Hyundai Powers ELANTRA with New Diesel BS6 Engine in India

Features 

* New 1.5 l U2 CRDi Diesel BS6 Powertrain options available on SX & SX(O) Variants with prices start at Rs 1 870 000 (ex-showroom Delhi)

* Enhanced value proposition for Petrol BS6 Powertrain Options with Competitive Pricing, starting at Rs 1 760 000 (ex-showroom Delhi)

* Complete Peace of Mind with Hyundai Premium Assurance Program & Up to 5 Years of Wonder Warranty coverage

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMI), country’s first Smart Mobility Solutions Provider and largest exporter since inception, today launched the highly awaited Advanced Premium Sedan - ELANTRA with new Diesel BS6 Powertrain options. The company’s Future Ready powertrains such as the robust and proven 1.5 l U2 CRDi Diesel BS6 with 6-Speed Automatic & Manual transmission options offered on ELANTRA, provides customers an exclusive combination of performance and efficiency.

Commenting on the introduction of New Diesel BS6 Powertrains on ELANTRA, Mr. SS Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Hyundai Elantra is a true global sedan and finest expression of authentic design by Hyundai Motor Studio. As a Smart Mobility Solutions Provider, Hyundai has been leading the way with cleaner & efficient technologies such as our line-up of BS6 powertrains. We are enhancing customer delight on ELANTRA with the addition of Fun to Drive & Powerful 1.5 l U2 CRDi Diesel BS6 Powertrains. Additionally, Hyundai is also providing an improved value proposition for existing Petrol BS6 Powertrain options on ELANTRA.”

Hyundai ELANTRA is an amalgamation of Opulence with Intelligent Driving dynamics that cater to the needs of progressive Indians who seek future technology, Space, Comfort, Safety and Ergonomics with a new approach. The development direction of Hyundai ELANTRA is defined by Premium Appeal, Superior Driving Experience, and Ingenious Innovation with Seamless Connectivity. Exciting Hyundai ELANTRA is a Technology Marvel offering All Round Excellence and Great Experience.

Hyundai ELANTRA conveys a Sportier, Grander and Irresistible design language. With a Strong Character - The Modern & Bold Exteriors of this Advanced Premium Sedan makes it a stunner on road. It has retained the elegance of Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design, offering reassuring body forms that deliver a new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language. The front of the vehicle showcases Dominant Hexagonal Front Grille while the side profile reflects a solid and full volume wheel arch and strong character line. The sophisticated rear design with unique emblem gives it a premium and luxurious appeal. 

Hyundai ELANTRA also offers customers First-in-Segment features such as Fully Connected Sedan with Hyundai BlueLink, Wireless Phone Charger, Dynamic LED Quad Projector Headlamps with LED DRLs, Front Ventilated Seats, and Chrome Door Handles with Pocket Light.

Customers can also opt for booking or complete online purchase & home delivery of any variant of Hyundai ELANTRA through the company’s end-to-end online automotive car buying platform ‘Click to Buy’. As a Lifetime Partner and beyond, Hyundai will provide complete peace of mind for ELANTRA owners with 3 years Hyundai Premium Assurance Package comprising 3 years/ 30,000 km Complementary Maintenance, 3 Years Road Side Assistance, 3 Years Hyundai BlueLink/ Map Subscription & 1 Subhaarambh (Home Visit). Additionally, Hyundai is also offering ELANTRA with WONDER Warranty Options - 3 Years/unlimited kms or 4 years/60 000kms or 5 years/50 000 kms.

Acer Expands ConceptD Series for Creators With New Notebooks, Desktops and Monitors

Editor’s Summary:

* Acer expanded its ConceptD family of notebooks, desktops and monitors supporting creators with premium power and an elegant design

* A notebook and convertible notebook that leverages Acer’s innovative Ezel hinge, impressive specs and a host of thoughtful features in order to offer an intuitive workflow

* A trio of PANTONE-validated monitors with outstanding color accuracy aimed at professional video/photo editors and animators

* A new desktop aimed at small design studios and creative enthusiasts that packs professional-grade graphics into a small, chic form factor

 

Acer today announced a new suite of premium notebooks, desktops, and monitors to expand its ConceptD line, a series of powerful devices specifically designed for creators.

Included in the lineup is the ConceptD 3 notebook range featuring the ConceptD 3 Ezel convertible notebook for creators on the move, the powerful ConceptD 100 desktop for content creators who work in small businesses and creative studios, and a trio of ConceptD monitors such as the ConceptD CP5, the ConceptD CP3 and the ConceptD CM3 for computer graphics professionals.

