Apple iOS 8 keyboard update allows for system-wide barcode scanning
Apple unveiled dozens of new features in its upcoming iOS 8 operating system for iPhone, iPods and iPads at their World Wide Developer Conference on Monday.
Of particular interest to those who use iOS devices for light inventory management or asset tracking is the support for custom 3rd party keyboards.
Android has supported 3rd party keyboards for years, but the feature is new to iOS. Third party keyboards are commonly used to offer different ways of entering text, by swiping, for example.
Custom keyboards can be used for more than just typing. They can also be developed with a new “scan” button that, when tapped, uses the camera to scan a barcode and enter the text or numbers from that barcode anywhere you can type: web pages, email, other apps, etc.
Wasp Launches MobileAsset v7, MobileAsset.EDU with iPhone, iPad, Android Connectivity
Wasp has announced the release of their MobileAsset v7 and MobileAsset.EDU. Wasp’s fixed asset tracking solutions include all the features a business or educational institution needs to account for its valuable assets.
Wasp’s MobileAsset v7, designed for IT departments, and MobileAsset.EDU, dedicated for K-12 and higher education institutions, are the most convenient and competitive tracking solutions available. The MobileAsset.EDU edition is the first of its kind, with two available options, Professional and Enterprise; while the MobileAsset v7 is available in three editions: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise.
KoamTac’s New KDC20 Miniature Bluetooth Laser Barcode Scanner
KoamTac has announced the release of its new KDC20 miniature laser barcode scanner at CONNECT 2014, KoamTac’s annual partner conference. The KDC20 is the company’s most cost-efficient, stand-alone Bluetooth scanner. Equipped with a convenient swing-out USB connector, the scanner conserves consumer resources by eliminating cables and enabling the use of off-the-shelf multi-USB charging solutions.
Highly configurable, the new device includes four buttons: scan, up and down (for controlling Bluetooth connections and remotely activating soft keyboards), and a delete key. Customizable features available include, a vibrating option and an optional backup battery for the real time clock. The scanner is certified by Apple for use with iOS devices, as well as, compatible with Android, Blackberry, Mac, and Windows devices
Barcode Scanner Cases for the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and iPad Mini
With the wide acceptance of smartphones and tablets, more and more businesses are looking to leverage iPhones, iPads, and iPods for a variety of data collection and tracking needs. One of the main challenges encountered when using an iOS device is being able to scan barcodes and read the magnetic stripe on credit/debit cards. While there are scanner apps to use a camera as a barcode reader, businesses that will have a consistent scan volume or need for accuracy will find this to be slow and cumbersome. This is where a dedicated scanner sled is the perfect solution.
The range of sleds currently available can provide 1D or 2D scanning and some models add MSR and RFID reading. The chart below is a simple breakdown of the various sleds, their capabilities, and which iOS devices they are compatible with. No matter what your needs are, there is a scanner sled that can meet them.
|
iPhone 4/4s |
iPhone 5 |
iPad | iPad Mini | iPod Touch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell Captuvo SL22 2D Scanner and MSR options |
· | ||||
| Honeywell Captuvo SL42 2D Scanner and MSR options |
· | ||||
| Honeywell Captuvo SL62 2D Scanner and MSR options |
· | ||||
| Socket CHS 8 1D Scanner only |
· | · | · | · | · |
| KoamTac KDC 410 1D Scanner Only |
· | · | · | · | · |
| KoamTac KDC 415 1D Scanner and MSR |
· | · | · | · | · |
| KoamTac KDC 420 2D Scanner Only |
· | · | · | · | · |
| KoamTac KDC 425 2D Scanner and MSR |
· | · | · | · | · |
| KoamTac KDC 430 MSR Only |
· | · | · | · | · |
| KoamTac KDC 450 2D Scanner and HF RFID |
· | · | · | · | · |
| Infinite Peripherals Linea Pro 4 1D/2D Scanner and MSR options |
· | · | |||
| Infinite Peripherals Linea Pro 5 1D/2D Scanner and MSR options |
· | · | |||
| Infinite Peripherals Infinea Tab M 2D Scanner and MSR options |
· | ||||
| Griffin Olli 2D Scanner and MSR |
· |
For additional assistance finding the right sled for your business, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
TSL’s 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID and Serialio Software Work Together to Boost Productivity
TSL has announced that popular mobile software from Serialio has been optimized to support their high-performance 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader. Working together, these powerful hardware and software solutions keep the mobile workforce operating at peak productivity.
