Zebra WS3 Series Wearable Computer

The Zebra WS301 is an ultra-compact Android enterprise wearable mobile computer designed to connect frontline workers who may not need a full-size handheld device, but still require real-time communication, task management, item lookup and basic data capture. It brings enterprise-class mobility into a very small wearable form factor that can be clipped to clothing, worn on a wrist or attached to a worker’s daily uniform. The WS301 is best positioned for retail, hospitality and light manufacturing environments where workers need quick access to voice communication, tasks, notifications, barcode lookup, photo capture and assistance workflows without carrying a larger mobile computer. It is designed for frontline users who need to stay connected while keeping their hands free. Unlike consumer-style wearables, the WS301 is built as an enterprise device. It runs Android, supports Zebra DNA tools, integrates with enterprise mobility management systems, includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, rugged protection and business-focused lifecycle support. This makes it easier for organisations already using Zebra mobile computers to add the WS301 into the same operational and management ecosystem. A major strength of the WS301 is its wearable flexibility. Workers can clip it to a lapel, apron, shirt pocket or belt, or wear it on the wrist like a watch. The device itself measures only 56 × 48 × 15 mm and weighs 59 g. In the clip mount it weighs 87 g, and in the wrist mount with standard strap it weighs 88 g. This makes it suitable for workers who need constant access to digital workflows without the weight or bulk of a traditional handheld terminal. The WS301 is designed around a voice-first user experience. Workers can use natural speech to wake the device, place calls, receive tasks, change volume and interact with supported workflows. Two internal microphones with noise and echo cancellation, a 90 dBA speaker and Bluetooth headset support help deliver clear voice communication in busy operational environments. When used in the clip mount, a 3.5 mm PTT headset is also supported. Push-to-talk communication is one of the key use cases. With Workcloud Sync, the WS301 can support push-to-talk, voice and video calling, multimedia chat and to-dos. This allows retail associates, hospitality staff or light manufacturing workers to communicate with individuals or groups quickly, without needing a separate radio or full-size mobile computer. The WS301 includes a 2-inch AMOLED colour display with 460 × 460 resolution, optically bonded to the touch panel. The screen offers vibrant colours, strong contrast, sharp text and wide-angle readability. The capacitive touch panel supports fingertip and glove input and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. The camera window is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. The device includes useful physical controls for fast operation. The multifunction button is programmable and defaults to push-to-talk while the device is in a mount, and scan button behaviour when not in a mount. It also includes volume buttons and a programmable red Duress button. The Duress button can be configured to trigger a defined safety action, such as starting a video call to security or alerting a supervisor, depending on the application setup. Data capture is camera-based. The WS301 includes a top-facing 13 MP autofocus camera that can be used to capture barcodes, take photos and record videos. This supports tasks such as item lookup, stock checks, documenting damaged returns and capturing visual proof of an issue. A 5 MP fixed-focus front-facing camera with 120° field of view can support video calls and safety-cam style workflows. It is important to position the WS301 correctly: it is not a dedicated scan-engine mobile computer like a TC or MC series device. Its barcode capture is based on the integrated camera. For high-volume, scan-intensive inventory or warehouse workflows, a traditional Zebra mobile computer or scanner may be more appropriate. For lightweight lookup, task and communication workflows, the WS301 is a strong fit. The WS301 is powered by a Qualcomm QC2290 processor and includes 4 GB RAM with 64 GB Flash storage. It runs Android, with supported Android versions to be confirmed through Zebra’s Android version support information. Because it shares Zebra’s Android enterprise platform, it can be managed alongside other Zebra mobile computers. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2x2 MU-MIMO, IPv4 and IPv6. Wi-Fi 6 and Zebra Fusion are positioned to support reliable, high-performance connections, which is especially important for voice calls and real-time communication. Wireless security includes WPA3 Enterprise, WPA3 Personal, WPA / WPA2 Enterprise and Personal, Enhanced Open and legacy WEP options. Bluetooth support includes Bluetooth 5.3, Classic Bluetooth BR / EDR, Bluetooth Low Energy and Class 1 operation. This supports connection to headsets, printers and other peripherals. NFC supports tap-to-pair, ISO 14443 Type A and B, FeliCa and ISO 15693 cards, making peripheral pairing and compatible NFC workflows easier. The WS301 includes a 750 mAh / 2.91 Wh PowerPrecision+ battery. The supplied material positions the battery for 10 hours of operation, with fast charging helping ensure batteries are ready at the start of a shift. The removable battery design helps keep devices in service rather than taking the entire unit out of operation for charging. Durability is designed for frontline work. The WS301 operates from -10°C to 50°C and can be stored from -40°C to 70°C. It is sealed to IP65, supports 1.21 m drops to concrete across the operating temperature range and is rated for 1,000 tumbles from 0.5 m. ESD protection is listed as ±15 kV air discharge and ±8 kV direct / indirect discharge. These specifications make it suitable for everyday retail, hospitality and light manufacturing use. Interactive sensors include a light sensor for automatic display brightness adjustment and a 6-axis motion sensor with accelerometer and MEMS gyro. Notifications include audible tone, charge and OS notification LED and haptic feedback, helping workers notice tasks, messages and scan results even in noisy environments. The WS301 is designed for enterprise manageability. It can be managed through the same EMM platforms used for other Zebra mobile devices, and Zebra OEMConfig allows EMM systems to support device-specific features out of the box. Zebra DNA tools help simplify setup, security, management and optimisation across the device lifecycle. Zebra DNA Cloud can be used to manage supported Zebra DNA tools. Device Guardian can help locate misplaced devices. This is particularly useful because the WS301 is very small and can be worn in several different ways. The supplied material positions the feature as a way to easily find misplaced devices, helping reduce disruption and replacement costs. Software is a major part of the WS301 value proposition. Workcloud Sync can turn the device into a real-time collaboration tool with push-to-talk, calls, video, chat and to-dos. Zebra Workcloud Task Management can support task assignment, task status updates, priority changes and operational visibility. Together, these tools make the WS301 useful not just as a device, but as a small wearable endpoint for frontline digital workflows. Lifecycle support is also strong. The supplied material states that the WS301 is available for sale for four years, with maintenance services available for a total of eight years. Zebra OneCare Essential or Select maintenance plans, LifeGuard for Android, Device Diagnostics, VisibilityIQ OneCare and VisibilityIQ Foresight can help improve uptime, security and fleet visibility. Typical retail applications include hands-free customer assistance, push-to-talk communication, item lookup for inventory management and task assignment. Hospitality applications include guest service requests, cross-department push-to-talk, item lookup and event task coordination. Light manufacturing applications include hands-free workflow execution, team collaboration, item lookup and shift task management. Overall, the Zebra WS301 is a compact wearable Android enterprise computer for organisations that want to connect more frontline workers without issuing a full-size mobile computer to every employee. Its strongest value lies in its voice-first design, wearable flexibility, push-to-talk communication, task management support, 2-inch AMOLED display, camera-based data capture, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, IP65 ruggedness and Zebra DNA / Workcloud ecosystem integration.

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