The ConceptD Series includes a variety of devices to suit the creative needs of professionals across the board from design students and YouTube enthusiasts to CAD designers, video editors, illustrators and animators.

ConceptD 3 Ezel and ConceptD 3 Notebooks – Mobile Creativity

Aimed at design students, freelance designers and small design studios, a full selection of high-performance ConceptD 3 notebooks are now available. Powerful enough to handle medium-size to complex CAD work with speed and accuracy, the ConceptD 3 Ezel and ConceptD 3 notebook ranges make display and powerful graphics specifications a priority. They come with a thinner and lighter look with both the clamshell and convertible form factors having 14- and 15.6-inch screens, so they can be used to edit and showcase work on the move.

ConceptD 3 Ezel – Strike a Creative Pose

The innovative ConceptD 3 Ezel is a convertible notebook designed to give creators the most intuitive experience possible. Its amber-backlit keys are set against a pristine white all-metal chassis and a luxuriously large glass trackpad that supports multi-finger gestures. Acer’s innovative Ezel hinge makes the device as versatile as it is elegant, empowering users with the ability to switch between six usage modes such as stand mode for drawing content or display mode for presenting it. Other usage modes include an adjustable float mode, traditional laptop mode, pad mode and share mode. On top of 18 hours of battery life1, the device’s creative toolbox includes programmable keys and a suite of connectivity options, such as a SD card 7.0 reader and USB Type-C Thunderbolt™ 3 port, while weighing just 1.68 kg (14’’, 3.7 lbs) or 1.95 kg (15’’, 4.29 kg).

The notebook features a 14- or 15.6-inch FHD PANTONE-Validated touchscreen display that covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut and has a delta E<2 color accuracy. This lifelike display is perfect for drawing with Acer’s Active Stylus, featuring 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, and artists can make use of float mode to find their ideal drawing angle. Furthermore, the ConceptD 3 Ezel is powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-10750H or 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processors, NVIDIA® Quadro® T1000 (ConceptD 3 Ezel Pro) or GeForce® GTX 1650Ti GPUs and 1 TB of PCIe SSD storage. This means that the notebook is powerful enough to handle not only drawing or sketching but also animation and 3D modeling—all at 40 dBA or quieter.                

ConceptD 3 Notebook – Freedom in Creation

The ConceptD 3 high-performance laptop is housed in a timeless design and enables work and creativity on the go. Ideal for those who prefer traditional clamshell form factors, 20 hours of battery life[i] gives creators the flexibility to edit and showcase their work wherever they happen to be. Powered by NVIDIA Quadro T1000 (ConceptD 3 Pro) or GeForce GTX 1650Ti GPUs and the new 10th Gen Intel Core H-series processors, it is specifically designed to handle all 2D or 3D color-critical design work on a 14- or 15.6-inch FHD PANTONE Validated display.

The ConceptD 100 Desktop – Unlock Creativity

The ConceptD 100 desktop is ideal for graphics-intensive 2D design and entry-level 3D CAD modeling, addressing the specific needs of professional creators and multimedia classrooms. The ConceptD 100 desktop is equipped with a powerful 9th Gen Intel Core processor and an NVIDIA GeForce or Quadro GPU, allowing 2D and light-duty 3D creators to accelerate quickly and reliably through tasks and workflows. This small form factor PC comes with up to 256 GB of ultrafast SSD storage, all-around connectivity and 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, which allows creators to make simultaneous use of all essential applications without delay. Its front air intake and side-ventilation keep the mini workstation cool and ensure that its noise levels stay under 40 dBA, the equivalent of a library room. It blends features with style, coming in an elegant, off-white curved design that fits perfectly into any modern office or workspace.

The ConceptD CP5 and CP3 Monitors – Breathtaking Accurate Visuals

The ConceptD CP5 and ConceptD CP3 series of monitors are aimed at professional computer graphics creators, video editors and animators who require a high-performance monitor with outstanding color accuracy and reliable compatibility. Both monitor lines are designed for those who seek resolution, color accuracy and a wide color gamut, the ability to work with HDR content, high refresh rates for blur-free images and a large screen to facilitate the design process and support collaboration.

The CP5271U V model features Delta E<1 color accuracy and is PANTONE-Validated with 1.07 billion colors. For delicate image quality, it has a WQHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, VESA DisplayHDR 600, is Adaptive-Sync compatible and overclockable to a 170 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for professional video editing and CG work. Covering 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and leveraging a fast 1 ms (GTG) response time, it produces rich and lifelike images.

