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News Archive |
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Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Apollo Display Technologies Corp. today demonstrated its SteriLyfe SteriVision kiosk at the KioskCom Self Service Expo. The product features an automated hand sanitizer and offers full-color, high-definition displays for advertising to a captive audience.
The company says the solution runs on very little power and is able to run for 24 hours on batteries alone, in addition to being made from recycled plastics and Apollo's "green controller technology." The solution also features optional wireless and 3G connectivity, the ability to update content via USB or Ethenet, and optional transflective and sunlight-readability display enhancements.
Friday, 05 December 2008
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Ingram Micro's Data Capture and Point-of-Sale Division has announced an expansion of its mobile data capture portfolio, adding Baracoda's comprehensive range of Bluetooth barcode devices and adapters that enable multiple applications with PCs, Mac, POS, PDAs, terminals, mobile phones, robot and LAN networks.
"Demand for mobile workforce solutions is on the rise — especially in vertical markets such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing and transportation where precision and service levels are top priorities," said Justin Scopaz, vice president and general manager of Ingram Micro's Data Capture and POS Division. "By leveraging mobile wireless technologies such as Baracoda's scanners and adapters, IT service providers can help companies achieve operational experience and clearly demonstrate ROI by increasing workforce productivity and introducing more efficiency."
Baracoda's entire line of Bluetooth barcode scanners and adapters, which includes D-flys, Pencils, Roadrunners, Scanwear, Tagrunners and Toughrunners, is now available to Ingram Micro solution providers in the United States. No certifications are necessary. Training and solution-focused technical support services are available from Ingram Micro.
Wednesday, 06 August 2008
TORRANCE, Calif. — Seiko Instruments USA Inc. Thermal Printer Division, a manufacturer of thermal-printer technology and a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, has introduced a low-cost direct thermal mobile printer for wireless applications.
The compact and lightweight DPU-S445 runs on a long-life lithium-ion battery and produces 4-inch-wide printed output at 90 mm/sec. IrDA and Bluetooth connectivity options make the printer a valuable alternative for users who need convenience and reliability, without the high price of a ruggedized device, according to a news release.
"The DPU-S445 is a welcome addition to our lineup of mobile thermal printers," said Kaz Onishi, vice president and general manager of Seiko Instruments USA. "The new printer offers customers exceptional value in a challenging business climate, and is a great fit for budget-conscious users in Latin America and other emerging markets."
With no need for toner or ribbon, and with very few moving parts to compromise reliability, thermal printers are a must-have for a growing number of untethered applications, from route accounting to mobile citations. The DPU-S445 is designed for fast, simple, no-fuss operation. Two well-placed buttons control power and paper feed, and the Seiko Instruments EZ-OP clamshell-style tray enables quick paper replacement, by simply dropping a new roll into the printer.
Weighing just over one pound and measuring 5.7 inches wide, 5.3 inches deep and 2.3 inches high, the DPU-S445 is both small and light. The printer offers 203 dpi resolution, and USB, Serial, IrDA and optional Bluetooth interfaces, making it a solution for a wide range of mobile applications. Pricing starts at $300 per unit.
Wednesday, 04 June 2008
DALLAS — TableTop Media LLC has announced a wireless, interactive tabletop device with next-generation pay-on-demand capabilities. The company plans to display the device in the Microsoft Booth at FS/TEC, an international trade show focused on technology for the foodservice industry.
TableTop Media’s device has three main features: split check, touch tip and email or print receipt capabilities.
Using the solution, the company says restaurant operators will receive key benefits.
- Dynamic Content Delivery – Increase consumer interaction via digital promotions at relevant times with measurable results.
- Real-Time Feedback – Boost customer loyalty by empowering guests and alerting managers if certain conditions are met.
- Infotainment – Engage and entertain guests while enhancing the overall dining experience with information, movie trailers and ticket purchasing.
TableTop Media’s solution has been installed at Cozymel’s Mexican Grill in its Grapevine, Texas, location for the past three months.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
TORONTO, Ontario — ADFLOW Networks Inc., a provider of digital signage and interactive kiosk technology in the self-service vertical, has announced it has achieved "ready for IBM" AnyPlace Kiosk status with ADFLOW’s Dynamic Messaging System software.
