Earlier this year, Google announced the Android Enterprise Recommended programme which is is designed to highlight those devices with the best support from vendors. Today, the software giant has decided to add a rugged phone section to the programme for those businesses which operate in a tougher environment.
Currently there are ten rugged devices that prospective buyers can find, they are Dolphin CN80, Dolphin CT40, Dolphin CT60, Point Mobile PM45, Sonim XP8, Zebra Technologies TC25, Zebra Technologies TC51, Zebra Technologies TC56, Zebra Technologies TC70x, and Zebra Technologies TV75x.
According to Google, some of the requirements for rugged devices to join the Android Enterprise Recommended programme include:
- Minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0+ devices
- Delivery of Android security updates within 90 days of release from Google, for a minimum of five years
- Certified for ingress protection
- Rated for drop testing
- Support for bulk deployment of devices including Android zero-touch enrollment
- Support for at least one additional major OS release
Google said that the programme is still in its early stages but has received positive feedback from customers, partners, and industry analysts. Even though it is aimed at enterprise, it’s also good for general customers who want to find a device that won’t get abandoned on release by its vendor.