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Ruggedized Handheld Devices: Android OS vs. Windows OS

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Rugged Laptop

Rugged handheld devices offer businesses, be it manufacturing, construction, or supply chain, greater functionality, top-class security, more durability, and lower cost of ownership as compared to consumer-grade smartphones. Rugged devices are drop-resistant, waterproof, shockproof, and provide protection against dust and vibration. That's why industries with tough, harsh, and challenging environments use ruggedized phones and tablets.

When it comes to rugged phones and tablets, Windows® was the most popular operating system until the launch of the Android™ OS. Both of these operating systems in ruggedized handhelds offer unique advantages and here they are:

Android OS Features and Advantages
Android was developed in 2003 by Andy Rubin primarily for smartphones but now this robust and powerful operating system has gained some traction in the ruggedized handheld market. Android-based rugged devices have evolved to encompass business-friendly features, enterprise-grade security, and intuitive interfaces. Here are some of the features and advantages that you get with ruggedized Android phones or tablets.

• Customizable: Android is an open-source development environment that allows app developers to easily modify, view, and change the codes used for running the software on rugged mobile equipment.

• Energy-Efficient: Today's Android devices use quad-core processors which are known for delivering peak performance, providing higher efficiency, and consuming less battery. Ruggedized Android tablets and phones are required to have a long battery life so that workers can operate without disruption.

• UI Components: In the Android OS, Google's Material Design and Android Holo UI are used for designing user interface (UI) components. These components help mobile computing solutions provider to design business-friendly apps that make it easier for the rugged device to integrate with other line-of-business equipment and applications.

• Supports Various Types of Apps: Ruggedized Android tablets and phones are used in a variety of industries, which have different functions and require different applications to support their works. From inventory management, workforce attendance, barcode scanning to construction site management, you can install and use any type of business application in your rugged Android device.

Windows OS Features and Advantages
The Windows operating system was developed in 1981 but the first release of Windows OS for mobile devices was in 2003. The company offers two versions for its operating system for handheld devices in the rugged space - Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise and Windows Embedded Handheld. Here are some of the features and advantages of using Windows-based rugged devices:

• High Computing Power: Industrial applications need devices that work faster and compute things efficiently. Windows devices have the high computing power and powerful processors. However, extra computing power drains the battery quickly. A high computing power also helps your employees to multi-task and opens multiple windows when working with their rugged handhelds.

• Mobile Device Management (MDM): The Microsoft OS provides secure and proprietary applications with an embedded functionality of mobile device management. You don't need third-party tools to manage your devices.

• Easy Deployment and Maintenance: If you're using Windows computers for general work in your office, you would love to deploy Windows tablets or phones for field tasks. Your IT support team can increase the speed of deployment and ease the maintenance works.

• Legacy Apps: Microsoft has been in the OS market for decades. It has legacy apps that are at the forefront of businesses for years now.

• UI Components: Microsoft uses Fluent Design Language for creating interactive UI elements. Whether it is a rugged device or a Windows computer, the same design system is used across apps and services on Windows. If you and your workers are comfortable using Windows systems, they can easily use rugged Windows mobile devices for other works.

Conclusion
Ruggedized tablets and phones with sophisticated features and enhanced capabilities will be the first choice in all industries. If you're not able to decide whether you should go with ruggedized Android phones or rugged Windows handhelds, you should consider these factors including flexibility, advantages, functionality, compatibility, security, applications, and business use cases. Combining the amazing benefits of a rugged device with all the features of Windows or Android operating systems is a great move if you know your needs and challenges well.

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