Socket Talk

Top 5 Tips for Migrating Apps to the SoMo 655

By Vince Coli, Product Manager, Handheld Computers

If you've previously deployed a Windows Mobile app on the SoMo 650 or HP iPAQ Pocket PC, you can easily upgrade to the new SoMo 655 and keep using the same app.  In many cases, you'll be able to implement the same app on the SoMo 655 without any adjustments.

For some apps, there are some tweaks that you (or your developer) can make to take advantage of new features in the SoMo 655 not available in the SoMo 650 or HP iPAQ. Also, some apps need minor modifications to resolve differences in OS version, as the SoMo 655 runs Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 (the new name of Windows Mobile).

If you don't already have the SoMo 655, now is a great time to switch, as we're offering terrific rebates when you trade in your SoMo 650 or HP iPAQ 2xx!

Here are our Top 5 Tips for migrating apps to the SoMo 655:

1. Update CSS for web applications.
   If you are using a cloud application on the SoMo, you should update your CSS User Agent string.
   • Example of User Agent for SoMo 650:
     Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; IEMobile 8.12; MSIEMobile 6.0)
   • Example of User Agent for SoMo 655:
     Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; Windows Phone 6.5.3.5)
2. Eliminate .NET upgrade.
   The SoMo 655 features .NET Compact Framework 3.5, so if your install includes a .NET upgrade from 2.0, it's no longer needed.
3. Update UI for finger swiping.
   You can update the layout of your app to take advantage of the new finger swiping support, this is especially helpful when scrolling through lists. For example, see below how the System screen now features larger icons for easier swiping.
4. Update UI for larger soft keys.
   Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 has larger buttons in the soft key bar at the bottom of the screen, which can affect your layout.
5. Incorporate new vibrate feature.
   While the SoMo 650 supports visual and audio notifications, the SoMo 655 also has a vibrate feature. If your app includes user notifications, you may want to include support for vibrate, especially if the SoMo will be used in places where a beep would be hard to hear, or where audio needs to be disabled.

For more comprehensive list of changes, you may find this MSDN article helpful, though it's from 2010. It summarizes changes from Windows Mobile 5.0 to Windows Mobile 6.5:  http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb158613

Software Development Kit

If you would really like to customize your app for the SoMo 655, don't forget that there's a new SoMo 655 SDK, which you can download after joining the Socket Mobile Developer Program for just $19.95 per year.

Did you find other things you had to update for the SoMo 655? Please share with other developers by commenting to this blog.

Top 5 Reasons to get Microsoft Office Mobile with your SoMo

By Vince Coli, Senior Product Manager, Handheld Computer Products

If you’re considering buying the new SoMo 655 handheld computer, you may have noticed the option to include Microsoft Office Mobile 2010. Of course, buying the version without Office Mobile is less expensive, but here are the top 5 reasons we think you should consider it:

1. OneNote Mobile - Will you be bringing your SoMo into meetings with you? Create or update notes on your SoMo. Insert pictures or use the built-in microphone to record voice memos.
2. SharePoint Workspace Mobile – Need to provide a quick quote, invoice, or product information? Access documents from your SharePoint server. View, edit, distribute, and sync directly from your SoMo. 
3. New features on PowerPoint Mobile – Giving a last minute presentation? Slide Manager provides an overview of your presentation so you can quickly delete, hide, or navigate to any slide, while Presentation Companion uses Bluetooth to allow you to control a presentation and view speaker notes on your SoMo.
4. Outlook Mobile, Word Mobile, and Excel Mobile – Well, of course, you’ll get access to all the essential Office applications, but with Text Reflow technology, when you edit and save your files, rich formatting – such as tables, charts, and SmartArt graphics – will be preserved. Plus, Excel Mobile is great place for storing barcode data scanned with a CompactFlash Scan Card or Cordless Hand Scanner.
5. Windows Mobile Device Center software – Sync/transfer data and files with your server, ensuring that all of your documents are up-to-date on both your SoMo and your PC.

Office Mobile is available on the SoMo 655 standard black edition, with the option of a standard or extended battery:

• SKU# HC2001-1386    SoMo 655 with Office Mobile, standard 1500 mAh battery
• SKU# HC2003-1388    SoMo 655 with Office Mobile, extended 2600 mAh battery

Need more info or ready to buy? Click here to find your local Socket Mobile distributor or reseller.

The SoMo 655 Has Arrived!

