Socket Talk

Get the SocketScan 10 SDK Update for Apple iOS 6

By Len Ott, Chief Technology Officer

Are you a developer who would like to integrate support for Socket Mobile barcode scanners into apps for the iPhone 5, third generation iPad or other Apple device running iOS 6?

Socket Mobile updated our SocketScan 10 Software Development Kit (SDK) to not only support iOS 6, but also add new features including multiple scanner support and more sample apps to demonstrate what can be done with the SDK. We've already heard back from some beta testers, and the updated SDK works great!

Registered Developers: Download the latest SDK free from the Developer Portal!

Not in our Developer Program? Register Now to download the SDK ($19.95/year).

 

What's New in SocketScan 10 SDK for Apple iOS

Benefit	Feature
Compatibility with iOS 6 devices: iPhone 5 3rd generation iPad iPad mini 4th generation iPod touch Other devices running iOS 6	Added support for iOS 6 and iOS 6.1 SDK to compile with Xcode 4.5
Greater productivity and streamlined data collection	Full support of multiple CHS and/or CRS scanners to a single host device
Easier to understand APIs and coding practices	Added more sample apps, including a simple app for scanning barcodes
SoftScan camera-based barcode scanning support for Apple iOS 6	Added support for latest version of RedLaser

 

New Sample Apps

We added more sample apps to the SDK  in response to requests to developers, including a very simple barcode scanning app which makes it easier for developers to learn the APIs:

Fix for iPad Reconnection Errors

We received reports of errors on iPads running the latest iOS version, when either the CHS or iPad "went to sleep," and after both were reawakened, the CHS wouldn't reconnect to the iOS app. ScanAPI would throw errors -27 or -21. The latest SDK (10.0.9.10132) corrects this problem, so the CHS should reliably reconnect to an iPad after it goes to sleep.

Please note: If you are using the CHS 7Xi or 7XiRx, Socket Mobile strongly recommends that you also update your firmware to revision "G" or later (revision build 7812). Upgrading your CHS 7Xi or 7XiRx to "G" must be done at the factory. To get yours updated, contact Socket Mobile support and request an RMA.

(There is a revision "H" starting to ship, which also fixes a very rare condition, where scanning a Data Matrix barcode with a required symbology identifier resulted in data getting truncated because the length of barcode data was miscalculated.)

Another new feature of revision "G" firmware is the ability to do firmware updates over the air via Bluetooth. A Windows PC with Bluetooth and an updater program from Socket Mobile is all you need to update firmware in the field. Of course, sending the CHS to Socket Mobile as an RMA is still an option.

 

Sign up for our Beta Tests!

We are already working on our next SocketScan 10 SDK release for Android, Windows and BlackBerry, which will include new data editing features. Contact us if you would like to be a beta tester!

Socket Mobile will do our best to keep up with the latest Apple iOS releases, and we try to test the beta releases as soon as we get them from Apple. Please check with us whenever Apple releases updated software — either iOS or Xcode — or when new platforms come out!

By the way, if you plan to distribute your application on the Apple App Store, make sure your app is Apple MFi approved before you submit it to the App Store! Read our blog to learn the details (Hint: Socket Mobile needs to submit the MFi request for you.)

How to Get Your SocketScan 10 SDK Enabled Apps on Apple App Store

By Len Ott, Chief Technology Officer

Are you using the SocketScan 10 Software Development (SDK) to integrate support for Socket Mobile barcode scanners into your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch application?

If you want to offer your application on the Apple App Store, keep in mind that your application needs to be approved by the Apple MFi program before you submit it to the Apple App Store, and that Socket Mobile needs to submit the MFi request for your app.

If you try to submit your application to Apple App Store without MFi approval, it will be rejected!

 

Follow these steps to get your app approved by MFi and posted on the App Store:

1. When your application is ready, send the following information to developers@socketmobile.com:
   • App Name as it will appear in the Apple App Store
   • App Version as it will appear in the store
   • App Bundle ID
   • Any protocol strings you are using other than com.socketmobile.chs
   • Functional description of the application
2. Socket Mobile submits your app to the Apple MFi program.
3. Socket Mobile will notify you when your app is MFi approved. Approval may take anwhere from 1 day to 3 weeks. So far, the Apple MFi program has approved every application we've submitted!
4. Submit your app to Apple App Store with Socket Mobile's Product Plan ID (PPID) numbers in the Review Notes section of your app:
   • 102806-0002 (for the CHS 7Xi and 7XiRx)
   • 102806-0003 (for the CHS 7Ci, 7Di and 7XiRx)
   Note: Socket Mobile recommends that you include both PPID numbers even if you are currently using only one type of scanner.

We look forward to seeing your apps! If you have any questions, feel free to reach us at: developers@socketmobile.com

USEFUL LINKS

• This month, we updated SocketScan 10 SDK for iOS. Registered developers can download the latest version from our Developer Portal.
• Not in our Developer Program? Join today to download SDKs and get exclusive discounts! ($19.95/year)
• View a selected listing of SocketScan 10 SDK enabled apps currently on Apple App Store. Let us know if you'd like to be added to the list!

 

Top 10 Things to Do with SocketScan 10 SDK

By Anna Meens, EMEA Distribution and Business Development Manager

Socket CHS barcode scanners work out of the box for basic barcode reading, so developers often ask: What are the advantages of using SocketScan 10 SDK to integrate custom scanner support into their applications?