The ConceptD CP3 Monitor, also aimed at professional creators, video editors, animators and graphic designers, has similar specifications and supports 98% of the DCI-P3 wide color gamut, WQHD 3840 x 2160 with a refresh rate up to 165 Hz as well as VESA DisplayHDR 400.

The ConceptD CM3 Monitor – Brings Imagination to Life

The ConceptD CM3 series of monitors is aimed specifically at professional graphic designers and photo editors desiring a monitor that can display finely detailed design concepts and 3D content. It is ideal for professional designers that need to quickly and smoothly perform tasks requiring superb color accuracy, blur-free display and a wide color range as well as outstanding HDR and reliable compatibility. The line is ideal for creators performing 3D modeling, editing static imagery and performing rendering tasks. The large screens support the design process and facilitate collaboration.

The CM3271K model offers a 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 screen with a 4 ms (G to G) response time, 60 Hz refresh rate and a wide color gamut supporting 99% of the Adobe RGB color space. It’s compatible with AMD Radeon FreeSync, and with PANTONE Validation, Delta E<2 and VESA-certified DisplayHDR™ 400 support, creators can expect greater color accuracy as well as greater overall luminance.

Acer’s New Swift 5 Fuses Style, Portability and Performance in India

Editor’s Summary

* An ultrathin-and-light notebook that strives to pack as much power and performance as possible into an ultraportable chassis

* Features the next gen Intel® Core™ processors with powerful integrated graphics based on Intel’s new Xe architecture and optional NVIDIA® GeForce® MX350 GPUs[i]

* A touchscreen covered with Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass[ii] is surrounded by four ultra-narrow bezels to offer an immersive 90% screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, users have the option to further include an antimicrobial coating on other exposed surfaces[iii]

* An all-day battery that can be fast-charged for when work cannot wait, yielding four hours of use from a 30-minute charge

Acer has announced its new Swift 5 notebook that offers a new take on productivity, powerful yet light enough to be carried around throughout the day. The ultraportable device is a beacon of both design and performance, sporting a professional aesthetic that is backed up by impressive functionality. This year’s model features ultra-narrow bezels that allow for a 90% screen-to-body ratio, a touchscreen with Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass and new colors, such as mist green.

“The new Swift 5 pushes the envelope on what thin-and-light notebooks can be,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. “A productivity powerhouse housed in a sleek and ultraportable chassis, the Swift 5 is an excellent option for professionals who are always on the move and seeking a device capable of keeping up with them.”

Less Than 1 kg1: Do More With Less

The Acer Swift 5 is an ultrathin-and-light notebook that sits at the intersection of style, power and portability. Its 14.95 mm (0.59 in) chassis is made from high-grade magnesium-lithium and magnesium-aluminum, allowing it to pack the next gen Intel® Core™ processors with powerful integrated graphics based on Intel’s new Xe architecture and optional NVIDIA® GeForce® MX350 GPUs while staying under 1 kg1 (2.2 lbs). This power makes it possible to seamlessly run multiple applications at once, and 1 TB of high-speed PCle SSD storage on top of up to 16 GB LPDDRAX ensures that they load quickly. Furthermore, those in the office or on a conference call will appreciate the ability to control how much sound the device makes by alternating between three cooling modes: silent, normal or performance.

Svelte Aesthetics and a Stunning Screen

The Swift 5 has an elegant design that comes in two color palates: mist green or safari gold, both with gold accents. The notebook’s all-metal chassis is defined by confidently sharp angles and a minimalist profile that makes it an excellent option for image-conscious professionals. That being said, the Swift 5’s design is not all about looks. This year’s model includes a specially designed hinge that slightly elevates the device while the screen is opened, allowing for a more ergonomic typing experience, better thermal performance and, most notably, makes the device’s beautiful screen more prominent.

Opening the notebook reveals a generously large trackpad and a 14-inch FHD IPS[iv] touchscreen display, both of which support multi-finger gestures to offer an incredibly intuitive experience. The screen features 300 nits brightness1, covers 72% of the NTSC gamut and is surrounded by ultra-narrow bezels on all four sides that allow for up to a 90% screen-to-body ratio, creating a vivid and immersive viewing experience that makes the Swift 5 perfect for enjoying movies and relaxing after work.

Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass

The Swift 5’s touchscreen display is covered with a layer of Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass2, which has been specially formulated to reduce the growth of odor and stain-causing microorganisms on the touch display.

Additionally, users have the option to further include an antimicrobial coating[v] on the touchpad, keyboard and all covers of the device.

