News
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Soti Inc. recently released MobiControl version 15.5. Here is the list of major news and changes.
- Android Enrollment Policies (formerly called Add Device Rules) creation and management is migrated to the next-generation user interface. The new design provides a view of all Android Enrollment Policies in a list along with a detailed view of each policy. The Android Enrollment URLs have changed in this version of SOTI MobiControl. If you are upgrading MobiControl to this version, Enrollment URLs of the Enrollment policies created before the upgrade will continue to work.This backward compatibility is made possible with a new toggle in Global Settings under Enrollment Rules to redirect the old enrollment URLs to the new URL. However, the backward compatibility will end in a future version of MobiControl (released after 12 months). Soti recommends moving to the new URLs for all Android Enrollment policies as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues. Additionally, Google Chrome is required on the device side during the enrollment process.
- Policy features have been migrated to the next-generation interface in SOTI MobiControl under the Policies menu item. All the existing policies such as App, Compliance, and Enrollment are listed along with legacy rules such as File Sync, Device Relocation, Data Collection, and Alerts.
- Enterprise apps deployed as mandatory apps now automatically uninstall when the corresponding app policy is removed.
- Configure App-specific and OEM-specific policies on your Android Enterprise devices using Managed Configurations without requiring Google Play Services. With this upgrade, you can easily manage and deploy OEM Specific features on Android devices even without the Google access.
- Enroll personally-owned Android devices into Work Profile management using Google's new Android Management APIs. Installation of the SOTI MobiControl agent is not required any more. You can enroll your devices into Work Profile via Android Management API using Enrollment Policies, configure them by deploying supported Profiles, and can deploy Apps from Google Play Store using App Policies.
- You can now conditionally grant or deny access to Microsoft 365 apps and other mobile apps which utilize Azure AD authentication on Android or iOS devices. SOTI MobiControl integration with Microsoft allows you to use MobiControl device compliance status in Azure AD conditional access policies. When configured, only the compliance statuses of devices assigned to the compliance policy will be reported to Microsoft, enabling you to manage the scope of the devices synchronized with Microsoft.
- Keep Windows Modern devices up-to-date with the latest Windows Updates available through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or the public Windows Update service. Through MobiControl, you can control the types of Windows Updates to apply to the devices, such as feature releases or security patches. In addition, there are a variety of new controls, including when to apply the updates automatically, differ the update for a period, mandate MobiControl Administrator approval before using the updates, and more.
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The currecnt device model of Zebra rugged vehcile terminals is the VC8300 Series. The VC8300 is available in two distinct configurations:
- 10.4" touch screen without integrated keyboard
- 8" touch screen and physical QWERTY keyboard
Specifications:
- 8-core SDM660 processor
- 4 GB RAM and 32 GB Flash
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac
- Bluetooth 5.0 + BLE
- Sensors: gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer
- 8 "WXGA touch panel or 10.4" XGA touch panel, Corning Gorilla Glass
- Operating temperature range from -30 °C to +50 °C, IP66 protection
- Android 11 with the possibility of future upgrades to Android 14; only GMS version with the ability to restrict Google services using MX / StageNow
- Zebra LifeGuard program for ongoing bug fixes and OS security updates
- Pre-licensed Zebra All-Touch terminal client (Ivanti Velocity)
- RAM standard based mounting accessories, compatible with VC5090 and VC70N0
- Details
If you are looking for a rugged wearable mobile device, the WT6300 from Zebra Technologies is the right choice. The device with a touch screen attaches to the operator's forearm. A wired or wireless barcode scanner is worn on a finger or wrist. The device can be supplemented with a side physical keyboard.