"Ready for" status means a business partner has earned the right to display specifically designed IBM marks in packaging and marketing materials of qualified offerings that have met compatibility and integration requirements established by IBM.
"We are very pleased to be working with IBM to help support digital signage and interactive kiosk initiatives," said Steve Kartonchik, vice president of sales and marketing for ADFLOW Networks. "We look forward to collaborating with IBM to provide our mutual clients digital signage offerings based on IBM AnyPlace Kiosks running ADFLOW’s Dynamic Messaging System software."
Designed to optimize the consumer experience across a broad range of market segments, including retail, travel, financial, government, healthcare and entertainment, IBM’s AnyPlace Kiosk line includes powerful self-service kiosks in 15-, 17- and 19-inch touchscreen performance models with dual video display capability, and integrated expansion for wireless capability.
IBM’s Anyplace Kiosk products support ADFLOW Networks’ innovative single Web-hosted applications designed to deliver dynamic marketing messages to digital and interactive displays, from a single control panel that controls both digital signage and interactive kiosks. ADFLOW’s patented security and proven implementation methodology means the users are ensured a completely controlled customer experience.
Monday, 21 April 2008
DALLAS — TableTop Media has unveiled its wireless, interactive tabletop device with pay-on-demand capabilities.
TableTop Media delivers a pay-at-the-table device with three distinct features: split check, touch tip and email or print receipt capabilities. Unlike traditional pay-at-the-table products, the solution places control in the guests’ hands to pay at their convenience.
TableTop Media’s solution has been installed at Cozymel’s Mexican Grill in its Grapevine, Texas location for the past three months.
The solution is built upon the Microsoft Windows Embedded CE operating system and the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework and uses additional Microsoft technologies including Microsoft Windows Server 2005, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Internet Information Services 6.0.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
LONDON — In partnership with AV reseller Audio Visual Solutions Ltd, Working Solutions has installed its new Acquire Bluetooth application on three LCD kiosks at London Luton Airport. Protouch supplied the kiosks, which house 40-inch LCD screens.
Powered by the Acquire Kiosk Designer software application, the three kiosks provide multifunctional assistance for airport customers. Both 3D airport and destinations maps were repurposed so that they suited kiosk use. Customers also can give their opinion on the standard of airport facilities by using the touchscreen feedback form. In addition, customers can download offers from the terminal’s retail outlets.
The Bluetooth application, developed by Working Solutions’ in-house programming team, works in conjunction with the Acquire software platform. Using a Bluetooth transceiver device connected to the kiosk, the software searches for Bluetooth activated devices, usually mobile phones, with a predetermined radius. When the kiosk promotion is touched by the user, the transceiver broadcasts its offer – in this case, an image of the special offer. If the mobile phone user chooses to accept the offer, their phone downloads the image. This image can then no longer be downloaded to the same phone unless the phone leaves the area for a predetermined length of time. Any user who refuses the image will not be sent that image again, so users are not bombarded with Bluetooth offers that they do not want. And for those newer mobile phones that have a default security function that asks for a 4-digit pairing code to be entered before the image is accepted, the kiosk provides this information as an on-screen instruction.
Thursday, 08 November 2007
LOUISVILLE, Colo. · Together with TeraNova Consulting Group and Nationwide CDMA Wireless Providers, KIOSK Information Systems is providing a bundled approach to wireless kiosk deployments. KIOSK is partnering with TeraNova, kiosk connectivity specialists, to manage the full lifecycle requirements including testing, staging and full on-going support and management of the wireless solution.
Mobile Deployment support services via the KIOSK/TeraNova relationship include:
- Site survey for connectivity
- Network and equipment sourcing, activations management
- Router configuration
- Mobile broadband card activation and provisioning
- Carrier contract and order management
- Managed installation
- Help desk support
- Maintenance
- Reporting and training
According to a press release issued by KIOSK, one of the benefits of deploying kiosks with integrated wireless capability is position flexibility. Kiosk placement is an essential element in customer adoption and solution ROI, but ideal pilot positioning can be somewhat elusive. Without the commitment and expense of hard-wiring equipment, clients can experiment to find the ideal "sweet spots" that provide maximum traffic and return.
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
MUMBAI, India · NCR Corp. has announced an alliance with Symstream Technology Group Ltd. to introduce wireless connectivity solutions for ATMs in India.
