Honeywell is joining the Android bandwagon with its first mobile device powered by Google’s platform – Dolphin 7800. This, so called Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA?), is a rugged handheld computer with fast and accurate data capture and navigation capabilities, making it ideal for a delivery driver or sales representative whose work day involves multiple customer stops.
What sets the Dolphin 7800 Android apart from other products are security features which for instance allow companies to remotely secure a lost device. With Honeywell’s Remote MasterMind 3.0 device management software, businesses also can enroll and configure devices, track company assets and enforce strong password protection.
Honeywell also launched a Developer Program for Android compatible devices, giving independent software vendors and end-users a voice in the development of Honeywell products that will use the Android OS. Program participants have the opportunity to develop and test Android-specific applications on Honeywell’s newest mobile device, prior to launch.
Finally, it’s worth adding that the same press release talks about the patent agreement Honeywell Scanning & Mobility signed with Microsoft, providing broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Honeywell’s products running on the Android or Chrome OS platforms.