Motorola builds first retail Android tab, ET1

By Prince Osuagwu

New Motorola ET1

Motorola Solutions, has unveiled the first in an emerging category of enterprise-class tablet computers designed for a variety of vertical markets. Tagged the ET1 tab, the new product brings the familiarity and popularity of a consumer-class user experience to true enterprise-class devices that includes enhanced durability, an optional barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader, hot-swappable battery packs, and secure system software.
Key industrial-strength accessories such as secure multi-slot recharging stations are said to be also available in this new product.
The product is targeting those who use their PCs all day-long . The Wi-Fi-enabled ET1 is built password-protected, so it can be easily shared and instantly provisioned for each employee according to his or her level of responsibility and access rights.
Based on log-in information, managers can automatically control and monitor use of approved applications to help ensure on-the-job productivity is not compromised.
Because of the built in enterprise-ready hardened version of the Android operating system, the ET1 tablet is designed to be used 24 x 7 by multiple staff members.
The product is supported by Motorola’s portfolio of enterprise-grade software modules including RhoElements, a new HTML5 application enablement framework. This ensures that businesses can now quickly and cost-effectively develop enterprise applications once and deploy them on both traditional Windows Embedded Handheld and Android-based Motorola devices, allowing for consistent user experiences.
The ET1 incorporates a durable Gorilla Glass, 7-inch color display, designed for customer-facing applications containing video and images. In addition, the screen bezel can be customized to match the retailer’s brand.

Backside of the ET1 tab

Motorola’s ET1 tablet offers a comprehensive suite of enterprise-class features and accessories including durable design to withstand multiple bumps and drops during a workday, Optional integrated bar code scanner and magnetic stripe reader, hot-swappable rechargeable battery pack, with memory back-up battery to retain RAM data for up to 15 minutes when the main battery is removed, single- and multi-slot tablet and battery chargers, Front- and rear-facing cameras.
There is also the availability of Bluetooth-connected handheld bar-code scanners, mobile-payment readers and mobile printers in the new device.
Motorola says the ET1 tablet will be available from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage program, providing coverage for normal wear and tear as well as accidental damage to internal and external components, significantly reducing unforeseen repair expenses.
The tablet will be available anytime, this quarter