Serialio apps for iOS and Android operating systems that are compatible with TSL’s 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader include the Mobile Grid Solution Framework, iScanBrowser, and SerialMagic Gears Android. Support for SerialMagic Professional Windows is expected in the near future.
Code Releases New CR3600 DPM Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
Code has announced the availability of the Code Reader 3600 Direct Part Mark (CR3600 DPM). This new addition to Code’s product line provides an option for the CR3600 to read DPM barcodes.
Designed for applications that require process controls, component tracking, work-in-process (WIP) and assembly line monitoring, the CR3600 DPM handles barcode reading needs in Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceutical, DOD, and Semiconductor industries.
With an IP54 rating, the CR3600 DPM is rugged and durable for the most demanding of environments. Available in portable wireless palm and handled configurations, the CR3600 DPM reliably transmits barcoded data to a host device via a secure Bluetooth connection. With the capability of direct data input from its keypad the CR3600 DPM provides instant visibility of stored data on its brightly colored screen, making the CR3600 DPM the ideal mobile barcode reading solution for deployment where integration and versatility are required.
Code’s New CR4405 Barcode Scanner Sled for the iPhone 5s
Code announced the release of its new barcode reader, a scanning sled for use with the Apple iPhone 5s. The Code Reader 4405 (CR4405) transforms the iPhone 5s into an advanced data capture device, capable of reading 1D , 2D and Postal barcode symbologies.
Designed to increase productivity and efficiency, the CR4405 is a cost-effective way to convert the popular iPhone 5s into a comprehensive mobile barcode reading solution ideal for deployment into industries that rely on high performing mobile devices – such as healthcare, retail, government, and event management applications.
Honeywell Debuts Captuvo SL62 Rugged Case For iPad Mini with Built-in Credit Card Reader, Barcode Scanner and Battery
Honeywell announced the debut of their new Captuvo SL62 enterprise sled, an encasement that transforms an Apple iPad mini into a customer engagement tool for retail, hospitalityand field service associates, at the NRF 2014 Expo.
Building off Honeywell’s successful Captuvo line, which includes the SL22 and SL42 encasements for fifth generation iPod touch and iPhone 5 devices, the SL62 helps employees look up inventory, scan barcodes and securely process payments, increasing customer engagement and improving mobile point-of-sale. It gives associates access to transaction data via the Web or mobile apps, providing an opportunity to upsell products and services and keep customers more engaged in the buying process.
CipherLab’s 1600 Series: The Perfect Scanner for iOS and Android Devices
CipherLab 1600 series pocket-sized Bluetooth scanner helps you accomplish various tasks when pairing with different smart devices through Bluetooth connectivity. Smaller and lighter than a mobile phone, it is a handheld scanner which can easily fit in your pocket and carried around for required tasks wherever it takes.
TSL Offers New Accessory Option for the 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader
TSL has announced a new wrist mount and belt holster accessory for the 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader, facilitating fast, accurate and cost-effective tracking of products, assets and data in such applications as retail, logistics, warehousing and distribution.
The 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader is designed to communicate wirelessly with a variety of Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, including enterprise handhelds, consumer phones, touchscreen MP3 players, tablets and PCs. Using the new MC40 Wrist Mount and carrying the 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader in the Belt Holster, data can be captured and transmitted completely hands-free via automatic RFID scanning.
