While android is certainly a variant of the Linux operating system; it’s anything but open source and has rapidly become the main contender to Apple’s iphone and ipad devices but that could be set to change with the advent of open-source tablets and hand-helds opening up portable devices to install and run free software, cutting out software licensing fees and paving the way for a wave of specially written software from the open-source and games developers
The succesful launch of the Pengpod last month following its crowdfunding efforts has paved the way for a new breed of Arm based “System on a Chip” (SOC) hardware that can be used to drive tablets and hand held devices using an open-source operating system
Touch Screen Devices
Ubuntu, the Canonical backed Linux system with its Unity interface and drive for a touch screen gui has also just launched a linux tablet.
Ubuntu took a change of direction to develop a mobile smart phone, computer, TV and tablet compatible operating system that can be utilised in a touch screen world
Interactive Shop Display Consoles
Touch screen systems in shops and the ability to connect wirelessly could bring a floury of soft advertising and information portals to the high street to order and reserve items the way Argos does now as well as more entertaining systems providing an interactive shopping experience with tag scan to find out more about shop items or changing-room-request items to have outfits delivered to your changing room in a different size or colour
You could even check stock availability from your mobile phone or request an item from the store room if it’s in stock but not on display. Open source software takes away the reliance on licensing and will help control costs making systems like this available to more high street, service driven shops
Newcastle and Gateshead Commercial Installations
In the North East, the 2 largest shopping areas are Newcastle City Centre and the Metro Centre where interactive displays already help shoppers find certain types of store and provide interactive maps to help you get where you need to be. Smaller shops are also starting to use TV monitor displays attached to a computer systems to update menus and provide non-interactive information portals but that’s just the start of the change as control devices and computer systems get smaller and more powerful while lowering costs
Installing Shop Systems in The North East
If you want to find out about the types of commercial systems available for small, medium or large retail and service outfits please feel free to get in touch
