Socket Talk

Important Updates for Developers Using SocketScan 10 SDK

By Eric Glaenzer, Director of Software, Data Collection

There have been some exciting updates recently for SocketScan 10 SDK customers involving the new CHS 7Ci Apple certified 1D barcode scanner, Apple iOS 5.1, the new iPad, Android 4 "Ice Cream Sandwich," and more.

 

SPECIAL NOTES FOR ALL DEVELOPERS:

Register your SDK using the Serial Number on the CD 
Don't just register your CHS barcode scanner, make sure you also register your SDK with the serial number on the CD itself! We've noticed many developers only register the CHS, but this does NOT activate the 10 hours of developer support included with the SDK! Registered SDK customers also receive notifications on free updates and fixes. Register online at: http://support.socketmobile.com.

Interested in SocketScan 10 SDK? Request our Documentation!
Thinking about getting SocketScan 10 SDK but not sure if it will fit your needs? Email us, and we'll send you the SDK documentation to look at.

You can currently purchase SocketScan 10 SDK with or without a CHS barcode scanner. Both SKUs include 10 hours of developer support.

• SKU# SW1244-1321 — CD only
• SKU# SW1245-1322 — CD, CHS 7XiRx barcode scanner, charging cradle

 

SPECIAL NOTES FOR APPLE IOS:

Adding Support for the CHS 7Ci
If you already used SocketScan 10 SDK to develop an Apple iOS app for the CHS 7Xi or 7XiRx, update your SDK to version 10.0.8 or later to add support for the new CHS 7Ci.

1. On the Socket Mobile support site, register your SDK then log in to request an SDK update to ensure you have the latest release.
2. Notify Socket Mobile when your updated app is ready to resubmit for MFi approval. We will update your existing application submission to request MFi support for the CHS 7Ci.
3. After 7-10 days, Socket Mobile will notify you when the application has been approved by Apple.
4. Submit your application to Apple for final approval.

Compatibility Verified with Apple iOS 5.1 Devices, including the New iPad
We've tested the CHS 7Ci, 7Xi and 7XiRx in iOS mode with Apple iOS 5.1, including on the new, third-generation iPad, and everything works great. We're also in the process of getting official MFi certification from Apple for the new iPad (the barcode scanners have already been certified for the iPhone, iPod touch, and previous iPad versions).

There is a minor issue when pairing the current revision of the CHS 7Xi or 7XiRx — iOS 5.1 will report, "Connection Unsuccessful," even though the scanner is correctly connected and will work correctly with your application. Just ignore the error message and resume normal operation. We've already modified the CHS 7Ci so it won't have this issue and are updating the firmware for the 7Xi and 7XiRx.

ScannerSettings Updated for CHS 7Ci
Download the latest version of our CHS configuration utility from the Apple App Store.

Video on SocketScan 10 SDK for iOS
If you haven't seen our latest SDK video, it gives a quick overview of how to customize iOS apps for the CHS.

 

SPECIAL NOTES FOR ANDROID OS:

SocketScan 10 SDK Updates for Android OS
There have been some general updates to the SDK for Android OS, including reconnection bug fixes for newer devices. Log into our  support site to request an SDK update.

Compatibility Verified for Android 4 "Ice Cream Sandwich"
We've tested the CHS on Android 4 devices including the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. 

 

Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5: What's in it for SoMo users?

By Vince Coli, senior product manager, handheld computer products

Ever since Microsoft began targeting the mobile device space more than two decades ago, its mobile operating systems have gone through many different versions and rebrandings. Sorting through the different OS versions and names can get pretty confusing, so here is a blog to help you better understand Microsoft's latest mobile operating systems for handhelds from the last few years.

In May 2009, Microsoft released Windows Mobile 6.5. Like previous versions of Windows Mobile, it was available in multiple flavors: "Professional" for devices with phone capability and "Classic" for non-phone devices.

In January this year, Microsoft rebranded Windows Mobile 6.5 Classic as Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. According to Microsoft, Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is designed to deliver "application compatibility with Windows Mobile 6.5, device management and security capabilities, and integration with existing back-end systems needed for the enterprise.” So it sounds like the Microsoft embedded roadmap will benefit SoMo users with a focus on mobility and connectivity. In their literature, they address three critical IT needs:

1. Application compatibility
2. Device management requirements
3. Extended support lifecyle

Last month, when Socket Mobile announced the SoMo 655 handheld, we used the more familiar term, “Windows Mobile 6.5,” as the name for the operating system. However, we will use the official “Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5” going forward. Because the name “Windows Mobile” and “Windows Mobile Classic” are so pervasive, we want to emphasize that this is only a name change at this point.

Regardless of what you call the OS, the Windows (Fill in the blank) 6.5 has many capabilities which will benefit SoMo 655 users.

New Features of Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5

• Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 introduces an all-new Today screen with a fresh look. However, if you're a fan of the "classic" Today screen, it's still available.

Today screen of SoMo 655

• Stylus-only menus and scroll bars have been replaced by finger-friendly menus (with the occasional fingernail). Also, finger-friendly inertial scrolling is available almost everywhere. So there is less reliance on the stylus, although a stylus can still do all the work if you work in a hygiene-sensitive environment, for example, and want to minimize the spread of germs.
• Help has been redesigned to be context-sensitive.
• Pressing the Windows Flag in the lower left of the screen (or dedicated function key) displays updated icons arranged in a "Honeycomb" (staggered) pattern, which provides easier finger access in a mobile display.
• Pressing Start in the upper left of the screen pulls down a Windows Toolbar,which allows you to scroll horizontally through the operating functions.
• A lock screen gives you multiple points of entry depending on the current status; if you've got a new text message, for example, you get a separate unlock slider that can take you straight to it. This is useful to eliminate Pocket app launching.
• Internet Explorer has been revamped to facilitate web navigation through a few swipes of a finger and digests modern web pages using up-to-date standards and technologies. The UI experience approaches that of a desktop adapted for a mobile screen with a zoom slider, better support for full HTML, and a new JavaScript engine. So it does a good job to load sites that are designed for desktop devices.

For more information on these or other changes, please contact the Socket Mobile sales team.