Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today announced the introduction of its Dolphin 99EX, which it calls its most durable mobile computer. The company said the new model will increase worker productivity and lessen downtime “through unmatched reliability and extended battery life. “
"Honeywell has long been recognized for delivering mission-critical data collection solutions to some of the biggest players in transportation and logistics," said Darius Adamczyk, president, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. "Now with the introduction of the 99EX, we have reinvented the performance standards that should be expected of the entire data capture industry."
Designed to meet the needs of the transportation and logistics worker, the 99EX is equipped with high-speed wireless technology that enables real-time voice and data communication, said Honeywell.
Powered by a “software-definable radio,” the device allows “on-the-fly switching” among cellular carriers – between GSM and CDMA carriers or between two GSM or two CDMA carriers – for uninterrupted wireless connectivity. Keeping the transportation and logistics worker in mind, the 99EX's software-definable radio delivers continual coverage and real-time access to global data, regardless of network carrier or technology, the
The mobile computer also incorporates assisted GPS technology for faster data acquisition and better tracking while on the road. According to Honeywell, unlike other devices on the market, the battery life on the 99EX lasts upwards of 16 hours, supporting long shifts and over-time without the need to carry extra batteries or outfit delivery vehicles with chargers.
As the first product in the Honeywell mobility line to incorporate next generation Adaptus Imaging Technology 6.0, the 99EX offers the most advanced capabilities for reading high density linear bar codes, 2D bar codes and bar codes found on alternative surfaces, such as mobile device screens.
In addition, the company said Adaptus 6.0 provides faster decoding, enhanced motion tolerance and longer reading distance—“ as well as the flexibility to work in various settings, including direct sunlight, darkness and under fluorescent lights, allowing workers to accomplish more in less time. “
The 99EX is IP67-rated, which Honeywell said means that it provides added protection when the device is exposed to dust or water. It is capable of withstanding multiple drops to concrete from as high as six feet. The device's infrastructure integrates light, proximity and motion sensors, helping conserve battery life and improve ease-of-use in the various environments a user may encounter on the road.
Launching the unit globally, Honewell said the 99EX can be used across a wide range of geographic markets, lowering support and service costs related to managing multiple solutions.
The 99EX is compatible with Honeywell's Remote MasterMind (ReM) device management software, which allows all devices within a network to be managed from a single remote location, enabling users to perform tasks ranging from asset tracking and software upgrades to remote diagnostics and issue resolution.
The 99EX is available with Service Made Simple, Honeywell's premiere service offering that provides comprehensive coverage on normal wear and tear, as well as accidental breakage, for a period of three or five years.
The device runs on Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.
"Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 enables advanced application compatibility, device security and management capabilities for enterprise handheld devices," said David Wurster, senior product manager for Windows Embedded at Microsoft. "By utilizing the Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 platform for the Dolphin 99EX, Honeywell can meet the needs of many segments including field mobility, transportation and logistics, as well as healthcare."
The 99EX will be available globally starting next month.