POS, Payment Processing, And Data Collection News

By The Business Solutions Network

Seiko Introduces New Mobile Printer Line

Seiko Instruments Thermal Printer Division recently announced the availability of its newest mobile printer line known as the MP-A40 Series. The printer, which features the ability to withstand multiple drops from up to 6.6 feet, also boasts a print speed of 100 mm/second.

With up to a 4-inch paper width, and weighing just a little more than 1.5 pounds, the MP-A40 Series mobile printers feature drop-in paper loading and are ergonomically designed to be used in “front-of-house” verticals like retail and hospitality, but also have the ruggedness and strength for usage in areas such as direct-store-delivery, warehousing and logistics, field service, and public utilities.

Other important features of the new mobile printer line include compatibility with the latest operating systems, including Windows 10, as well as SDK availability for both Android and Windows CE print class libraries for added mobility. The printer also offers autodetection of Bluetooth interface and Wi-Fi capabilities, providing added value and easy transition from cable to wireless communications.

Datalogic Announces New Multipurpose Retail Device

Datalogic has unveiled its new Joya Touch multipurpose device for retail. The Joya Touch allows consumer-facing applications such as self-shopping, queue busting, and gift registry to be resident on the same device as operational applications such as shelf replenishment, inventory control, markdowns, price checks, and more. The handheld and pistol grip form factors allow retailers to deploy device configurations to match their specific application needs. The unit is customizable, offering the retailer options for corporate branding and marketing placements on the device.

Features include Bluetooth v4 and beacon technology for in-store localization, wireless charging capabilities, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi radio, and a 4.3-inch touch display that employs Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Finally, the Joya Touch device supports Datalogic’s cloud-ready Shopevolution 7 middleware. This multichannel software platform operates in-cloud and on-premises. One instance of this software is able to manage multiple stores simultaneously, delivering substantial time savings and cost reduction. The Joya Touch handheld device also supports third-party self-shopping software.

Zebra Unveils New Wearables Line

Zebra Technologies recently introduced its new Total Wearable Solutions line of devices built on the Android operating system (OS). Designed for inventory management, yard management, and picking and put-away applications in warehouse, manufacturing, and retail environments, Zebra’s Total Wearable Solutions are led by the WT6000.

This wearable computer features a 3.2-inch touch display and tap-to-pair NFC technology to establish connectivity with Zebra’s new RS6000 wearable ring scanner and HS3100 headset, as well as Zebra Bluetooth-enabled printers.

Compared with previous generation Zebra wearable devices, the WT6000 is 27 percent lighter and 36 percent smaller. Additionally, the unit is dustproof, sprayproof, built to handle the subzero temperatures in the freezer, as well as 1,000 tumbles. Communication options include Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, and 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. Finally, the WT6000 arm band features nonabsorbent materials for breathability and improved hygiene when worn on the arm.

The Zebra RS6000 wearable ring scanner is designed to capture both 1D and 2D bar codes. Users can instantly switch between right- and left-handed operation on-the-fly, increasing flexibility and reducing fatigue. With a “Wi-Fi Friendly” mode, the opportunity for the Wi-Fi wireless interference that Bluetooth devices can create is eliminated.

Finally, Zebra announced its HS3100 Bluetooth and HS2100 corded headsets. These devices are designed to provide high-definition sound quality, have advanced noise canceling technology, withstand drops and tumbles, and operate in temperatures as low as minus 22˚ F. The wireless version utilized Bluetooth connectivity.

Vantiv Launches New Developer Resources

Vantiv recently unveiled Vantiv O.N.E. (One Network Experience) to provide software developers a destination for integrating payments into their applications for mobile, in-store, and online processing. Vantiv O.N.E. is combining Vantiv’s leadership in integrated payments with the scale of its processing platform to enable software developers to get their applications to market faster, make compliance and security easier, and help fuel innovation in the increasingly complex market for omni-channel commerce solutions. Vantiv O.N.E., designed around an open ecosystem payments philosophy, provides a single destination for key integration tools, personalized payments expertise, and a unique community of developers.

The new developer network provides three key value-added features:

• TechTools — a suite of integration tools, in one place. These tools include Vantiv’s APIs and SDKs (with documentation), sample code, dev sandboxes, and test environments, which allow developers to integrate across payment types, including brick-and-mortar, card-not-present, mobile, etc.
• TechLift — the one place for personalized payments expertise, guidance, and hands-on help, including access to work with a dedicated payments integration expert. As part of TechLift, Vantiv also operates a special Innovation Lab where developers can physically visit and get the help they need to build payments functionality right on-site.
• TechTribe — a developer community that provides a single place to learn, get inspired, and connect with fellow developers by sharing experiences and solutions.

Creditcall, Elavon Address Unattended EMV

Creditcall recently announced its eighth EMV certification with Elavon for the Globalcom BV1000 unattended chip card reader. By integrating the Globalcom BV1000 chip card reader, which is specifically designed for outdoor usage and extreme weather conditions, with Creditcall’s Payment Gateway and Elavon’s payment processing solutions, independent software vendors (ISVs) and merchants within the self-service sector now have an off-the-shelf solution for EMV chip card payments acceptance.

In addition to Globalcom’s BV1000, the range of supported and precertified PIN pads and EMV chip card readers includes the Ingenico Group’s iPP 320/350 series, Miura System’s M007 and M010, and Verifone’s VX 820.

Unitech Releases New Verizon Device

Unitech and Verizon announced the 4G LTE Unitech PA700V, a new handheld mobile computer running Android 4.3 with a damage-resistant 4.7-inch touch screen. The new device is being targeted at companies in need of real-time database updates in the field (e.g., logging repairs, checking out tools, updating inventory), those needing direct communication between mobile workers and the office, and those requiring proof of delivery in real time. In short, think retail, warehousing, transportation, and field service applications.

The unit has an integrated 2D scanner; features a scanning trigger accessible to both right- and left-handed workers; is 4G LTE Verizon certified; has Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, and GPS; and performs in extreme temperatures, withstanding extensive vibrations and being sealed against water and dust. At a list price of $1,650, the PA700V is now available from all authorized Unitech dealers and Verizon’s resellers.

Touch Dynamic Announces The Quest II Tablet

Touch Dynamic recently showcased an update to its Quest Tablet. The device now comes with a 3G SIM card slot, Level 2 EMV certification, digital personal biometric reader, and improved Honeywell scanner. The Quest II is a ruggedized, Windows-based tablet designed specifically for point of sale use. Retail hardened, it can be dropped from up to 4 feet and can withstand dust and liquid spills. What’s more, the Intel BayTrail CPU enables the Quest II to support the new Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system for maximum speed and functionality.

Additionally, the Quest II can handle a full 8-hour work shift without the need to be recharged. The black tablet is available in both 7-inch and 10-inch sizes and, when coupled with the Touch Dynamic Premium Dock, goes from a mobile unit to a small form factor fixed-base POS.