Important factors to consider when using digital signage menus in Quick service restaurants

Important factors to consider when using digital signage menus in Quick service restaurants

Studies abroad have shown that the use of digital signage menus in the Quick service restaurants can significantly increase sales and reduce the operating costs of the entire store.
The right choices need to be made before selecting the digital signage LCD screen and related technologies so that it can help to achieve success in ensuring the growth of sales order size and transaction speed. When planning to add digital signage menus in the Quick service restaurants, decision makers need to consider some important factors:

Remote management function

The key to the management of the digital signage menu is to ensure that the display and media playback hardware and control software have a stable connection, allowing the operator to know when the screen and player have experienced a problem. A good software platform has a remote management reporting program that tells the operator when the connection has failed, such as when the player is disabled or the LCD screen is turned off…
The software platform should have functions such as automatic management, automatic restart, and the ability to force the screen off when the system is shut down. They also allow technical support to remotely log in to each set of players and displays and quickly resolve current downtime issues without the need for expensive and time-consuming on-site services.
These features are particularly important for managing digital signage menus and LCD displays in medium- and large-scale fast-food service operations because digital signage menus are generally oriented in the direction of customers, with local managers and their staff having little or no control over the screen. Display problems. And the busy counter staff may not even notice that the screen is not working properly or the menu rotation is performed as expected.
In the Quick service restaurants, when the digital signage menu is not displayed, the customer’s order is not arranged. So these screens are very critical and it is necessary to ensure 99.99% normal operation.

Environmental conditions

Every restaurant owner knows the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, including a lot of dust and dirt inside and outside the store. This is particularly true for the use of food materials that are easily airborne, such as frying and flour. No matter how good or clean the work is done, these dust and dirt will affect the digital signage LCD screen and media player.
So when using passive heat dissipation smart digital signage displays will greatly reduce the impact of these dust and dirt.
Of course, even so, operators should consider cleaning and repairing display devices just as they are in other key stores.

sunlight

The sunny dining area is appealing to guests, but the natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows can affect the visibility of digital signage menus and promotional LCD screens.
When the screen of the digital signage menu is placed high enough and tilted downwards, it may not be affected by glare, or the LCD monitor can avoid sunlight in the store. Potential screen visibility issues can be offset by architectural design adjustments or by using a high-brightness display that can be cut off by the lighting of the store itself even in direct sunlight.
Sunlight is a particularly challenging issue for outdoor displays, where it is necessary to consider anti-jamming, high-brightness digital signage menus as display screens for pre-sale promotions.

Screen size and line of sight

Decision makers should determine how many items must be displayed on the screen of the digital signage menu, as well as information related to the business. Commodity names and prices, etc., compressing a large amount of information into a limited space often requires reducing the font size, which can directly affect the visibility of the menu. There are two solutions here. First of all, use a larger screen or add more screens so that customers can get a broader visual space. Second, full-day restaurant menu items may vary according to different time periods, and more display content may be obtained through different menu displays.
Using Digital Signage, Bringing Huge Benefits for Your Business

Using Digital Signage, Bringing Huge Benefits for Your Business

Found in most fast food restaurants, hotels, airport retail stores, digital signage is an electronic display. Among potential buyers, it is primarily used to promote and create the awareness of new business or product. Through the LED and LCD screen to display, using digital signage is to provide users with more content control. The contents of these digital displays are uploaded and controlled by different software. The main advantages of a commercial electronic display are described below:
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Dynamic content control
With using digital signage, you do not need to stick with static and old monitors. It will enable you to quickly change your content and image to the viewer. You can click on the finger to update the contents of the digital screen! For example, a food menu can use a digital menu board to display its changed menu. For example, breakfast, lunch and dinner. This can help improve your ad’s engagement and engage for better results.
Reduce cost to an extent
Indeed, the initial cost of setting up an electronic display may be greater than the cost of printing an ad, but it will help you save a lot of potential money in the future. Dynamic content control for digital signage omits the cost of content that must be printed when content is updated or available. With Dynamic Content Control for digital signage, you can now notify people of any updates about your business quickly and easily.
Attact more audience engagement
In today’s society of drive technology, people are more accustomed to multimedia-based communication channels, such as the Internet. People feel more connected to digital displays than print ads. With dynamic images, animations and graphics, these electronic ads can be more effectively to capture the attention of potential buyers than any other form of advertising.
Web connectivity and convenient accessibility
Digital signage can be connected to the network and local or remote control, allowing users to save money and time. You can add the Twitter feeds, weather forecasts, news feeds, video content, and blog posts in your display.
Influence buying decisions
An electronic display that contains vibrant high-definition images, video, and graphics can really influence buyers’ buying decisions. It has an advantage because people can quickly notice it and remember it for a longer time than other forms of advertising. The advantages of digital displays are unavoidable when it quickly involves reaching the target audience, effectively interacting with the customer, and generating more revenue quickly. In addition, you can use the digital display as a platform to showcase your work.
According to your budget, requirements and space, logo manufacturing suppliers and manufacturers will provide the most suitable digital signage for your business. Logo Maker is telling you what type of digital signage is best for your business – digital posters or digital menu boards. Since this is a lifetime investment, any well-known signatory company’s professional advice is highly desirable to meet all your requirements.
Three challenges for 4K interactive digital signage

