Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Apple iOS 7 Launched, Microsoft Buys Nokia, Honeywell Acquires Intermec

INDUSTRY NEWS

Apple launches iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S and its new iOS7 operating system

The company unveiled two new iPhones on September 10, the speedier iPhone 5S and the less expensive iPhone 5C, boasting a new camera, new processor, motion processing system, a fingerprint scanner for security and ease of use. It runs the powerful A7 chipset, and runs 64-bit software which is first on mobile devices. Watch the keynote at http://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2013/

Microsoft to buy Nokia's mobile phone unit

Microsoft has agreed a deal to buy Nokia's mobile phone business for 5.4bn euros ($7.2bn; £4.6bn). The purchase is set to be completed in early 2014, when about 32,000 Nokia employees will transfer to Microsoft.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23940171 

Honeywell Completes Acquisition of Intermec

Honeywell has completed its acquisition of Intermec, a leading provider of mobile computing, radio frequency identification solutions (RFID), voice-enabled workflow and data-collection solutions, and printing solutions. Honeywell announced its intent to acquire Intermec in December 2012, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $600 million. "The acquisition of Intermec will add innovative products and solutions, as well as deep engineering expertise and a broad global sales channel that further demonstrates our commitment to provide our customers an increasing array of innovative technologies in the highly attractive AIDC industry," said John Waldron, president of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. Intermec will be integrated with Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, within the company's Automation and Control Solutions business. http://www.intermec.com.au/about_us/newsroom/press_releases/2013-09-Honeywell-Scanning-Mobility-Day-1.aspx

Samsung Introduces GALAXY Gear, a Wearable Device to Enhance the Freedom of Mobile Communications

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced the GALAXY Gear, a perfect companion device that further integrates the Samsung GALAXY experience into everyday life. Samsung GALAXY Gear combines smart device connectivity, tailored technological features, and stylish design as a single premium accessory.
http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/2013/09/04/Samsung-Introduces-GALAXY-Gear,-a-Wearable-Device-to-Enhance-the-Freedom-of-Mobile-Communications-1

TIPS & TRICKS

Colour Code Listviews

In BrightForms, listviews may be defined so that row data is highlighted for the user, based on certain record conditions. For example, a listview could display unfinished records in red, or completed records in green on the device. This is achieved via the 'Colour Coding' property of the listview in BrightBuilder. Using this feature, specific text and background colour combinations may be defined for all the rows in a listview based on data related column rules, providing clear visibility of record statuses to the user.

Passing Data Between Forms

When developing BSP projects, data may be passed between forms using Form Variables, Global Variables, App Settings, the Array object and the Database object. Global Variables and App Settings can be used to store application state across multple forms. The Array object can be used for variable amounts of data. Form Variables for clearly defined data within the scope of a single form. The Database object is useful if the data must be persisted to the local database. For more tips and tricks, see our developer support page!

PRODUCT UPDATES

As you may be already aware, we have released iOS version of BrightForms Mobile Device Engine. Its uptake has been a great success. The team will release a minor version soon for supporting iOS 7 look-and-feel.

Our development team is extremely busy working on the next major version of the platform : Version 8. The new platform version will take the mobile application development efforts to a next level of simplicity and easy use. We will keep you posted with some of the new exciting features as they become handy in the upcoming newsletters.