Specifications:
- 8-core SDM660 processor
- 3 GB RAM and 32 GB Flash
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac
- Bluetooth 5.0 + BLE with the option of barcode scanner paring via NFC
- Sensors: gyroscope, accelerometer
- 3.2 "WVGA touch panel covered with Corning Gorilla Glass
- Operating temperature range from -30 °C to +50 °C, protection IP65, resistance to 1.2 m drop to concrete
- Android 11 with the possibility of future upgrades to Android 14; only GMS version with the ability to restrict Google services using MX / StageNow
- Zebra LifeGuard program for ongoing bug fixes and OS security updates
- PowerPrecision + 3350 mAh (standard) or 5000 mAh (extended) battery
- Accessories compatible with WT6000
Barcode scanner types:
- Wired: Zebra RS4000 and RS5000
- Bluetooth: Zebra RS5100 and RS6000
Unlike the WT6000, the WT6300 does not have a pre-licensed All-Touch TE (Ivanti Velocity) terminal client, and a license must be purchased separately, if required.
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Zebra Technologies announced the end of life for their long-standing mobile terminals: the MC32N0 and MC92N0 handhelds, the VC70N0 vehicle and the WT41N0 wearable.
The last book dates are as follows:
MC32N0 - May 17, 2021
MC92N0 - August 20, 2021
VC70N0 - June 16, 2021
WT41N0 - April 30. 2021
The reason for the termination is the moral obsolescence of the hardware itself as well as the Windows CE and Windows Embedded Handheld operating systems, which have no longer been supported by Microsoft. A replacement solution is the current series of Zebra mobile devices running Android OS. Zebra MC3300x terminals (replacement for MC32N0) are designed for less demanding environments. MC9300 terminals (replacement for MC92N0), vehicle VC80x (replacement for VC70) and wearable WT6300 (replacement for WT41N0) are ready for harsh operating conditions and handling.
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I have prepared a simple demo for Zebra Android mobile devices that introduces:
- StageNow client - for an easy device setup and app installations using the barcodes
- Ivanti Velocity client - Telnet and web server access
- Remote Desktop client - remote server access via RDP
- Enterprise Home Screen - device screen lockdown with selected apps user access only + full administrator access via a password
To launch the demo you need a Zebra Android device with the Internet connectivity and FTP traffic allowed on port 21:
- Connect your device to the Internet - most commonly via Wi-Fi
- Start StageNow
- Scan 2D barcode No 1 or all numbered 1D codes respectively from one of the following documents based on your device OS:
- If the connection is successful the device will install Ivanti Velocity, Remote Desktop and Enterprise Home Screen automatically
- Enterprise Home Screen locks the device desktop and publishes 3 icons: Remote Desktop, Velocity and Calculator
- Tap:
- RemoteDesktop: to connect to a remote server via the RDP protocol
- Velocity: to connect to a demo Telnet and web server
- To access Enterprise Home Screen administrator mode select Admin Login from the Tools menu (password is abcd)
- To return to the Enterprise Home Screen user mode select Admin Logout from the Tools menu
- To uninstall this demo from the mobile device run StageNow and scan 2D barcode No. 1 or all numbered 1D codes from the MSWebDemo_Uninstall.pdf. It uninstalls Velocity client, Remote Desktop and Enterprise Home Screen and reboots the device automatically.
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Zebra announced the End of Sale of the MC2100 enterprise mobile computer as it has reached the end of its lifecycle. Last book date is set to March 31, 2020. MC2100 has been on the market for 8 years. The component last time buy and Microsoft CE 6.0 Extended Support Retirement Date (April 2018) is forcing the MC2100 End of Sale while supplies last. As a replacement Zebra recommends the TC20 with keypad product family. It provides a CE 6.0 to Android Oreo migration path.
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In July 2019 Zebra launched the EC30 Enterprise Companion mobile computer, a pocketable and wearable Android device, designed specifically for retail and hospitality customers.