Three challenges for 4K interactive digital signage

Touch sensors are increasingly integrated into 4K interactive digital signage to create immersive interactive visual experience. Know and understand how to overcome the common technical obstacles of 4K interactive digital signage is the key to the success of the installation. The following lists three common challenges to achieve 4K interactive digital signage:
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4K displays have a high electronic interference (EMI), so the need for better pixel density of the driver circuit to increase the complexity of the. This can be increased by three to four times the interference with respect to the normal HD display. This interference or noise, so that the touch screen and control electronics is more difficult to identify the surrounding noise. This reduces the signal to noise ratio, but also the real touch identification. In other words, increased interference reduces the accuracy of touch sensing.
An improved touch controller for electronic design and touch detection firmware is necessary to ensure that the integrity of the signal is maintained at a high level. The projected capacitive touch technology (P-CAP) is embedded in the X-Y matrix of the laminated glass substrate using the micro electrodes, and the frequency modulation is used to detect the capacitance change of the conductive electrode. One way to combat EMI is to achieve the touch controller “smart” frequency scanning function. Work frequency 0.7-mhz and 2.2-mhz to identify and avoid the environment “noise”, otherwise it will prevent the detection of touch events.
The most critical issue in the response time of the 4K resolution touch operation is the combination of the UHD display touch screen function. This is a challenge for all touch technology, and now the typical HD display touch screen pixel is about 120 Hz refresh rate. The required control data processing needs a large number of pixels and (> 8 million) in the UHD display means that the latest 4K practical operation in 60Hz or less; this makes it challenging to handle real-time touch events, such as drag on the screen cursor, because the display board processing ability is the background image effectively be refreshed. So the UHD screen mobile touch is like a line, there are traces of the finger than high-definition display obvious, and even the P-CAP touch screen delay will be in the speed of the touch event report.
Of course, this delay in the ordinary watch (no touch) is unknown because the viewer has no reference to measure it’s frame. Dynamic touch applications require drawings or fast objects; however, the delay of the 4K system is obvious compared to the current HD type touch screen.
With the new 4K monitor entering the market, the higher refresh rate and the potential to improve the driving circuit to reduce the EMI, these problems will be reduced. But before this, the influence of the touch controller’s selection and touch application on the user experience should be carefully considered in the UHD display.
Could IOT improve customer experience?

Could IOT improve customer experience?

