Could Dell's new compact Android device be a game changer?

Dell recently launched a new compact Android device under the Wyse Cloud Connect brand with an eye on the digital signage market.  Wyse is well known for it's thin client computing platform but this device's specs match what we've seen marketed by several digital signage companies in the past year.

We've seen lots of private labelled stuff coming out of China with various form factors.  This is the first "name brand" product with a big corporation behind it.  Dell is well known and respected in the corporate IT world and any digital signage solution running on this hardware platform would benefit greatly from Dell's reputation, it's technical support and service.

Pricing is on par with what we've seen with private labelled products so this is a very smart move from Dell and I think we'll see a lot of digital signage products running on this platform.  No need to take chances with generic or consumer grade hardware now that you can one of these devices for $130 US.

I think this will help accelerate the migration to Android devices for digital signage.

Can a Lenovo or HP device be far behind?

Startup displays power of nanotechnology

Startup displays power of nanotechnology

NanoShutters could be the next big thing for digital signage.  A startup in Kitchener, Ontario has created a new way of controlling the transparency of windows and mirrors using nanotechnology sandwiched between two thin, flexible sheets of plastic.  This film can be laid on surfaces and controlled remotely using a smartphone.  There are many applications including windows, bus shelters, office walls and partitions, store windows...  The list goes on.  Expect to see some actual products on the market using the NanoShutter technology in the near future.

New Year's Resolutions

New Year's eve is a good time to reflect on the past and plan for the year ahead.    Besides the usual self-improvement goals (eat better, exercise more...) I also include professional goals. Things I should improve to better serve my clients.

What does this have to do with the picture above?    I snapped this shot at my local WalMart a few days before Christmas.  This screen stands out for all the wrong reasons.  This PC was caught rebooting, mid-day during one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

These should be part of someone's New Year resolutions:

• Pay attention to details. 
• Test and verify.  
• Monitor and fix.  

I added them to my list.  Will you?