By deploying Symstream II, a wireless modem for mobile connectivity, banks in India can deploy ATMs in remote sites, offering banking services to unbanked rural populations, the companies say.
Unlike traditional dial-up, wireless ATM transactions are two to three times faster. As transactions on the ATM channel become more convenient in developing countries, the demand for ATM access at off-premises locations is expected to increase.
NCR also says the introduction of advanced functions, such as bill payment, automated deposits and cash-recycling, at ATMs are likely to have greater impact over the next couple of years in developing countries.
Thursday, 15 March 2007
Philippine News: Winston Garcia, president and general manager of the Philippine Government Service Insurance System, unveiled the Wireless Automated Processing System, or G-W@PS kiosk, at the Philippine consulates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Chicago. The unmanned electronic kiosk operates within a virtual private network connected to the GSIS system in the Philippines.
Read more
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
YORK, Pa. · Livewire International announced the completion of a promotional system for T-Mobile USA Inc.
T-Mobile wanted to introduce its new Fave 5 service plans via "street-level" cross-promotions in addition to its traditional advertising methods. The idea was to engage the targeted consumers directly by giving them an opportunity to win prizes from its co-marketing partners, Sony, Samsung and the National Basketball Association. The result was an innovative campaign utilizing basketball-focused events staged at numerous malls and NBA arenas throughout the country.
Livewire was chosen to create a custom solution that allowed consumers to enter into a basketball shooting competition where the winner would have a chance of winning one of several giveaways (including a PlayStation 3, NBA '07 video game, Samsung phone, and NBA jerseys). The solution consisted of a wireless network of four IBM Anyplace kiosks (housed within large basketball-like enclosures) integrated with a central control computer and four remote display controllers.
Data entered by consumers into the kiosks was stored in a database on the central control computer. Web service technology provided distributed control of the display computers to drive digital signage mounted above shoot-to-win basketball games, as well as interaction with a 42-inch plasma display enclosed within a giant 10-foot high Samsung cell phone used to announce the game winner and initiate a "spin-to-win" giveaway.
Livewire, utilizing Microsoft's .NET Framework, created software that enabled participants to enter their contact information into the kiosk and choose icons representing themselves and their Fave 5. These icons were then displayed on the screens above four basketball games while players competed to make the most baskets during a 30-second countdown. At the completion of the game, an NBA-like ticket would be printed for each player showing their Fave 5 icons with additional information and offerings from T-Mobile. The winner's icons were then displayed on the cell phone and the player would push a button causing their icons to spin until their randomly selected prize was displayed.
"We were pleased to be involved in such an innovative project," said Dave McCracken, president of Livewire. "There are now three complete setups traveling around the country, sometimes being disassembled and reassembled in another location on the same night, and the feedback has been extremely positive; both on the promotion itself and the underlying technology."
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. · RealTime Shredding Inc. announced it has added wireless remote monitoring to its flagship offering, the Self-Service Shredder.
The new Enterprise Model, designed for business centers and corporations with multiple locations, allows a company to monitor and manage the Self-Service Shredder kiosks remotely. With a wireless Internet connection, purchasers or lessors of The Self-Service Shredder can monitor use, obtain reports, and change software functions for each kiosk.
With a network of self-service shredding kiosks, managers can aggregate information and easily determine changes to make each location as productive as possible, said Amanda Verrie, president of RealTime Shredding. "Wireless capability also will be most helpful for those who do dynamic route planning management," she said.
RealTime Shredding also recently incorporated anti-jam software into the Self-Service Shredder.
The Self-Service Shredder cross-cut shreds paper, cardboard, credit cards, paper clips, staples, CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. The industrial-strength shredder, featuring multiple control points for maximum safety, can shred up to 200 sheets of paper a minute. Depending on the model purchased, the Self-Service Shredder will accept access codes and/or cash. Each customer can program the kiosk for the time/cost package they want to offer.
Monday, 15 January 2007
NEW YORK, N.Y. · The MediaTile Company, provider of cellular digital-signage technology and turnkey narrowcast networks, announced that RAM Forest Products increased sales of deck accessories by more than 50 percent in Home Depot Canada stores last season.
According to a news release, Home Depot Canada expects to achieve faster ROI using MediaTile's Digital Signage End-Cap TV solution. MediaTile's cellular-based solution enables product vendors to deploy digital-signage networks in retail stores without any on-site network information-technology setup or ongoing management.
