I Display announced an interactive digital signage computer that runs Android 2.3. The I View Android is equipped with a 10.2-inch, 1024 x 600 resistive touchscreen that swivels on an optionally battery-powered base, a microSD slot, a USB 2.0 port, and Wi-Fi, says the company.

The I View Android is designed as an interactive kiosk and signage solution for retail stores, restaurants, bars, and hotels, says I Display, a digital signage subsidiary of London-based Outform Group. The device combines a relatively low-end Android tablet with a base unit, digital signage software, and various accessories.

The I View Android (pictured) runs Android 2.3 on an unnamed processor, backed up with 2GB of internal storage that's upgradable to 8GB, says I Display. In addition, a microSD slot is said to support cards up to 32GB in size.

A variety of video formats are supported, including MPEG 4 and Divx5, but there are no claims for 720p video quality, let alone 1080p. This would suggest that the processor is an older Cortex-A8 system on chip.

The 10.2-inch, 1024 x 600 touchscreen uses resistive technology but nonetheless offers multitouch support, claims I Display. The display has a 30-nit brightness rating,  a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 700:1 contrast ratio, the company adds.

The tablet part of the I View Android swivels on the device's base, with accelerometers available to maintain the proper orientation. The tablet also supports a wide range of vertical and horizontal viewing angles, says the company.

I View Android

The I View Android provides Wi-Fi, a mono audio output, and a USB 2.0 port, says the company. The 12.0 x 7.4 x 7.4-inch (305 x 188 x 188mm) device weighs 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) and can be powered from an 110V/240V input, consuming a maximum of 36 Watts, says i Display.

An optional battery supports up to 10 hours of battery life (eight to nine hours with continual video), and can be recharged in eight to 10 hours via the available docking station, says the company. Operating temperatures are said to range from 32 to 122 deg. F (0 to 50 deg. C).

The device communicates with a web based content management system (CMS) based on Scala signage CMS software. The application offers automated content updates, and supports operations including arranging playlists, channels, images, and schedules, says the company.

Side view of I View Android showing optional battery

The device appears to offer the standard Android 2.3 apps and features, including an open web browser. Retailers can download applications from the Android Market or develop their own apps, including multi-unit remote access and management programs, says the company.

I Display mentions retail applications, games, product info and pricing applications, interactive feedback forms, and club membership registration applications. However, it is unclear whether these come pre-installed on the device.

Auto-play sequences are available, including slide shows, and applications can interact with customers via forms and emails, says the company. Customers with mobile phones can also scan displayed QR codes to receive product information and discounts, I Display adds.

I View Android with optional I Dispenser tray

In addition to the battery, accessories include security and mounting devices, as well as an "I Dispenser" — a physical tray that "provides restaurants and bar customers with an exciting Interactive Digital Menu Board experience," says the company. Despite the fancy name, this appears to simply be an attached tray where one can place items such as straws (see image above).

Stated Ariel Haroush, I Display's CEO, "It is a new era in the digital signage world. With i View Android it is all a matter of interactivity and two way communication; between the brand and the customer and between the screen and the smart phones."

Availability

No pricing or availability information was provided for the I View Android, but more information, including a video and a case study, may be found at I Display's I View Android product page.

---

This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.