By Vince Coli, Senior Product Manager, Handheld Computer Products

Last week, Socket Mobile began shipping our new SoMo 655 handheld computer.  This is a good time to reflect on the SoMo product line – where we have been, where we are today, and where we are going.

Where We Have Been

The SoMo 650 (the predecessor of the SoMo 655) started shipping exactly five years ago -- July 2007.  This was during a time when the iPhone was just coming out, and Dell and HP were leaders in the PDA space.  After 15 years of experience in the mobile space, we saw an opportunity to produce a quality handheld at an economical price.  Consistent with Socket Mobile’s DNA, we envisioned enabling customers to customize our handheld for their applications with a rich assortment of accessories, plug-ins, data collection, and software.  Five years later, you can see the rich assortment of 100+ applications by downloading our SoMo Application Guide.

Where We Are Today

Today the landscape has changed – Smartphones and tablets have displaced most PDA applications, especially for consumers.  But there is still a need for a handheld mobile computer for key business applications, particularly in healthcare and hospitality.   Today Dell resells the SoMo handheld computers, and HP recognizes the SoMo as the ideal replacement for the iPAQ to their corporate customers. 

The SoMo 655 has been updated with the latest Microsoft Embedded Handheld operation system, 802.11b/g/n technology, and numerous hardware upgrades.  Most of the 650’s Accessories and Plug-Ins work with the 655 – continuing our emphasis on providing an easy-to-customize solution for mobile workers.

Where We Are Going

Socket Mobile is committed to the handheld computing space.  We have a loyal and growing sphere of customers and service providers that rely on the SoMo product line to solve critical business needs and require longer product availability than what is offered by typical consumer devices.  As the SoMo 650 approaches the end of its five year life, and as we introduce the new SoMo 655, we plan to supply SoMo 655 products — hardware, software, accessories and support — for five years as well.  We plan to leverage this success into solution offerings which dial-in critical business applications.

Please stay tuned…

The New SoMo 655 Cradle Rocks!

By Vince Coli, Senior Product Manager, Handheld Computer Products

Like many PDAs, the SoMo 655 offers several ways to connect to a computer. The included USB Sync Cable provides a convenient connection through the PC's USB port. If you prefer to not use wires, you can use the SoMo's Bluetooth port. However, many users prefer a docking cradle because it also provides a designated place to station the device.

Most PDA manufacturers offer a cradle, but not all cradles are the same. Socket Mobile has taken special care to design and develop cradles for our SoMo handheld computers that go beyond your typical, run-of-the-mill device charger to include features that expand functionality and improve operation in the field.

Accordingly, a key part of the new SoMo 655 product offering is our new cradle, which we updated to accomplish the following goals:

1. Enable users to insert the SoMo with or without the DuraCase.
   This was accomplished by including an easy-to remove Spacer, which provides a perfect fit with or without the DuraCase protective case.
   
   
   
2. Eliminate most cradle connector failures due to rough handling in the field.
   We redesigned the connector to protect the electrical contacts. The new robust connector is designed specifically for docking applications and includes supplemental alignment posts to protect the contacts during insertion / removal of the SoMo 655.




3. Enable single-handed insertion / removal of the SoMo.
   We added rails to "guide" the SoMo into the cradle for smooth insertion and removal.

 Like our previous cradle designs, the new SoMo 655 cradle also offers these benefits:

• Always having a spare battery ready to use for a full shift.
  All of our cradles feature a spare battery well. An LED on the front of the cradle indicates the charge status.
  
• The ability to operate the SoMo when it is docked.
  The SoMo stands upright in the cradle, so you can still view the screen and interact with the device while it is charging.



• The ability to connect USB peripherals / charge other devices with a USB cable.
  The back of the cradle has two USB ports where you can attach peripherals like a keyboard and mouse, so you can use the cradle as a powered USB hub. The front of the cradle has 2 LEDs that indicate when something is plugged into each port.
  
  
  
  You can even plug in a USB memory stick, Ethernet adapter, etc.
  
   
   
• The option to dock and charge four devices and four spare batteries together with one apparatus.
  We also offer Four Bay Charging Cradles in both standard (black) and antimicrobial (white) versions.
  
  

If you compare SoMo cradles against our competitors', Socket Mobile clearly offers the best set of features for charging, synchronizing and deploying your device:

Device	Socket Mobile SoMo 655	Janam XM66	Pidion BM-170	Unitech PA500II
Spare battery well
USB accessories connection ports
Four Bay Charger

Get SoMo cradles or other accessories from any of our distributors or resellers.