Full Connectivity and All-Day Battery Life

The Swift 5 features a large 56 Wh1 battery that lasts all day and can be fast-charged in a pinch, granting 4 hours of use[vi] off just a 30-minute charge-time. A host of connectivity options such as USB Type-C, Thunderbolt™ and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, in addition to dual-band Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (GIG+) and Bluetooth 5.0, make it an excellent choice for professionals and users who need to work on the go. For convenience and security, the Swift 5 is also equipped with an embedded fingerprint reader for Windows Hello. It also supports Wake on Voice, enabling users to activate and query Windows 10 even when the screen is off.

Future of Work: 6 Digital Technology Trends Set to Transform the Workplace

By Parag Naik, Co-Founder and CEO, Saankhya Labs

Across the world, we are witnessing a massive transformation in every aspect of our lives owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a drastic change in the way we communicate, work and lead our lives. On the work front, we are facing several scenarios, which are poised to become the new normal. As we move forward, technology will play a crucial role in the way we work, practically revolutionising the space.

As governments begin easing restrictions and businesses start functioning normally, here are some of the top digital communication technology trends that are set to transform the future of work.

1. Pacing towards 5G network: As many companies are moving towards a work from home culture despite certain relaxations in most parts of the country, there is an increasing demand for faster and higher bandwidth networks. 5G which is the next generation network designed with “Service Based” architecture offers a superior class of service based on the ‘Slice’ of network. This caters to a particular service type such as IoT, low latency applications such as Tele-Medicine and more, making its adaptation crucial to aid seamless remote working.

2. Rise of Virtual conferences: With a focus on maintaining social distancing and minimal contact with humans, companies are opting for webinars and virtual summits. In the new normal, industry is all set to witness an increase in virtual meetings and conferences for announcements, product launches etc. Many video conferencing applications have already witnessed a huge surge in usage in the past few months as employees are connecting with each other virtually. From internal meetings with limited participants, to a full-fledged webinar or conference wherein thousands of people can participate, events will continue to take place online. This new trend is likely to continue for a long time with an aim to maintain social distancing etiquette and ensure everyone’s safety.

3. Surge in IoT enabled Solutions: There is a rise in demand for smart devices across the country owing to factors such as enhanced lifestyles and the need to stay connected virtually. There is also a growing need for smart products that can be controlled through voice commands or remote commands for minimal physical contact. From remote monitoring of patients in hospitals to remotely operating the equipment in a factory, IoT adoption is likely to get a major boost in the changed world post COVID world.

4. E-Commerce is the king – There is a huge surge in online shopping for household items, apparels and books. And with it comes a big demand for online or mobile payment solutions and services. People have started to use more online banking services and other online financial services such as investments. Overall, there will be more online financial transactions and commerce that will take place in the post COVID era. These changes will force a more rapid adoption of communication infrastructure spend in rural and unconnected areas, with the use of technology such as VSAT terminals, UHF frequency based rural wireless broadband solutions, Wi-Fi etc.

5. Use of Shared Spectrum: It is a given fact that there is going to be an upsurge in content being consumed on mobile devices in a post COVID-19 world. This is particularly seen in the use video conferencing platforms for team meetings, attending lectures online, or watching video for leisure and entertainment. Prior to the pandemic hitting the country, video occupied over 70% of the content transmitted over mobile networks. This phenomenon is bound to increase exponentially and might overload mobile networks that have not been designed to handle huge amount data being consumed. This causes the mobile networks to jam and slows down streaming and downloads on devices. To avert network jamming and create a superior user experience, communication companies will use “Shared” spectrum. There are various types of shared spectrum options available. Dynamic shared spectrum such as TVWS, CBRS give additional coverage and have the capacity to provide connectivity to the unconnected population. Sharing of spectrum amid two diverse networks- such as Broadband and Broadcast networks can be a possibility. Through the use of 5G broadcast, which is a convergence of the two spectrums and a 5th generation data transmission innovation, users can enjoy hassle free video consumption, for increased productivity.

6. Communication via Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Communication solutions such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) are crucial for the future. Whether it is for learning to steer the traffic using most efficient path or to dynamically adjust the network parameters to provide most optimal user experience in a given region, AI/ML will become integral part of communication networks. For example - When wireless networks are using shared spectrum, AI/ML systems will uninterruptedly monitor the load on various networks. Basis the data type, network load and number of users the AI/ML systems can support networks with a choice to select the utmost optimal parameters to distribute content. These systems will help enhance user experiences significantly.

With swift progress the development of innovative technologies, corporate India definitely has much to look forward to as digital technology is set to transform our lives in a post COVID-19 world.