To define IOT as intelligent interaction between humans and things, the exchange of data is very easy, but to evaluate how and where to play IOT,  what should play, it is a little more difficult within retail customer experience.
Some industry experts think that IOT remains in a hype stage, but haven’t had grabbing obvious traction, as some companies are making a boast of billions of connections.
“It’s happening swiftly, however, it’s a hype,” said Jessica Groopman, who is the independent industry analyst and IOT avisor. Groopman was one of the members of three groups, discussing the IOT applications in real-life during Networld Media Group’s CONNECT Mobile Innovation Summit which held last month in Chicago.
The group in the session was moderated by Trey Courtney who is Mood Media senior VP, product management and delivery, included Kevin Meagher, ROC-Connect’s senior VP of business development, Aaron Noveshen, the one who launched a new quick service concept in May this year, and Starbird, the founder and president of The Culinary Edge.
“ Due to the traction picked up by artificial intelligence and machine learning, IOT still need to put into the mainstream,” noted Groopman. She referred to some interesting statistics: some places connected devices between 50 billion and 200 billion in play, in the future, the ordinary consumers will be taking part in 9 to 23 devices. For now the average is about 3 devices per person.
But Meagher didn’t completely agree on Groopman’s hype point.
With comparing the advent of IOT and mobile phone, “ We don’t realize that the big game-changer happening and spreading to daily things,” he said.
“Consumer’s expectation not only have all devices connected will drive adoption, but also the launch of meaningful services,” he said.
In the field of food service, IOT can be a distinguisher, noted Noveshen, as it could finally replace the drive-thru option and all the anxiety occurred by drive-thru ordering experience.
He noted: “This is why Starbird is trying to eliminate, Starbucks is doing well with its easy App and capabilities of order ahead.”
Groopman thinks the value of IOT is higher for companies and organizations in the hospitality and retail industry than for end users.
She said : “We have to improve the value on consumer side, but that will need some time,” noted Meagher.
He said : “It needs to be wrapped in something valuable,” “no one has hit a home run. We’re just at the tip of the iceberg,” he added.
Meagher, is the person who led the IOT charge for LOWES several yeas ago describes that IOT today as the beginning of avalanche.
He said: “ As it push out it will be adopting with smartphone through the same barriers, and there will happen some serious casualties.”
The group referred to several IOT strategies which play successful, for example, Amazon and its focus on smart home, Lowe and its big investment and automotive industry with connected cars. Groopman also referred to Disney as a successful IOT.
She acknowledge: “They are doing a lot of right things, but for it’s deep pockets,” The key of Disney is its strategy being all about the consumer and the journey, she added.
She said: “It is making use of information to optimize workflow, handle and set up an experience which will be driving loyalty.”
Noveshen pointed out that kind of consumer value is the key for successful IOT.
He said: “anything affects your emotions(for example home security) is really a good value and a game changer,” His point was repeated by Meagher.
He said: “ It’s about a peace of mind,” and pointed out that is why home security has been an early planting ground for IOT technology.
With regarding to some challenges ahead for IOT applications, including some misconceptions. One of them is, it is a huge technology which really hard to deploy.
But those are not problems, according to the group of experts.
Meagher said:“ The problem today is commercial model.” Groopman agreed and pointed out that the problem of technology is much less hurdles than a few years ago.
She said:“ for now it is much more evolution than revolution, how we solve problem would be nothing to do with competitors.”
Video Wall – Play an important role in the future

Video Wall – Play an important role in the future

The lobby of the hotelis the idea place for people to gather and wait as it’s a high traffic areas-compelling and emotionally setting digital signage. The lobby also is a place to showcase and establish the hotel brand.

In the lobby of the hotel, the digital display can help inform and entertain guests and can increase the atmosphere and property. However, a single monitor, is now commonplace, may no longer have a significant impact. Large single displays are an expected part of a hotel room, but they can easily get lost in large hotel lobbies and may not be able to attract guests away from his smartphone.

The answer for the hotel industry is the video wall – a visually appealing solution that captures the attention of large and small public spaces and can serve as an important starting point for long-term digital engagement with customers

The video wall can be a unique piece of art that will certainly grab the attention of the guests. Whether it is used to promote the hotel brand, set the tone of space, and promote local attractions or income-generating advertising, which is a valuable investment from the beginning will bring the return of perceived brand value.

This article will explore some specific hotel use cases, as well as important things to consider when looking at the video wall.

The design and uniqueness are the key factors in the hotel, and additional efforts are made to ensure that guests get a good first impression. Because customers want the video wall is unique and distinctive. Video wall solutions that allow customers the flexibility to deploy either traditional, grid or art, mosaic-style video walls, angled displays as an innovative, unconventional layout – the ideal hotel is unusual.

Another great role of the video wall  is to inform the guests the events of the hotel or nearby , but also to promote the local tourism and advertising industry. They can also help guests to connect with social media , or invite them to share their experiences or display feeds directly on the video wall. In addition, the video wall can be used as a sales tool to increase sales of the hotel’s best rooms or sell tickets to local attractions

Factors need to consider when install a video wall

The video wall is to complement the space, while visually attracting the attention of the audience. Careful planning is very important

First, consider the characteristics of the area. Space and surrounding areas will determine the size of the video wall. If you do anything except basic, you have to invest in a video wall controller. Now have the cost-effective options for video wall controllers , using PC and network architectures to reduce overall costs

The second thing need to consider is the type of video wall that best fits the space. The options include some prominent, such as artistic, mosaic-style video walls, or more classic, traditional grid video walls (with a typical depth-width ratio), including streamlined, third-party content plays an important role

Unless it is part of a new building or major renovation, otherwise you need to consider how to get the power and data to connect to the monitor. Most of what you need to drive your video wall (for example, a video wall controller) can be located in the server room. But you need to power and data connections for the display. In addition to the actual monitor, the video wall needs to be mounted to the wall and cable to which they are secured.

