Windows Mobile 6.5 has been discussed for some time, but today at the Mobile World Congress 2009 Microsoft officially annouced it.  As with most Windows Mobile updates, they are focused on the consumer (phone) market, so it remains to be seen whether there are any improvements that will help Data Collection devices.  It does seem that Microsoft is trying to make the touchscreen operation more finger-friendly, but we'll see if this is a general improvement or just within certain applications.

We have received some Janam devices, and we are adding support for them to ITScriptNet.  The devices we intend to support are the XM60, XM65, and the upcoming XG100.  These devices use Honeywell's Adaptus imagers for barcode scanning, and run Windows CE or Windows Mobile.

Z-Space Technologies is pleased to announce the release of ITScriptNet version 3.0!  You can download it now from our website.  If you are upgrading from V2.x, please be sure to read the Upgrade Guide before installing.  This release is the result of many hours of hard work, and we are happy to be able to finally bring it to you.

O'Neil has announced two new PrintPad versions, for the Intermec CN3 and CN3e.  The PrintPad is an integrated printer and mobile device cradle that allows an operator to carry one device for data collection and printing.  Supported devices now include:

• Motorola - SPT1700, SPT1800, PPT2700, PPT2800, MC9000-S (MC9060-S and MC9090-S) and MC70 (MC7004, MC7090, and MC7094)
• Honeywell - Dolphin® 7900
• Intermec - CN3 and CN3e

Raco Industries has just posted an interesting application note about a Package Tracking Application they have developed.  Combining a Motorola MC70, a Zebra QL200, and ITScriptNet OMNI, they have developed an application to collect pickup and  delivery information and print receipts on the road.

It's the second day of the Unitech Link 2009 show, and it's going very well.  We've met many intereting people, and learned a great deal.  We had one breakout session yesterday where we were able to demo our Solution Packs, and there are two more today.  In addition, we are making a presentation today.  Here is Tim on stage at the Palms!

We'll have more information after the show concludes.

Update: Here's Tim giving a Solution Pack demo at our breakout session table.

You can see the MR650, MT380 and the new MP350 portable printer.

Motorola has apparently announced the End-of-Life for the MC50.  This is not too surprising, as the MC50 is still running PocketPC 2003 and has never been updated to Windows Mobile.  The MC50 is not even listed on the Mobile Computers page on Motorola's website.  The MC55 is the newer model with similar features.

We will be at the Unitech Link 2009 event in Las Vegas, January 28th and 29th at the Palms.  We will have several demos, including Access Control and Time and Attendance programs on the MR650 and MT380 kiosks, our Solution Packs and iTours on the PA600 and HT660, and the MP350 printer.  If you are attending the show, please come see us!

The latest issue of ITScriptNet News is available.  Read about the release of the Check In / Check Out Solution Pack, the Unitech Link 2009 event, and ITScriptNet 3.0.

Following in the footsteps of the Dolphin 9500 / 9550, Honeywell has that the Dolphin 9900 is now available in a pistol-grip version, called the Dolphin 9950.  This device keeps battery and accessory compatibility with the 9500 series.  Honeywell will be displaying the 9950 at the NRF show in Chicago, January 11th-14th.

A few months ago, Honeywell (HandHeld Products) filed a lawsuit against Datalogic over 2-D imaging.  This suit has now been settled.

From all of us at Z-Space Technologies, we'd like to wish you a Happy Holidays and a successful New Year.  We are looking forward to an exciting 2009.  Thanks to everyone who has helped make 2008 a very good year.

Just in time for the holidays, we have released the next ITScriptNet Solution Pack.  This one is for Check In / Check Out.  The system is intended for use in any scenario where individual items are inventoried, issued and returned.  These can include Tool Rooms, Security offices, Hospitality, Rental agencies, Maintenance departments, and many, many more.

All Solution Packs are built with ITScriptNet for portable data collection, and include the back end Database, Reports, PC Software for database maintenance and reporting, and the Data Collection programs.  Contact us for more information on this exciting new product!

Honeywell (Hand Held Products) has announced an update to the Dolphin 7850, adding a laser scan engine.  This is available in 3 range options: High Performance, Long Range, and Advanced Long Range.  This makes the 7850 an excellent choice for warehousing applications where scanning linear barcodes at a distance is required, and an Imager is not practical.  ITScriptNet supports the Dolphin 7850 with a native client.

We've added some now visual styles to help you make your data collection programs look even better.  Here is an overview of some of the changes:

Rectangular Shape objects now have a Gradient option, which allows you to fade a color from left to right, or top to bottom.  This example shows several shape objects combined with some text:

There are also Gradient options available for Buttons elements.  You can select a single Gradient, or a two-gradient Chisled look.

Text and Images can now be rotated to any of the 4 cardinal rotations.

We've added a Signature Line to the Digital Ink element, and also added the ability to rotate it.  When the signature image is saved, it is automatically rotated back to horizontal.

We hope these new visual enhancements will help you to make your data collection programs better than ever!