Acer Launches Enduro Lineup of Rugged Notebooks and Tablets

Editor’s Summary

* The new Enduro series of rugged devices, featuring MIL-810G and up to IP65 certifications, are designed for first responders, field and manufacturing workers

* In addition to physical protection, the devices also include a host of security and management services such as the Acer Enduro Manageability Suite (AEMS)

* The Acer Enduro N7 rugged notebook has been designed to survive even the most chaotic of industrial environments and features a hot-swappable battery

* The Acer Enduro N3 rugged notebook features the latest Intel® Core™ processors and long battery life, offering excellent performance that lasts for the entire workday

* The Acer Enduro T1 tablets are designed for use with gloves and come with a range of optional accessories that allow them to be adapted to a wide variety of scenarios

* The Acer Enduro T5 tablet is designed for industrial and warehouse work and comes with a swappable battery to allow for continuous use while on the job

Acer today launched Enduro, its new line of rugged notebooks and tablets specially designed to provide the durability, portability and performance needed by professionals working in the field. First responders and industrial manufacturing workers will find the Acer Enduro N7 to be a reliable companion, while event producers and outdoor hobbyists will appreciate the thin-and-light yet durable Enduro N3. A series of Enduro tablets are also available for retail, warehouse and manufacturing usage scenarios.

“With an increasingly modern workforce, more and more mobile devices are being deployed in the field where they are subject to harsher handling. Enduro, our new line of rugged notebooks and tablets, was created to provide our customers with the durability and performance that gets the job done,” said Andrew Chuang, General Manager, Rugged Computing, Acer Inc.

Acer Enduro N7 Rugged Notebook

The Acer Enduro N7 is a rugged notebook constructed with shock-absorbent materials to offer the reliability needed by first responders, field and industrial manufacturing workers while on the job. MIL-810G and IP65 certified[i], the device has been engineered to withstand drops onto the hardest flooring and to resist the ingress of dust and water. This durability makes the device suitable for work, hot or cold, and its 700-nit, 14-inch FHD screen offers excellent visibility whether inside or outside. For those working long days, the Enduro N7 comes with dual batteries: one hot-swappable battery with a long 10-hour[ii] life and another built-in bridge battery. 

In addition to being able to physically survive chaotic work environments, the Enduro N7 is equipped with the technology necessary to thrive in a modern work place. A quad-core 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 CPU offers enough power to smoothly navigate between several different applications and work on multiple tasks at the same time. The Enduro N7 is also very secure: hardware-level Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 checks for any signs of intrusion during startup and the Acer Enduro Manageability Suite (AEMS) serves to help protect the device while also making it easy to deploy services or system configurations across many devices. A fingerprint sensor supports more secure logins through Windows Hello.

Acer Enduro N3 Rugged Notebook

The Acer Enduro N3 is a powerful notebook that strikes a balance between durability and portability, making it ideal for users who rotate between several worksites such as architects, project inspectors, event managers, agricultural plant personnel or even lovers of the outdoors who want to record their adventures. The Enduro N3 was specially engineered to be resistant to drops and water, achieving MIL-STD 810G and IP53[iii] certifications, while maintaining a thin-and-light frame of just 24.85 mm (0.98 in) at 1.985 kg (4.37 lb). Some of these features include reinforced corners for drops, Corning® Gorilla® Glass to protect the display from water and the unique water-resistant Aquafan™.

This physical protection comes on top of premium levels of protection against cyber threats thanks to technology like Discrete Trusted Platform Module, AEMS, and password-protected HDDs. This host of security and management tools ensures that all work done over the device’s 13-hour battery life2 is safe, and this safety does not come at the expense of performance. The Enduro N3 boasts a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, giving it reliable performance, with an optional NVIDIA® GeForce® MX230 discrete GPU and 512 GB PCle Gen3 NVMe SSD for those with exceptionally heavy workloads.

Acer Enduro Management Suite (AEMS)

The Acer Enduro Management Suite (AEMS) is a system designed to streamline the management of large quantities of devices, helping to keep existing devices more secure and speed up the process of rolling new ones out. The AEMS console enables a manager to remotely interact with AEMS-enabled devices in the following ways:

Programmable physical keys: AEMS-enabled tablets and notebook computers include physical keys, located next to the power button, which will automatically launch a designated application upon keypress.

I/O Control: The ability to remotely enable/disable access to I/O ports[iv]. Cameras and barcode scanners may also be enabled or disabled.

Device Monitor: Lists and exports information for all devices being managed, including information about each individual device’s system, hardware, software and any applied hotfixes.