The lobby may the most important hotel room, a video wall, not only set a great first impression tone, it also keeps informing guests information, while providing a visual experience to complement the hotel brand. The Video Wall is conducive to unifying the hotel’s digital experience and creating a valuable brand and advertising center in the hotel’s highest traffic areas.
Airport industry is changed digital dynamic pathfinding

Airport industry is changed digital dynamic pathfinding

Anyone can experience the feeling of panic during the trip, when you don’t know where to go.Realize that there’s no time to waste, and at the same time is more of a frustration in boundless and indistinct in the airport luggage.

Is conform to continue to rely on the static customer service pavilion, let the customer to pass the airport navigation through unprecedented, update, combined with digital signage, high ceilings, modern design.

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Static digital signage
Although static sign may be part of the landscape at the airport, but involves the pathfinding, digital sign compared with static sign can not.Printed maps and static sign can provide help in electricity or electronic fault, but the content is not updated in time or fail to provide enough detailed information, is not convenient to use.

Even if no other digital signage, almost every airport have their flight information display system (FIDS) through some form of digital signage.This flight information sharing system in real time for passengers to arrival and departure of the latest announcement, usually displayed on the TV screen or computer system to control mechanical plate.

In addition to FIDS, digital sign is often placed in the whole airport navigation to help passengers, at the same time to attract passengers will usually display near the shops and restaurants.

Using the interactive nature of the digital signage can vary at the airport.Dynamic digital signage can provide direction for passengers, for example, or to determine the destination.With dynamic digital signage, airport to be able to change information at any time, but usually don’t provide personalized route.Some, however, USES the interactive display, it can provide the passengers’ starting point and destination, and in some cases, access to information on the smart phone can know their information at the same time, but is usually determined by the complexity of the airport.

Generally speaking, interactive and non-interactive digital identity is in order to improve passenger experience and provides the latest and accurate information.

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Improving passenger experience
In the tourist season, the number of each airport will increase, leading to more passengers lost frustrated at the airport.Don’t fly often, such as those to visit relatives or colleges spring – breakers, etc., will not be as frequent business travelers are familiar with the airport layout, there will be can’t find the direction and difficult time.

Interactive digital signage can help reduce this aspect.For example, to accommodate more than 450000 people a year, San Francisco international airport to install interactive touch screen search options to find their best route for passengers.At the same time, passengers can search to the various categories, such as airlines, catering, shopping, ground traffic and to do.Different choices for passengers, at the same time will provide alternative suggestion route navigation.

Airport use the another advantage of digital display is to show the real time information.For example, if there is a corridor traffic block in the construction of the airport, can display the update line help passengers.In addition, digital signage can facilitate the passengers in case of an emergency this is one of the most important features of digital signage.Whether fire or serious evacuation, airport security can make use of digital signage notice where passengers directly or where can I find the nearest exit.

Better for the business
Digital signage can not only help passengers pathfinding, it is also the airport facilities have good business.The airport staff are no longer provide direction key personnel;Passengers can turn to the interactive display accurate search, the airport staff can be more focus on their job responsibilities, they can maximize the allocation of time.Interactive display provides the function of the search direction, also can ensure the security responsibility to protect the safety of the airport without interference.

Airport businesses can also benefit from the pathfinding digital signage.The display can be at the airport, the shops and restaurants promotion customer information sharing, and to provide coupons.Interactive display for the enterprise provides a reservation for restaurant reservations and waiting time and easy to obtain more detailed message.Digital signage also reduced the renewal, print, or replace static signs of any such charge.

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New development of the industry
Digital signage is to alleviate the airport huge demand.Guidance from the static to the dynamic transformation is the airport industry in the developing and changing.Due to the passenger demand change and development, so this is the pathfinding guide dynamic digital sign a new development direction.

Digital Signage in Repast casual Industry: giving people well customer experience and convenience

Digital Signage in Repast casual Industry: giving people well customer experience and convenience

In the repast casual industry, many famous restaurants are starting to adopt the technologies of Kiosks and digital signage, with much faster pace. For example, McDonald’s has deployed “ Create your own taste” kiosk at many different locations, which allowed customers to make their own Hangburgers. Restaurants in casual industry are also beginning to let many suppliers to see the benefits of deploying indoor and outdoor technologies, such as Information Kiosks and Digital signage.

