In February, Google announced its new Android recommended software for Android Enterprise Recommended, which highlights the best Android phones for corporate and enterprise users, as it meets high standards of security, reliability and productivity.
When the Android Enterprise Recommended program was announced, the number of qualifying devices was 21 from companies such as Google, BlackBerry, Huawei, Samsung, LG, Motorola and Sony. Nokia phones joined the list in March.
It then added 13 new devices from a number of companies, including a tablet from Huawei. It then added 3 devices, bringing the total number of devices to 42 under a special category called Knowledge Works Devices.
Now, Google has announced the addition of a new class of devices to Android Enterprise Recommended, Rugged Devices, which come with special features that make them qualified to work in difficult environments, such as field services, warehouses, retail stores and factories.
This category is designed to give confidence to the growing number of companies operating these dedicated devices, and facilitate the identification of devices that are designed to handle the workload required over a longer life of the device.
In addition to the ability of phones to withstand difficult conditions such as falling, water and dust, Google requires that these phones get security protection for 5 years. Currently eligible phones are:
- Zebra TC20, TC 25, TC51, TC56, TC70X, and TC75X
- Honeywell CT40, CT60, and CN80
- Sonim XP8
- Point Mobile PM45
- Datalogic Memor 10 (to be launched next month)
