LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Psion (LSE: PON.L), a global provider of mobile computing solutions, today announced the new Workabout Pro 3. The new model has been developed incorporating some of the ideas revealed today as the company unveils a radical overhaul of its business model with a move to “Open Source Mobility” (OSM), an open innovation philosophy which means it can co-create solutions with its partners and customers. The new philosophy means that Psion will have the industry’s most modular product platform, sharing common components and tools with developers, resellers and clients. It will allow them to create highly tailored modules for mobile devices built on Psion’s versatile product platform.

The new Workabout Pro 3 includes enhancements that make it the most modular and rugged device available today that meets or exceeds the IP65 International Protection Rating:

• Improved usability – the option of four new keyboard layouts including a full QWERTY keyboard and additional keys makes it easier to navigate even with one hand.
• Visibility/long life – a sharper, brighter display that is 25 percent more efficient than previous versions not only makes the new Workabout Pro 3 easier to read and see in a variety of lighting conditions, but also extends the battery life of the device.
• Faster – the new Workabout Pro 3 is optimized for improved performance with twice the RAM and four times more Flash ROM memory to run applications even faster.
• Durability – the handheld device can withstand dust, water and extreme temperatures. The new Workabout Pro 3 is also tested to survive multiple six foot drops onto concrete.

“The new Workabout Pro 3 extends our heritage in modular design, and underlines our new strategy for Open Source Mobility,” said Mike Doyle, Chief Technology Officer at Psion. “We know our devices are often used in some of the most demanding computing conditions, and while we continuously strive to improve our products, they are also designed to last a lifetime and withstand the elements. This is yet another world first for Psion.”

The Workabout product was first launched 18 years ago, and has always had a foundation in modularity, expandability and easy customisation. The new Workabout Pro 3 reflects and benefits from this philosophy and sets out Psion’s intentions with OSM. It expands upon the usability and modularity of the Workabout Pro series, offering improved flexibility, efficiency and performance for everything from RFID and scanning to biometrics.

The most modular product in the industry and designed for improved ROI, the new Workabout Pro 3 makes it easy to upgrade or change software with its flexible, “future-proof” design that allows businesses to customise the devices to meet their specific needs. This level of modularity, combined with Psion’s hardware and software development kits that allow customers to build their own applications, enables the development of thousands of buildable combinations for the devices to meet the needs of almost any business. The new Workabout Pro 3 is also backwards compatible with other devices in the Workabout Pro line, software and add-ons, allowing for seamless migration and eliminating the need to reinvest in new equipment.

About Psion

Psion is the pioneer in quality mobile handheld computers and their application in industrial b2b markets around the world. We’ve innovated in mobile computing since 1980, helping our global customers solve their business problems, including Volkswagen, SNCF, RWE nPower, E.ON, BMW, Goodyear, Copenhagen Airports and major international transport hubs.

Our mobile devices are rugged, resilient and built to last. They are tailor-made solutions through Open Source Mobility – our open innovation philosophy in which we co-create mobile hardware, software and services, together with our customers and partners. Psion is a public company on the London Stock Exchange. It is headquartered in London with corporate offices located in Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

For more information, visit www.psionteklogix.com.