For example, the restaurant chain of Johnny Rockets, also deployed touchscreen kiosks,video walls and a digital board menu at its new business chain. Johnny Rockets, the company is using these technologies alongside simple outfits for employees to create a “Millennial-Friendly environment”.This story reveals a key element to deploy tools ,such as digital signage; these kiosk need to bring a good customers experience for people.“It is no longer just changing your static menu to a digital sign with moving pictures,”Jodi Wallace said in an interview, the chief marketing officer, Acrelec American formally known as HyperActive Technologies. ” It is about to have a strategic view of the entire customers’ interaction and how to integrate all the potential customer touch points( the drive thru, indoor environment, mobile ordering, customer loyalty,website and social media/marketing campaigns) to make a stellar customer experience.”

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Indoor signage

Indoor digital signage menus are one of the important key in digital signage applications at casual environments. People can look at those back-lit menus to get s good idea of what they want to order. However, these development and deployment are “ only the tip of the digital iceberg,” according to Wallace.“ If you want to get someone’s attention and attract them to have interesting in your menu. The menu must be dynamic with attractive sight.Burgers have to sizzle, hot coffee has to be steamed, chocolate has to be melted over the donut,” Wallace said.

Casual Restaurant can also use Digital signage to promote certain items or update product information to give people more dynamic experience.
“ Restaurant can bring their menus to have life, placing the attention on where they want. They can promote a new menu item, and even schedule for a certain daypart,” Wallace said. “ Digital menus help restaurant to change items easily, prices calories-all of that from one location .”

Outdoor signage

In the front of outdoor, digital signage can help to provide more focused menu’s experience for casual drive-thrus. For Traditional monitor , restaurants had no choice to display the whole menu from breakfast to dinner. But digital signage can help people to solve this matter; Tegan Worral, marketing coordinator of VC Media & Design said in a blog.

“ Digital menu can be adjusted and scheduled according to the time of whole day. For example, Breakfast menu can be scheduled to display from 5am to 11am; was being replaced by the remainder of all-day, which has been promoted to one day,” Worral wrote. “ Meanwhile it can also provide greater flexibility for promotions; and help to improve the problem of visually in menu board , which can speed-up order-taking and enhance the accuracy of order.

Kiosks

Self-odered kiosks can offer easy access channel to visit menus, start-using individually order, reduce lines. But, if you want to work efficiently, need to set up some important elements during playing. If many people order food via digital kiosk, the restaurant need to have suitable number of employees to meet the requirements. If too many peoples order from it, it will cause the service slowly. Therefore, it will influence customer’ s experience in it.

The kiosk also need a clear menu structure for people to visit easily.No one wants to go through ten pages, just to get their favorite items. Interactive kiosk also need a well touch panel to assure the accuracy of order.

The key element

The key element, whether for digital signage or information kiosk, it is fixed solutions for improving customer’s experience. To achieve this point, you need to contact the supplier to provide “ Hardware, Software and Service.” In technical platform, all jobs work together to manager digital device, software and content .” according to Wallace reported.

Our goal is to make the customer happy, not to deploy a fancy device.

Mobile and IoT Elements’ Integrating Enhanced Digital signage’s Function, Win Superior development

Mobile and IoT Elements’ Integrating Enhanced Digital signage’s Function, Win Superior development

Nowadays Digital signage market is growing with a clear trajectory. By 2020years, Sales revenues are expected to increase to nearly $ 24 billion. Whether for indoor, outdoor or semi-outdoor settings, the digital display shows the value of “timely service and targeted information” by capturing the attention of nearby viewers. Now enterprises can make their digital signage experience more powerful by adding mobile services and the Internet of Things (IoT) elements to the experience.

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Unlike static printing placards, the digital nature of these displays can be combined with impressive technologies .(Such as beacons, mobile devices, sensors, and cloud services).

All of these elements can rapidly improve the functionality and effectiveness of digital information.

In order to further make the customer experience with individuation, Retailers can install small battery-powered beacon transmitters to send faint Bluetooth signals (Bluetooth low power or BLE) to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, which are located about 30 meters away from the place or countertops. For example, if a shopper enters a particular beacon zone in the retail store and remains there for 60 seconds.The beacon can send relevant information to a nearby digital display, for example, let shoppers know where bag sales are near.

Shops can further enhance the mobility experience. People can actively send certain content, coupons, product reviews, and other content by allowing beacons to identify specific shoppers (after obtaining their permission); and even to understand their gamification/loyalty points of the smart phone. By accessing shoppers’ retail and online purchasing history, a personalized information can reflect the consumer’s latest taste in the digital display itself. For example, a particular brand may be recommended for people who have recently purchased a similar product.

