Stunning makeover for Panasonic’s Rugged AndroidTM 7.0 inch Toughpad tablet

Performance and management improvements and loaded with more business options

Panasonic has today raised the bar in the rugged AndroidTM tablet market by increasing the performance, improving the management capability and building in more business flexibility into the refresh of its market-leading 7.0 inch Toughpad FZ- B2 tablet.

Equipped with the latest Intel® AtomTM x5-Z8550 Quad Core processor (2 MB cache, 1.44GHz up to 2.4GHz) and running the AndroidTM 6.0, Marshmallow operating system, the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-B2 fully rugged tablet delivers a 32% performance improvement* over its predecessor with an enhanced battery life up to 8 hours in the same lightweight (540g), slim (18mm), ergonomic and fanless design.

The device is also loaded with business options to meet the different needs of enterprise, with three customization areas where combinations of a bar code reader, smartcard reader, LAN, 4G can be specified. This latest generation device is also the first to include a USB 3.1 type C port for reversible connection, with transmission speeds of up to 5Gbps, power charging (up to 5V 900mA - USB PD is not supported) and USB On The Go functionality for easily copying and transferring files from the AndroidTM device to a PC.

Easy to manage For increased manageability, the device includes Google AndroidTM for Work allowing separate work and personal profiles to be included on the device. Providing IT administrators with flexibility and enterprise security whilst ensuring users have private access to their own personal applications and data. Google AndroidTM for Work also includes a range of built-in productivity tools for everyday tasks such as email, contacts and calendar.

In addition, Panasonic includes out-of-the-box configurable update software for the Toughpad FZ-B2 to enable IT administrators to manage their devices in the field better than ever before. FOTA allows IT administrators to update the operating system and applications by user group and SCOMO can provide customer image updates by user group over the air.**

Outside viewing clarity For outside viewing, the latest Toughbook FZ-B2 has a wider viewing angle than other tablets in its class, with higher visibility (500cd/m2) and a lower sun reflection rate. The multi-finger, 10-point capacitive touchscreen can be used by hand, gloved hand or with an optional passive stylus for precise writing and signature capture, even in the rain. For organisations with a mix of AndroidTM and Windows devices, the Toughpad FZ-B2 can be used with the same peripherals, such as cradles, vehicle mounts, batteries and chargers as its Windows-based sister device the Toughpad FZ-M1.

Battery to last With its optional hot swappable battery, the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-B2 can work as long as is required in the field as 8 hours with a single battery charge or 16 hours with the extended battery option.

Cameras and fast communications For users needing live video conference capabilities or to capture photographic images of documentation in the field, the FZ-B2 is equipped with upgraded Full HD front web and 8 megapixel rear cameras. It also comes equipped with built-in directional array microphones ideal for communication, video conferencing and voice recognition software.

The Toughpad FZ-B2 is optimised for connectivity whatever the location and includes the latest Intel® Dual Band® Wireless-AC 8260 technology for the fastest data transfer and Bluetooth® v4.2.

Designed for use and to last Built for the rigors of business, the Toughpad FZ-B2 is drop tested to 150 cm*** as well as having an IP65 ingress protection rating for resistance to dust and water and it will operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -10 to +50°C***.

“With these latest upgrades to our AndroidTM device, we have designed a rugged tablet that can be customized to meet the demanding needs of many different mobile workers and that can also sit comfortably within an organisation’s IT strategy for easy management and compatibility,” said Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions.

* Based on AnTuTu benchmark V5.6 ** FOTA and SCOMO is available as optional service *** Tested by Panasonic Factory

About Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU)

PSCEU is the European branch of Panasonic Systems Communications Company, the global B2B division of Panasonic. PSCEU’s goal is to improve the working lives of business professionals and help their organisations’ efficiency and performance. We help organisations capture, compute and communicate all sorts of information: image, voice, and textual data. Products include PBX telephone switches, document printers, professional cameras, projectors, large visual displays, rugged mobile PCs and fire alarms solutions. With around 400 staff, engineering design expertise, global project management capability and a large European partner network, PSCEU offers unrivalled capability in its markets.

PSCEU is made up of four product categories:

 Communication Solutions, including professional scanners, multifunctional printers, telephony systems and SIP terminal devices.  Visual System Solutions, including projectors and professional displays. Panasonic offers the widest range of Visual products, and leads the European projector market with 28% revenue share. (Futuresource B2B market tracking, Q1/2014)  Professional Camera Solutions, including Broadcast & ProAV products, security, fire alarm systems and industrial medical vision (IMV) technology. Panasonic is one of the top two professional camera vendors in Europe.  Computer Product Solutions helps mobile workers improve productivity with its range of Toughbook rugged notebooks, Toughpad business tablets and electronic point of sales (EPOS) systems. As European market leaders, Panasonic Toughbook had a 66% revenue share of sales of rugged and durable notebooks and Panasonic Toughpad held a 59% revenue share of sales of rugged business tablets in 2015 (VDC Research, March 2016).

Disclaimer:  All brand names shown are the registered trademarks of the relevant companies. All rights reserved.  All working conditions, times and figures quoted are optimum or ideal levels and may differ as a result of individual and local circumstances.  Specifications, product availability and price given herein may be changed at any time without prior notice.