• SKU# HC1700-1394: SoMo 655 Sync-Charge Cradle standard (black)
• SKU# HC1701-1395: SoMo 655Rx Sync-Charge Cradle antimicrobial (white)
• SKU# HC1702-1396: SoMo 655 Four-Bay Charging Cradle standard (black)
• SKU# HC 1703-1397: SoMo 655 Four Bay Charging Cradle antimicrobial (white)

Protective Accessories for Your Socket Deployments

Mobile devices face a lot of potential hazards on the job, including drops, collisions, scratches, bad weather and theft just to name a few. These hazards are becoming more common now that businesses are adopting mobile devices in more diverse work environments, ranging from hospitals and dairy farms to warehouses and sports arenas.

iskidz iPad stand with holder for CHS barcode scanner

There are many accessory manufacturers who offer protective cases and stands for mobile devices. Socket Mobile offers some of our own, including the DuraCase for the SoMo. Below is a list of third-party accessories that have been customized for Socket products and/or deployed by customers in combination with our devices.

Keep in mind that most companies listed here make accessories for all kinds of mobile devices, so if we note that a particular company offers a SoMo case, they may also offer accessories for iPad, Android, etc. and vice versa.

• Aquapac: Plastic waterproof case used with SoMo on New Zealand farms.
• Cardinal Tracking: Nylon belt carrying case for SoMo.
• Elegant Packaging: Fabric cross-body carrying case for Apple iPad and CHS barcode scanner, used for sales force automation. Watch video.
• iPad Enclosures: Robust tablet mounts and stands with attachment for CHS barcode scanner, featured in warehouse cart solution.
• Mobilis: Fabric case for SoMo, used by food vendors at German soccer stadium.
• Octahedron: iPad mount frame used with CHS barcode scanner for retail POS.
• OtterBox: Rugged cases for iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.
• Prima: Leather flip case for SoMo.
• Smithline Industries/iskidz: Plastic iPad mount with case for CHS barcode scanner (shown above).
• Taylor Made Cases: Fabric carrying cases for the SoMo and CHS.

What's the Best Type of Wireless LAN for your Enterprise Handheld?

By Vince Coli, Senior Product Manager, Handheld Computer Products

Multiple Choice: Is 802.11 a, b or g the best Wireless LAN for your Enterprise Handheld?

(Or is it n, for none of the above?)

We believe the answer is n, as in 802.11n – let me explain.

Wireless LANs are everywhere – at the office, at home, at school, at the ball park, in restaurants, at the airport and now even on the airplane. The wireless networks that we take for granted today have their roots in the early 90’s, when wireless connections were designed for single peripheral devices to send and receive computer data. They're a far cry from today’s wireless networks, which facilitate web surfing on handheld devices at Starbucks. Over time, the IEEE 802.11 standard has evolved with advancements in Wi-Fi technology and changing market requirements.

802.11n is the next evolution of Wi-Fi technology. IEEE has defined this standard to deliver an exponential improvement in both performance and reliability for mobile devices. For these reasons, Socket has decided to implement 802.11n in our new enterprise handheld, the SoMo 655.

Benefits of 802.11n

The signature performance metric of 802.11n is data transmission speed of up to 600 Mbps, which is more than 10 times faster than 802.11a or g and about 55 times faster than 802.11b. Many users cannot achieve this performance due to legacy equipment, but having 802.11n devices is good to ensure you're not impeding network performance due to technology. So even if performance is not an explicit requirement for your Mobile Enterprise Handheld, upgrading to 802.11n will help prevent routine data collection and order taking transactions from slowing down your network.

Besides performance, 802.11n also delivers better reliability and predictability to Wi-Fi networks. Multiple antennas and advanced signal processing capabilities (all part of the 801.11n standard) provide longer operational range and more predictable Wi-Fi coverage. So just substituting 802.11n Access Points for b or g will improve wireless coverage without pulling new wire.

Although 802.11n has primarily been designed to increase performance, it also provides technical benefits for wireless networking such as backwards compatibility (including a, b, and g support) and longer battery life, which is on the top of the list for most Mobile Enterprise users.