Over the years, we've worked with hundreds of mobile developers who've used our SDK, and we've noticed some common implementations. Here are the most popular:

 

Top 10 Things to Do with SocketScan 10 SDK

Number	Feature
1	Cursor Control — Control where scanned data goes into your application
2	Detect when the scanner disconnects (e.g., when it goes out of range)
3	Send detailed configuration settings (e.g., scanning through plastic, narrowing the beam, etc.)
4	Remote Acknowledgement — Make the scanner beep only when the decoded data is validated at the application level
5	Trigger the scanner to scan
6	Scanner Location — Page the scanner to locate it if lost
7	Scanner Identification — Make the scanner vibrate or beep when the barcode is or is not the one expected
8	Retrieve the battery level
9	Configure symbologies (turn on or off certain types of barcodes)
10	Create custom beeps when scanning certain barcodes

 

Would you like to add any of these features to your barcode scanning application?
Join our Developer Program today ($19.95 / year) to download the SDK.

Apple Certifies Socket Barcode Scanners for iPhone 5

By Michelle Yakura, Marcom & Social Media Manager

Yesterday everyone at Socket Mobile was so excited to find out that Apple officially certified the "i" versions of our CHS barcode scanners for the iPhone 5. Many of our customers use the CHS with iPhones, so it's important to our user base that we support the latest model. The iPhone 5, in particular, sports several new features that are attractive to business users, including a faster processor, improved Wi-Fi, and more screen real estate.

Read our press release about adding iPhone 5 support.

Having Apple certification is especially important for our developer community because it means our scanners can support two-way communications with the iPhone 5, and SocketScan 10 SDK can be used with iPhone 5 applications. As part of our upgrade to support the latest Apple devices, SocketScan 10 SDK for iOS now requires iOS version 4.3 or later. To download our SDK, simply join our Developer Program.

Please note that only the "i" versions of our scanners have this Apple certification: the CHS 7Ci, 7Di, 7DiRx, 7Xi and 7XiRx. Our other CHS models do work with iOS devices, including the iPhone 5, but only in Bluetooth HID mode for basic data entry.

Besides getting our CHS hardware certified for iPhone 5 by the Apple "MFi" program, this month Socket Mobile also updated our ScannerSettings and SocketPad utilities for the CHS. Both are free on the Apple App Store with support for not just iPhone 5 and iOS 6, but also the iPad mini, iPad (4th generation) and iPod touch (5th generation).

To see how the CHS actually works with the iPad mini, check out this video on YouTube. We've also recently posted a video with the Microsoft Surface tablet.

 

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.

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.

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.

Oodles of CompactFlash Options for the SoMo

Back in 1997, Socket Mobile co-invented the CompactFlash (CF) I/O standard. Fast forward to 2012, and the CompactFlash I/O slot is one of the key competitive advantages of our SoMo handheld computer versus other mobile devices on the market.

Many of you may be familiar with Socket Mobile's various CF devices that can be used with the SoMo, but did you know about the plethora of 3rd party CF options that have also been successfully deployed with our handheld computer?

Just as a refresher, here is a list of CF options from Socket Mobile:

• CF Mag Stripe Reader Card Series 4 - credit card swipe
• CF Scan Card Series 5 - 1D & 2D barcode scanners
• CF RFID Reader Series 6 - HF RFID reader
• Rugged CF 10/100 Card - adds an Ethernet port

Third-party CF devices have been deployed with the SoMo in diverse verticals, including healthcare, hospitality, forestry, public health research, and more. (Note: Not all of the devices listed below have been tested by Socket Mobile.)

1. GlobalSat: BC-337 GPS receiver
2. ARANZ Medical: SilhouetteMobile 3D wound imaging and documentation device
3. Dytrex: Endire Pro blood glucose monitor
4. Hewi: eLOCK electronic locking system (see page 80)
5. Pro Active: SpringCard contact and contactless RFID readers/writers
6. UIC: UIC683 contactless payment 
7. GAO: LF RFID reader
8. Skoot: contactless payment
9. Smart-Reg: Smart-Alec name badge reader (see page 36)
10. Scirocco: R60 IR Reader "Libeccio"
11. iDTRONIC: Smart RFID
12. Kenetics: Volare UHF CF2
13. BrightCard: CF Reader UHF
14. Quatech: SocketSerial RS-232  serial I/O cards

 

Extreme Makeover – SocketCare Edition!

By Melinda Hughes, SocketCare Service Program Administrator

We’ve been cleaning house here at Socket Mobile and today we unveiled a new and improved version of our SocketCare Service Program.
 
But wait! There’s more.

Not only does SocketCare have a fresh new look, but it’s been enhanced to include a whole new set of packaged offerings that expand product coverage and broaden service options.
The SocketCare Service Program provides customers with unparalleled repair and replacement services and has been expanded to offer two- or three-year coverage, comprehensive coverage (like accidental breakage), program term extensions and technical support for five Socket product lines including the:

• Socket SoMo^® handheld computer
• Socket Bluetooth^® Cordless Hand Scanner^™ Series 7
• Socket CompactFlash RFID Reader Card Series 6
• Socket CompactFlash Scan Card Series 5
• Socket CompactFlash Mag Stripe Reader Card Series 4

We’ve taken the feedback gathered from our customers, partners and distributors and built a stronger, more streamlined version of SocketCare that enables our customers to better budget their technology deployments, efficiently support their working environments and maintain maximum levels of productivity.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the new coverage options:

 

With SocketCare you really can protect your investment and enhance your service!

For more information visit the SocketCare website or read today’s press release.