Remote Deployment: Any necessary applications, BIOS changes or Windows updates can be pushed out and deployed remotely.

Acer Enduro T5 Rugged Tablet

The Acer Enduro T5 (ET510-51W) is a durable and rugged 10-inch Windows tablet designed for long periods of work in extreme environments. Its 10 hour2 battery can be swapped out, enabling continuous usage, and a 7th Gen Intel Core m3 processor lends it the power needed by logistics and manufacturing workers. All on top of MIL-STD 810G and IP65 certifications and AEMS. Accessories such as docking stations, hand grips, shoulder straps, 4-point shoulder straps, car chargers and car holders are available to expand the functionality and mobility of the Enduro T5.

Acer Enduro T1 Rugged Tablets

The Acer Enduro T1 (ET110-31W) is a flexible and rugged 10-inch Windows tablet that can double as a 10.1-inch notebook via an optional portfolio keyboard. The device’s MIL-STD 810G4 and IP54 certifications, combined with an Intel Celeron processor and 64 GB of eMMC storage space, make it a reliable and convenient option for quick work on the go. The Enduro T1 can also be used while wearing gloves.

The Acer Enduro T1 (ET108-11A) is a compact and durable 8-inch Android tablet designed especially for smart retail, warehouse and factory workers. MIL-STD 810G[v] and IP54 certified, the device also features a range of optional accessories and programmable keys that enable it to be adapted to a variety of unique environments. The Enduro T1 can also be used while wearing gloves.    

Zebra Launches TC26 Touch Computers in India to Provide Enhanced Public Safety and Law Enforcement Solutions

Zebra Technologies Corporation, an innovator at the edge of the enterprise with solutions and partners that enable businesses to gain a performance edge, released study findings that reveal public safety agencies globally will increasingly adopt mobile technologies to continuously improve workflows and community relations within the next five years.

The final of Zebra’s three-part Future of Field Operations: Public Safety vision study shows that 86 percent of public safety respondents have indicated their agencies are taking a mobile-first approach in their technology strategies, and workflows are designed around first responders and their mobile devices. However, seven in ten agencies are still concerned that they are not investing quickly enough in new mobile technologies to keep pace with the speed of change, especially with the availability of faster 4G and upcoming 5G wireless networks.

In India, Zebra Technologies launched TC26 Touch Computers, which is the ultimate cost-effective solution for public safety front-line workers who need to capture and access data faster and more efficiently without stepping up in price. The Android 10-powered TC26 Touch Computer features a large 5-inch high definition advanced touchscreen that is easy to view both indoors and outside in bright sunlight.

“Mobile technology is critical to keeping communities safe and secure,” said Deep Agarwal, Regional Sales Director – Indian Sub-Continent, Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific .“Public safety agencies around the world are already realizing a performance edge by using rugged mobile devices across various use cases including communications, situation awareness, disaster and emergency management, identity management, e-citations, and asset management. With the availability of faster wireless networks coinciding with the implementation of robust mobile technology strategies, police, fire and emergency medical first responders can improve their productivity, effectiveness and relations with the communities they serve and protect.”

“In India, up to 2,000 units of Zebra’s TC75 touch computers were deployed by the Uttar Pradesh Police as part of UP-112 Emergency Management System. The TC75 is an enterprise-class handheld computer that enables communication and enables access to real-time information. Such rugged mobile devices offer reliable everyday usage which is crucial for the police officers who are always out on the field,” added Agarwal.

Within the next year, 88% of respondents to Zebra’s study say they expect increased productivity and efficiency by using mobile technologies – up from 52% today. Similarly, 84% say saving more lives will be another key benefit of using mobile devices within a year, jumping from 45% today. Deploying mobile devices and mobile printers will also lead to reduced operating costs within the next year, according to 79% of those surveyed – and notably, almost all respondents (98% ) say they will achieve savings within five years. Another advantage highlighted in the study is improved community relations, which 99% say will be realized by 2025, up from 38% today.

While many public safety organizations will continue to rely on a responsive model in their workflows, there will be a rapid growth of agencies that will adopt a predictive model that is able to assign the right asset to the right issue at the right time. This will more than double by 2025.

Among the most common applications used by public safety officers in the field today are email (53% ), mapping and navigation (51% ), and location-based services (50% ). Other applications not used by most agencies today that are rated as “extremely important” by those who currently use them include biometric monitoring (63% ), collision reporting (59% ) and situational awareness (59% ).