RAM Forest Products worked with MediaTile Canada to create a multimedia lifestyle advertising campaign called "Create The Deck Of Your Dreams." The campaign was deployed on integrated end-caps in Home Depot stores to connect with consumers and promote all elements that comprise a home-deck project.
"Using MediaTiles we were able to deploy an in-store broadcast network that dramatically increased our product sales for the 2006 season. Our totally integrated in-store approach provided us with maximum exposure, sales lift and return on our investment, so much so that we will significantly expand the program in 2007 with more stores and more integrated end-cap displays utilizing the MediaTile platform," said Keith Knowling, chief executive of RAM Forest Products.
Wednesday, 25 October 2006
TechWeb News: MOD Systems has developed software that lets consumers download and pay for digital content from kiosks directly onto portable media players - with no cables attached.
MOD Systems chairman Anthony Bay, who built and ran Microsoft's digital media division, said his company will support an unnamed electronics retailer that signed on to deploy kiosks using the software under a hosted services model beginning early 2007. The store will install between 40 and 50 kiosks in about six locations, redefining the layout of the stores' music section. MOD Systems will manage the content, licensing rights and billing.
Read more
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
The Scotsman: A "smart" trolley, which uses wireless technology to guide shoppers around stores, is on its way to the U.K.
The portable store assistant allows shoppers to scan goods as they go. Payments are made at a kiosk before leaving the store.
Read more.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
Detroit, MI -- GARTNER Wireless & Mobile Summit - Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Companyâ„¢, today announced new wireless network infrastructure features for increased coverage, enhanced security and mobility - including Layer 3 roaming, mesh networking and wireless security with location-based services. These new features enable enterprises to operate more efficiently with increased security, and expand their wireless coverage area. Symbol also announced the MC9090 family of premium rugged mobile computers for demanding environments.
"Businesses with a growing number of mobile users continually need to address challenges in wireless coverage, network security and user mobility. Addressing these challenges requires the enterprise to implement mobility as a complete system — end-to-end," said Anthony Bartolo, vice president and general manager of Symbol's Wireless Infrastructure and RFID Divisions. "This means taking into account the users, devices, applications, network infrastructure and management. With this approach, customers should utilize their wireless infrastructure to optimize their mobile applications."
Expanded Coverage, Security and User Mobility for "Business-Critical Wireless"
Symbol's new wireless features are designed to optimize mobile applications in the enterprise — including solutions to extend wireless networks to previously cost-prohibitive or physically-challenged locations; provide persistent mobility; secure the wireless network, and add location-based services throughout the enterprise.
The enterprise edge is evolving from traditional wired workstations to wirelessly connected devices. Networks are expanding within and outside "the four walls," requiring a wireless infrastructure designed for new and challenging environments. Symbol's mesh networking solution provides the functionality to securely extend the perimeter of wireless coverage to locations previously too expensive or physically impossible to wire. The Symbol mesh architecture provides a resilient system that is intuitive to deploy, "self-healing" and capable of supporting high-bandwidth voice, video and data applications on standards-based wireless devices. With a Symbol wireless mesh network, businesses can now deploy an expansive wireless network beyond the main campus to support business-critical applications at the point of activity, avoiding the expensive requirement of installing traditional Ethernet cabling.
Symbol's award-winning WS5100 wireless switch will soon feature Layer 3 roaming capabilities to enable true enterprise mobility. Layer 3 roaming allows mobile users to maintain connectivity as they roam throughout the enterprise and help ensure applications such as voice and video are available and connected as they move. This feature further enhances Symbol's predictive roaming technology already found on its family of mobile computing devices to enable high-bandwidth, connection-sensitive applications.
Symbol's Wireless Intrusion Protection System (IPS) delivers 24-by-7 protection against unauthorized access and malicious attacks on a wireless network. The upcoming release of Wireless IPS will provide network managers with the ability to visualize and monitor the RF domain and wireless network capacity, and ultimately, identify the source and location of a rogue attack. With Symbol Wireless IPS, businesses can extend location-based services throughout the enterprise, and quickly locate devices in the wireless space and disarm potential threats. This feature helps to ensure maximum up-time and peak performance of the wireless network and mobile computers.