The digital display can also analyze the lever sensor in a non-retail environment. For example, in a train terminal, a digital display is integrated with cloud services to track and report on weather conditions. If there is bad weather along the way, the sensor can identify where the passengers gather in the terminal. While the display can quickly send alerts and associated exit delays, platform changes, etc. Or the restaurant’s digital signage can be networked into its back-end security system; so that any type of alarm event automatically triggers the monitor’s takeover, to alert customers and provide instructions to them.

 

Best Practices for Enhancing Digital Messaging

Obviously, sensor and mobile integration provides an impressive opportunity for digital signage. In a growing industry, they generate more personalized and context-aware information. The more directly the display can express the needs of the customer, the more effective the digital content will be. However, the potential buyer should consider taking a careful route to implement, the specific steps are as follows:

1. Thoroughly research potential digital display providers and the integration capabilities of their products.
2. Determine if an outside expert is needed to create the complete, integrated solution.
3. Pilot the initial solution and any mobile/IoT/cloud enhancements on a limited basis. Be prepared to adjust as needed.
4. Formulate a realistic budget and rollout plan.
5. Research and understand customer/clientele preferences around proximity-based solutions to determine the level of personalization they’re comfortable with. If hyper-personalized messaging (on displays and/or smartphones) is viewed as too intrusive, then a somewhat less customized approach may be more appropriate.
6. Train the workforce so the solutions are quick and easy for employees to understand and implement.
7. Monitor and update on an ongoing basis.

Digital signage offers noticeable opportunities for today’s businesses by notifying, promoting, and directing. Integrating these digital systems with IoT and mobility elements can provide a more powerful messaging experience. Interested users can do their research, pilot carefully, and always keep fit to the comfort level of the customer.

Learn more about Shiningltd’s digital signage solutions and integration capabilities here.

Digital Signage Advertising & Interactive Wayfinding Kiosks in Shopping Mall

Digital Signage Advertising & Interactive Wayfinding Kiosks in Shopping Mall

Shoppers today have a higher sense of urgency to quickly locate their intended retail items or stores, make the purchase and move on. And for that,Implement interactive wayfinding kiosks to provide the simplest directions for every visitor or customer throughout the shopping mall.and it can do as:

Wayfinding

Allow routes/directions to be customized and simplified for customers to quickly grasp. Able to edit floor maps for future structure modifications.
Create handicap preferred routes throughout any center requiring the touchscreen interface to be wheelchair friendly and accessible.

Advertising & Promotional Integration

Entice the thousands of people that walk by daily by creatively showcasing advertising campaigns through videos, animations and slideshows.
Never have to worry about outdated retail store promotions or advertising campaigns, always be able in real-time to dynamically change the content and provide a fresh look to any environment.
Integration with facility management systems, and customer relations systems to simplify and automate daily operations and updates to the digital solution.

01 11 31 61 71

 

Photo for Interactive Wayfinding Kiosks in RUNDA Shopping mall as Pingxiang,Jiangxi Province.China.

Best Way to Convert Cheap Android Tablet into Digital Photo Frame?

I recently acquired a cheap Astro Tab Android 5.1 tablet that I plan to use as a digital photo frame in my office. Now that I have the tablet, I’d like to:

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  1. Find a good place to get a custom wood frame for the tablet (so it stands up on my desk and looks like the other framed photos in my office). Any good sources? The frame would need to be deeper than a regular picture frame, and it would need to have room for the USB cable to connect to power the tablet. Alternatively, does anyone have any good instructions for making a custom frame along these lines yourself?
  2. Find the best Android app or combination of Android apps to do the following: i. Automatically sync (download only, no upload) photos from: (a) one or more specified folders in Google Drive, and (b) one or more albums in Google Photos. (The photos would need to be downloaded to an SD card due to limited internal storage.) ii. Display the photos in random order (and automatically add new photos to the list and cycle through them when they are downloaded — so I can just remotely add photos to my specified Google Drive folder or Google Photos album and have them picked up and displayed) iii. Allow a custom speed for cycling through the photos (preferably a slow speed, like one new photo every few minutes) iv. Automatically turn on/off on a specified schedule (i.e., automatically run from 7:30am – 6:00pm Mon-Fri but turn off the rest of the time). My preference would be to show the slideshow while the tablet is locked. v. Display date/time and weather info on the side of the photo. The tablet is widescreen, so I would envision showing photos on the left side in the space taken up by a stanard photo aspect ratio and then using the extra space to show date/time and weather info.