Mobile device adoption will see rapid growth over the next three years as rugged tablets without keyboards will be implemented by 95% of respondents’ agencies, rugged 2-in-1 tablets by 90% , rugged smartphones by 95% , and mobile printers by 91% of them. Like other institutions and businesses whose critical work takes place primarily in the field, public safety decision makers rate ruggedness of mobile devices in their fleet as a key differentiator, with 96% saying they will implement rugged devices by 2025. Among those currently using these devices, rugged tablets with attachable keyboards (52% ) and rugged smartphones (51% ) are the top devices for emergency response use cases.

Other Zebra products that cater to the growing demand in this sector includes; the L10 rugged tablet sets a new standard in office, vehicle and field-based computing; TC77 touch computer that offers a smartphone experience for maximum simplicity with rugged construction; TC57 touch computer that delivers the ultimate in enterprise-class touch computing; and ZQ500 series mobile printer that offers a lightweight, compact printing solution that can withstand repeated drops to concrete from up to 6.6 feet.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

Zebra’s study indicates that seven in ten public safety agencies see an urgent need to invest more quickly in mobile solutions to keep up with technological advancements and to serve their communities better.

Mobile devices offer public safety agencies a strong performance edge to boost productivity, save lives, reduce cost, and better engage their communities over the next five years, the study found.

Adoption of mobile devices will increase quickly over the next three years, as 95 percent of agencies will deploy rugged tablets without keyboards, 90 percent will use rugged 2-in-1 tablets, 95 percent will invest in rugged smartphones, and 91 percent will have mobile printers on the field.

Ruggedness of mobile devices scores highly with public safety leaders, as 96 percent of them will choose to deploy rugged devices by 2025. 

SURVEY BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY

The results are part of a three-part series on the Future of Field Operations released over the first half of 2020. The two previous parts were focused on energy and utilities, and field service providers. More than 1,200 key decision makers from these three industries located across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific were surveyed.

ABOUT ZEBRA

Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) empowers the front line of business in retail/ecommerce, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, public sector and other industries to achieve a performance edge. With more than 10,000 partners across 100 countries, we deliver industry-tailored, end-to-end solutions that intelligently connect people, assets and data to help our customers make business-critical decisions. Our market-leading solutions elevate the shopping experience, track and manage inventory as well as improve supply chain efficiency and patient care. In 2019, Zebra ranked #166 on Forbes’ list of the World’s Best Employers, and the company joined the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.zebra.com or sign up for news alerts. Participate in our Your Edge blog and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Acer Launches Premium Convertible 2K Chromebook Spin 713 that's Based On Project Athena

Editor’s Summary

* New Acer Chromebook Spin 713 delivers the latest technology and a premium design. Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 comes with the business capabilities of Chrome OS unlocked

* Co-engineered and verified[i] as part of Intel’s Project Athena innovation program for advanced mobile performance with the latest 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors built to power the next generation of computing innovation and provide platform stability.

* Military-grade durability in a flexible design makes it ideal for users needing on-the-go performance for productivity, presentations and staying in touch

* The 3:2 2K VertiView Corning® Gorilla® Glass 13.5-inch touch display boosts productivity with more vertical space for websites, documents and spreadsheets

* Additionally, new Acer Chromebook Spin 311 launches with a convertible design, up to 15 hours of battery[ii] life and 11.6-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display

Acer has expanded its offering of Chromebooks for consumers and businesses with the new stylish Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-2W) and Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713, featuring 10th Gen Intel® Core™ commercial processors that deliver the latest in connectivity, productivity, performance and platform stability, designed to enable the superior productivity and performance that businesses need when working in the cloud. It brings together cutting-edge hardware, specs and design with the speed, security and simplicity that Chrome OS is known for.

Part of Intel’s Project Athena innovation program, the new Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is powered by the latest 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors[iii] that offer first-rate performance and battery life. In addition, its 2K 13.5-inch VertiView display features a productivity-boosting 3:2 aspect ratio, creating extra vertical space and reducing scrolling.

Project Athena Innovation

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-2W) was co-engineered with Intel as part of Intel’s Project Athena innovation program, which was designed to incubate and deliver the most advanced laptop experiences and designs. It passed rigorous testing to achieve the technology specifications and key experiences ensuring that it consistently delivers the responsiveness, instant wake and battery life that ambitious people need to focus from anywhere.

“Acer’s Chromebook 713 demonstrates the co-engineering efforts driven by Acer and Intel through the Project Athena innovation program,” said Josh Newman, Vice President, Client Computing Group at Intel. “Powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core processors, Acer’s first Project Athena-based Chromebook provides exceptional performance and enables premium productivity for business professionals.”

