Panasonic introduces two new Android-based handheld Toughbook devices for mobile workforce

Japanese multinational electronics corporation, Panasonic on Thursday launched two new Android-based handheld Toughbook devices for mobile workforce in India. The company claims that FZ-T1 and FZ-L1 can be used for various functions like shelf stocking, order taking, logistical record keeping, queue busting and long lasting field use. Panasonic has also equipped both the devices with features like noise suppression technology and loudspeakers that, along with balance of mobility, durability and long battery life make them ideal for industries such as warehousing, manufacturing and public safety.  

The FZ-1 comes with a 5-inch screen and runs on Android 8.1 Oreo. It has a battery life of up to 12 hours and weighs just  230 gms. The FZ-L1, on the other hand, comes with a 7-inch high definition screen and has a battery life of 9 hours. It weighs 440 gms. 

The price of both the devices is Rs 60,000 excluding taxes. 

Addressing the media during the launch of these products, Hiroaki Sakamoto, Managing Director of Connected Solutions Company in charge of Business Mobile Business, Director of Mobile Solutions Business Division, Panasonic Corporation, said that the company is not looking to offer products that improve the efficiency, but enhance the bottom-line performances for a number of years. 

He added that Panasonic aims to increase its market share in the rugged handheld devices in India from 1 per cent in FY18 to 10 per cent in FY21. 

Ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, the slim handheld rugged Toughbooks are extremely durable, compact and has a high user interface quotient.#BeTough pic.twitter.com/heqG0WzHcc

— Panasonic India (@PanasonicIndia) December 13, 2018

Speaking to Zee Business Online on the sidelines after the event, Sakamoto revealed that the biggest challenge Panasonic has faced in India is the slow rate of adaptation.

He admitted that even though the company is growing, the rate has been slower than what Panasonic had hoped for.

Vijay Wadhwan, Business Head System and Solution Business, Panasonic India, said that more customers are recognising that a rugged device is not similar to a regular device. 

"Consumer devices have components that are not designed to withstand continuous use in difficult conditions, and are liable to break down from shock, dust, moisture, heat and cold," he said, while adding that the new products will assist the consumers with their enterprise based working environment by, robustly assisting them to augment their efficiency levels through the unique blend of characteristics offered by the Toughbook.