New "Connected" Flagship Rugged Mobile Computer
The MC9090 family of mobile computers builds on Symbol's market-leading MC9000 series of rugged handheld mobile computers . Symbol MC9090 mobile computers support current and next-generation business-critical applications that help maximize the efficiency and productivity of mobile workers inside and outside "the four walls" of the most demanding environments such as manufacturing and warehouse floors, field sales and delivery. The MC9090 series of mobile computers combines the latest in mobile operating systems and processing power with advanced data capture options and integrated multi-mode wireless connectivity including wide area network (WAN), 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN (WLAN) and Bluetooth-enabled wireless personal area network (WPAN) — for anytime, anywhere voice, video and data connectivity.
"Extreme ruggedness, multi-mode wireless WAN/LAN/PAN, and three distinct form factors based on a common high-performance platform has made the original MC9000 mobile computer the best-selling rugged mobile computer in the industry," said Brian Viscount, vice president of product marketing for Symbol's Mobile Computing Division. "To date, Symbol's MC9090 mobile computer maintains its best-in-class, best-selling rugged mobile computer status, and provides our customers with key refinements in areas such as voice and data convergence for increased productivity and true competitive advantage."
In manufacturing environments, the MC9090 mobile computer can be used to instantly track parts, inventory and shipments, as well as arrange for just-in-time delivery by connecting with suppliers worldwide. The MC9090 mobile computer can also help improve and accelerate assembly line and plant operations, and notify staff when inventories are running low before it is too late. Select MC9090 mobile computer models support reading of direct part markings (DPM) used in the manufacture of metal parts in industries such as automotive and aerospace, as well as Push-to-Talk walkie-talkie capability and integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) support built into the recently announced MC9097 mobile computer — the industry's first iDEN rugged mobile computer.
The MC9090 family of mobile computers is available with Symbol's "Service from the Start" comprehensive coverage, a three-year service agreement that includes a three-day turn-around for products sent to Symbol repair centers.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. www.symbol.com.
About the Gartner Wireless & Mobile Summit
Gartner Wireless & Mobile Summit 2006 offers new concepts and best practices to increase ROI on wireless investment, insights on the future of wireless, and unbiased perspectives on devices, systems, integration and the latest trends. The summit provides the critical information necessary to make the best choices to reduce costs, while maximizing current and new mobile initiatives. Additional information is available at www.gartner.com/us/wireless
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
Palo Alto, Calif. · The key to success in the Retail Wireless Infrastructure market depends on effectively optimizing functional roles across technology domains and providing one-stop complete suites or providing easily intergraded solutions.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.autoid.frost.com), reveals that the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure Market earned revenue of $2.70 billion in 2005 and estimates to reach $6.73 billion in 2012.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure Market then send an e-mail to Tori Foster - Corporate Communications at with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state and country. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the above information.
Wireless is a powerful enabling technology that promises to transform the retail ecosystem, provided it is coupled with the business processes and IT infrastructure that help improve performance. Hence, vendors must recognize the potential value of wireless in the store environment early and move aggressively to support the retail industry through research, involvement in industry-standards organizations and customer pilot projects. Most vendors are equipping themselves to help retailers make an incremental transformation of retailers' businesses to an integrated environment.
"Wireless technology is definitely not nascent and has proved it could be extremely beneficial to retailers, and moving on with future advancements, it could well be used favorably in conjunction with other technologies like RFID," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Shyam Krishnan.
The technology faces a relatively lesser number of challenges or issues as compared to a nascent technology like RFID, and hence, retailers have more faith in the ROI that wireless infrastructure promises if implemented.
"Without too many vendors focusing on tapping the Asia Pacific (under-penetrated) markets, the awareness of the business benefits is low in some of these regions, though awareness that the technology exists, is prevalent," says Shyam. "The awareness factor plays a significant role, since this would be the first step towards the retail industry picking up speed in these quarters. With more global retailers setting up shop here, the scenario is likely to change."
The vendors are getting involved with these efforts and more vendor alignments with these global organizations could see these technological issues sorted out at the earliest.
The World Wireless Infrastructure Market in Retail is a part of the 9212 subscription service. This study provides an overview and outlook for the market and has been segmented into the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure market, the North American Retail Wireless Infrastructure market, EMEA Retail Wireless Infrastructure market and the Rest of the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure market. This research includes detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com.
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