EC30 is an ergonomic, light weight, wearable mobile device that allows users to do basic barcode scanning, assisted selling and WLAN communication. With this product users can query product information, do inventory management, communicate with fellow staff members via PTT or VoIP, receive & execute tasks and much more. Key features include:
- 3-inch FWVGA color display and capacitive touch panel with light glove support
- Qualcomm SD660 Architecture with support for Android 8.1 at release and future Android updates (P and Q)
- Thin and light (less than 60 g), EC30 is well suited for a range of wearable modalities including neck lanyard, vest clip, arm and belt mounts
- Support for Zebra Mobility DNA tools and utilities
- 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope & e-compass for indoor locationing applications
- Locking cradle solution (like PSS system for retail associates)
- Fully integrated audio support with built-in speaker, microphone, 3.5 mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.0, PTT and volume control buttons
- Center scan button for triggering of SE2100 1D/2D barcode scanner
- 1200 mAh Li-Ion PowerPrecision+ battery (not user-replacable) providing 8 to 10 hours of operation
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In April 2019 Zebra introduced the TC8300 - an update to the all-touch Zebra's TC8XX product family built on Android platform.
What’s new:
- 4.0-inch touch friendly display with capacity Gorilla Glass 5 touch panel
- 2.2 GHz octa-core processor SDM660
- 4GB RAM /32GB Flash, optionally 8 GB RAM/128 GB TLC Flash
- Latest Android OS, Launching with Android Oreo 8.1 with planned support for P and Q
- Latest Wi-Fi protocols, faster speeds and greater capacity with support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/d/h/i/r/k/v/w and 2x2 MU-MIMO
- Various data capture options (SE965 1D, SE4770SR 2D, SE4750-MR 2D, SE4850 ERI 2D and SE4750 DPM)
- High capacity PowerPrecision+ battery 7000 mAh with supercapacitor hotswap
- 13 MP rear-facing color camera
- Backwards compatibility with all TC8000 accessories (DPM exception with color-matched dedicated charge-cradle)
- LifeGuard support
- New mobility tools including PowerPrecision Console, StageNow with restricted mode, WorryFree Wi-Fi and Device Tracker to find lost devices
Zebra will continue to sell the TC8000 device for the foreseeable future.
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An April 2019 Zebra introduced the MC9300 - new ultra-rugged, keypad based handheld computer based on Android platform.
What’s new:
- High visibility, high resolution 4.3-inch touch friendly display with capacity gorilla glass touch panel optimized to gloved use or when wet
- 2.2 GHz octa-core processor
- 4GB/32GB memory (pSLC)
- Latest Android OS, Launching with Android Oreo 8.1 with planned support for P and Q
- Latest Wi-Fi protocols, faster speeds and greater capacity with support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/d/h/i/r/k/v/w and 2x2 MU-MIMO
- Bluetooth 5.0, 2.1+ EDR, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Various data capture options (SE965 1D, SE4750SR 2D, SE4850 ERI 2D and optimized SE4750 DPM)
- High capacity PowerPrecision+ battery 7000 mAh (standard) & 5000 mAh (Freezer)
- Improved keypad durability with new In-mold Decorated keys with adjustable backlight
- Optional:13MP rear-facing camera; 5MP front camera with support for Visible Light Communication (VLC), ready for indoor locationing
- Optional: Cold storage variant with advanced temperature control for use in condensing environment (Freezer -30C/-22F)
- Optional: Built in haptics that vibrates on scan verification in noisy environments
- Backwards compatibility with MC9x Terminal device charge cradles (via adapter)
- LifeGuard support
- New mobility tools including PowerPrecision Console, StageNow with restricted mode, WorryFree Wi-Fi and Device Tracker to find lost devices
- Details
Zebra announced end of sale on all MC3200 Android SKUs, all MC40 and MT2090 - WLAN models of the MT2000 series - by the end of 2018.
The MC3200 with Android OS is discontinued due to the availability of modern and objectively better MC3300 series. Thanks to one big overseas customer, Zebra is up and running at the last minute with outdated Android 4.2 on the MC3200 to version 5 (Lollipop).There are currently no planned EOS dates for the Microsoft CE 7.0 MC3200 SKUs at this time.
The MC40 is product with a long history. For this device Zebra have developed Android from Jellybean, Kitkat to Lollipop - which is quite unique in comparison to other devices, but also a lot of childhood illnesses. It was popular mainly in the US market.
The MT2090 with Windows CE 5 ends suddenly and without replacements due to the unavailability of Wi-Fi chips from subcontractors. The other scanner from the MT2000 series - MT2070 (w/o WiFi) - is still on offer.