The powerful 10th Gen Intel Core processors for the latest in processing performance allows for handling multiple apps, pages, extensions and more. Users will experience more than a full day of productivity on the device’s fast-chargeable battery that offers 10 hours1 of usage. It comes with up to 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM and up to 256 GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage.

Productivity-Boosting VertiView Display

The new Acer Chromebook Spin 713 features a 13.5-inch VertiView display with a 3:2 aspect ratio that provides 18% more vertical screen space and reduces the need to scroll. Displaying in 2256 x 1504 resolution, the IPS[iv] display offers brilliant 2K clarity whether streaming video or using apps from the Google Play store. Plus, both the touchscreen and touchpad are made of Corning Gorilla Glass, so they resist scratches while providing smooth navigation.

Thinner bezels ensure that the notebook’s vibrant images stand out. Dual integrated stereo speakers provide first-rate audio, while dual microphones effectively pinpoint sound to allow for clearer communication.

Military Durability in a Flexible Design

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713’s all-new streamlined aluminum chassis has a reinforced design that delivers military-grade durability (U.S. MIL-STD 810G compliant[v]), making it capable of resisting dents, dings and corrosion. The reinforced design and shock-absorbing bumper can survive drops from heights of up to 122 cm (48 inches) and withstand up to 60 kg (132 pounds) of downward force.

The device features a convertible design and can be opened a full 360-degrees, enabling its touchscreen display to be used in four different modes: display mode for presenting, tablet mode for entertainment, clamshell mode for keyboard input and tent mode to make the most of small spaces. The backlit keyboard boosts productivity in a range of lighting conditions. The convertible device is very portable, measuring just 16.8 mm thin (0.66 inches) and 1.37 kg (3.02 lbs), making it easy to place into a bag and take around for people constantly on the go.

Ports and Latest Wi-Fi Keep Users Connected

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 provides options to keep consumers and businesses connected. It has two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, both supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps), DisplayPort over USB-C, and USB charging. It also includes an HDMI port, USB 3.0 and MicroSD card reader. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MU-MIMO technology provides a fast and reliable wireless connection[vi], while Bluetooth 5.0 delivers a convenient means to connect to peripherals.

Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass

Acer Chromebook Spin 713’s touch panel and touchpad are covered with an optional[vii] layer of Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass.  Specially formulated Corning® Gorilla® Glass reduces the growth of odor and stain-causing microorganisms on touch displays and touchpads.

Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713

The new Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 is available with the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade included, a solution that helps businesses to manage devices at scale. Ideal for a range of business environments, including those where employees share devices and are mobile, such as in health care and retail, Chrome Enterprise helps create a secure and productive environment for cloud-based workers.

The Chromebook’s fast and secure operating system simplifies the process of deploying, managing and powering a cloud workforce. IT departments will appreciate the comprehensive, integrated security coverage that is part of Chromebook Enterprise. IT administrators will find it easy to control updates, configure apps, utilize extensions and policies, and more with web-based management[viii] that makes the new Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 easy to deploy and manage, increasing their uptime and reducing their total cost of ownership (TCO).

“Businesses of all sizes are embracing cloud-based tools, so their employees can work more effectively from their offices or homes, while also staying connected and collaborating with colleagues, customers and partners,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business at Acer. “Acer’s new Chromebook Spin Enterprise 713 will help businesses accomplish more, while delivering what IT management wants – security, ease of deployment, manageability, and a solid return on investment.”

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is Convertible and Consumer-Friendly

Additionally, Acer today launched the Chromebook Spin 311 (CP311-3H), a consumer-friendly 11.6-inch convertible Chromebook designed to handle schoolwork and everyday projects. Powered by a Mediatek MT8183 processor, it provides the performance necessary to simultaneously run multiple apps, web pages and documents. Plus, a long battery life of up to 15-hours1 ensures it will keep up with students and families during long days of study, work and play.

Weighing only 1 kg (2.2 lbs), the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 fits neatly in a backpack or book bag and can be comfortably taken around the house for school projects, keeping in touch and even having fun on apps. Interacting with the new Chromebook is intuitive and enjoyable thanks to an Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass HD touch IPS display and a newly improved keyboard featuring concave keys and ample key travel. Plus, a wide field-of-view webcam, 802.11ac 2x2 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 provide everything family members need to stay connected via Google Hangouts, Google Classroom and more.

Android App Support

The new Chromebook Spin 713, Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 and Chromebook Spin 311 fully support Android apps via Google Play, so customers will have access to all the apps they love for productivity, creativity, services and more.