and in wet conditions.
If you are thinking PTT is similar to the traditional 'walkie talkie', then think again. PTT groups do not require line-of-sight or even close proximity. PTT groups can be connected by a mobile network, WiFi, satellite broadband, or bluetooth. Anyone with an internet connection anywhere in the world – with the right permission – can join a PTT group or private conversation.
PTT also differ from walkie-talkies in that they are multi-purpose - video, voice and data - and not single-use voice only devices.
Samsung has partnered with Microsoft to bring the Microsoft Teams 'Walkie Talkie' PTT app to the Samsung Business Rugged series.
Tough Devices for Tough Conditions
Samsung rugged devices meet all the expected environmental durability measures for drop protection, anti-shock impact, water and dust resistance. However these devices go a step further by thinking about how the user is dressed and the demands of the work.
Touch Sensitive
Touch sensitivity settings ensure screens are responsive even to gloved hands. This allows employees to stay protected while staying productive.
Replaceable Battery
Being out in the field means having sufficient battery life to get employees through their day. Samsung rugged devices have replaceable batteries, which can be easily swapped over while on the move.
Element Proof
With an international standard rating of IP68*, Samsung rugged devices withstand water up to 1.5 metres deep for 30 minutes, and are also dust proof.
Military Grade Certified
Samsung rugged devices meet the MIL-STD-810G* anti-shock standard designed by the US Military to accurately assess device limitations. Testing methods include a drop test onto a plywood impact surface over concrete from a height of 1.2 metres.
Samsung Business Rugged Series Devices
XCover7 RRP $599
The Galaxy XCover7, is a rugged device ideal for a mobile workforce at a price point attractive to business yet sophisticated enough to handle demanding field and factory roles. With high touch sensitivity, Galaxy XCover7 seamlessly responds to the touch even when wearing gloves out in the field. It comes with a second replaceable battery and supports 15W fast charging and POGO charger. 5G compatible, the device is offered with up to 4 generations of OS upgrades and up to 5 years of security updates with Samsung Knox. The expansive 6.6" FHD+ display gives you ample space to view and read with ease. Plus, the 500-nit brightness allows for good visibility even in bright conditions.
Tab Active5 5G RRP from AUD$1,049
The Tab Active 5 comes in a series of models from a Wi-Fi only, through 5G, to 5G Pro, with a corresponding increased price point. The Active5 5G comes with either 128GB or 256 storage options and 6GB or 8GB memory. However this can be expanded to 1TB of external storage. The Octa-core processing power is designed for multi-tasking across apps and files. It also supports 5G(Sub6), Wi-Fi 6 and has dual SIM capacity for fast and reliable connection while on the job. the Active5 is designed for outdoor work with enhanced outdoor visibility and has all the environmental ratings you would expect as well as a touchscreen which is sensitive to gloved hands.
Samsung Rugged Smartphone or Tablet?
The key differences between choosing an XCover handset versus an Active Tab tablet besides the obvious screen size and battery sizes, are the S pen and the Samsung DeX desktop experience.
The S pen opens up a range of actions from notations on documents, collecting signatures on delivery or payment, sketching diagrams or plans, marking a checklist, or capturing a partial screenshot.
Samsung DeX allows employees to connect to a Smart TV or monitor and cast onto the bigger screen, which can be useful for presentations, examination of patient scans or construction plans, planning a route on maps,
Samsung Business Rugged Use Cases
The obvious use cases for rugged devices are professions on the frontline, in the field, or in-vehicle.
Retail: Barcode scanning, mobile e-payment, and push to talk features on top of the usual internet browsing and voice calling makes a rugged device the perfect 'all in one' device for retail workers. Discreetly call for backup at the register, for customer assistance or make announcements to staff with PTT. Stay on top of order fulfillment reading dozens of barcodes with a single wave across the shelf, eliminating the need for dedicated inventory-taking devices. Keep the gloves on when safety requires it.
Transportation: The Business Rugged devices handle the extremes of temperature in the cabin of vehicles when other devices are likely to become overheated and shut down. Additional features include scheduling, navigation, route tracking, fleet management telematics integration, electronic logbook, predictive maintenance, and satellite 'Push to Talk' which is particularly relevant to Australia's remote locations. For passengers, there is the option of onboard entertainment, payment gateway for food and beverages, reservations and travel guides.
Public Safety: Situational awareness is one of the greatest challenges facing incident commanders, whether they are in charge of police, fire rescue, emergency medical services (EMS) or a combination of these responses at an emergency scene. The Samsung Business Rugged devices can cope with challenging environments tracking every officer’s GPS location in real time and sending help if the officer’s heartbeat goes dangerously high. Dispatch can also provide officers with maps containing driving directions, alerts to obstructions and roadblocks, and drone and ground footage of the incident scene as they come in. MCPTT is a push-to-talk experience in mission critical situations designed for emergency communications. Secure data with the Samsung Knox security suite.
Manufacturing: On the factory floor, the Samsung rugged devices are durable enough to withstand drops and knocks, water and dust exposure, and are designed with a protective glove-sensitive screen. Dual LED helps work in low-light conditions. As we move towards Smart Factories and 5G, rugged devices are the key to real-time visibility of operations, using existing asset data like CCTV or Thermal Imagining. Paper-based systems can be eliminated by using the near-perfect-accuracy S Pen.
Health: The agility required of healthcare services has been highlighted by the pandemic with the advance of telehealth, pop-up clinics, and the growth of healthcare operatives in the field. Confidentiality of patient data is crucial and secured by the Samsung Knox suite. The S pen can be used to take patient notes, highlight features on scans, write out treatment plans or medication instructions, or have a the patient provide a signature.
About MobileCorp
MobileCorp is a Sydney-based communications technology company. We support enterprise and business by providing managed endpoints and ICT services including mobile device security, mobile device management, expense management and managed connectivity solutions. We are also a Samsung Knox MSP and Samsung Authorised Reseller. Telstra Platinum Partner and the Telstra Mobility Partner of the Year for 2023.
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