Preliminary Test Results

Our early testing of the new SoMo 655 (with 802.11b/g/n) shows the following improvements when compared with the SoMo 650 (with 802.11b/g):

• 35% better throughput
• 23% greater range
• 15% lower power consumption

Helpful Resources

• Tips on how to set up an 802.11n network: http://wirelesslanprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Quick-Dirty-802.11n-Design.pdf
• Chart showing the evolution of the 802.11 standard: http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx89cx1YvS1qg8x9go1_500.jpg
• White Paper: Enhanced Wi-Fi Companion software for the SoMo 650: http://www.socketmobile.com/pdf/techbrief/e-WFC_white-paper.pdf

Aspin - Recommending the Socket SoMo 650 with Confidence

By Anna Meens, EMEA Distribution and Market Development Manager

Having worked with Socket for over 10 years, and building a solid client base of customers who have purchased hundreds of CF barcode scanners as part of their MiniSell field sales solution, Aspin are now also pleased to recommend with confidence the Socket SoMo 650 as a durable, lightweight handheld computer that is an ideal replacement for the now end of life HP iPAQ.

For over twenty years, Aspin have been creating and providing complete business software solutions to fulfill the needs of importers, distributors, and wholesalers in Europe, North America, and Australia. With particular success in the garden, gift and greeting card retail market, Socket have been proud to partner with Aspin over the years.

MiniSell is a Sales Force Automation (SFA) application used to capture on-the-spot product orders while sales representatives are working in the Direct To Retail (DTR) environments or at Trade Shows and Exhibitions.

• Watch video of Aspin MiniSell featuring Socket CF barcode scanner & HP iPAQ.

MiniSell allows sales orders to be processed rapidly and efficiently using handheld/PDA technology. Internet connectivity allows the orders to be sent back to the existing head office processing application, thus providing quick order fulfillment. The reps also have detailed access to call history, customer details and order information. In addition to this, they are able to view product stock availability, eliminating back orders and customer disappointment.

As an established user and promoter of the Socket CF and Bluetooth barcode scanners, Aspin are confident in the hardware quality, reliability and ease of use of Socket's products.  With HP exiting the handheld market Aspin had no concerns in putting forward the SoMo 650 as a trustworthy replacement.  

“The SoMo is an ideal fit for our consumer facing customers who wish to streamline their sales and order taking processes," said Nathan Aspin, sales director of Aspin. "They require a lightweight, yet durable handheld computer which has a good battery life and is at a reasonable price. The SoMo ticks those boxes”

Aspin maintains Socket Mobiles strengths’ are not limited to supplying quality hardware. “Socket Mobile continues to impress us with their high level of service. The team at Socket is really responsive, and that is exactly what we were looking for in a provider,” he said.

• See SoMo 650 featured on Aspin website.

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.

VIDEO: HP iPAQ vs. SoMo 650 Comparison

Is your organization using a HP iPAQ 210 series Pocket PC and searching for a comparable device now that the iPAQ has been discontinued? The Socket Mobile SoMo 650 is a Windows Mobile based handheld computer that integrates easily in HP iPAQ deployments, with most of the key features either the same or better than the iPAQ's.

Check out our new video on YouTube where Senior Product Manager Vince Coli explains the similarities and differences between the SoMo 650 and HP iPAQ 210 series devices.

Socket Mobile distributor Ingram Micro Europe is also currently highlighting the SoMo 650 as an HP iPAQ replacement. See the promotion.

New SoMo 655 Handheld Off to a Great Start!

By Vince Coli, Senior Product Manager, Handheld Computers

Today we announced our new SoMo 655 handheld computer.  This new SoMo adds several key features to expand the capabilities of our business handhelds, including 802.11b/g/n WLAN, 4GB memory, the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, improved charging, and more. We are very excited to launch this new addition to the SoMo family!

If you are already a dedicated SoMo customer, you might be wondering how the new SoMo 655 will affect the SoMo 650.

First of all, the SoMo 655 shows our commitment to both the Windows Mobile platform and the handheld device space. When Socket Mobile launched the SoMo 650 in 2007, we made a 3-5 year commitment.  This five year period with be up in September 2012, and we expect to phase out the SoMo 650 by then as customers convert to the SoMo 655.  Socket will continue to support the SoMo 650 via our service centers through January 2015.

Secondly, the SoMo 655 will be easy to integrate into existing SoMo 650 deployments, while also offering an improved feature set. We've gotten positive feedback during phase 1 of beta testing, in which several customers in the U.S. and Europe successfully tested compatibility of their existing SoMo 650 applications (ranging from restaurant POS to hospital EMR to ticket scanning) on the new SoMo 655. 

If you would like to test the new SoMo 655, we welcome more participants to our beta program. To apply, please complete this online form.