Panasonic Highlights IFEC at CES 2015
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Welcome to the Megabooth
Panasonic’s unofficial tradeshow ethos is “Overkill is Underrated,” and they’ve demonstrated that once again at CES 2015 in Las Vegas. Panasonic showed off some amazing technology at its megabooth, including a fair amount of passenger experience-related tools and toys.
Smarter Planes
The Smart Connected Aircraft is about more than just IFEC, said Matthias Walther, manager of Integrated Marketing for Panasonic Avionics. While stakeholders fret over whether or not there’s a return on investment for next-gen airborne networking on the passenger-experience side, the operational side is a very different discussion. Walther described the process of “pro-active maintenance,” wherein individual IFEC units can tell the flight crew when they’re starting to fail. Ground crews can stand by with replacement parts to fix the faulty unit NASCAR-quick.
Fast maintenance means fast turnaround, upon which airlines rely.
Real-time weather sensors send data to a central hub in North Carolina, which “turns data into knowledge,” said Walther, kicking back instructions on rerouting should the need arise.
These chatty IFEC systems also monitor their own usage, delivering usage stats back to the airline. Walther said, “That way, the airline can make smarter content decisions” when it comes to what sorts of features on which to focus, and where to target their advertising efforts. This also enables a seamless global live TV-viewing experience, when the rights holders can come to an agreement. Walther said that 40,000 people were able to watch the most recent World Cup Final live (and see his native Germany win.)
Ambience, Evolved
It’s not just the screen. Panasonic is re-imagining the airline seat as a holistic experience-maker that can deliver not only movies and music, but mood lighting and wireless device-charging as well. Walther pointed out that mood lighting is serious business, and the right color can make in-flight meals look more appetizing. The most beautiful part? These prototype seats were dimensioned for coach class.
Getting Beautified
While Walther had to continue his marathon of meetings and interviews, the megabooth had plenty more tech to offer, from cameras to smart lighting. Noteworthy was a video-enabled smart-mirror straight out of Tony Stark’s bathroom. It can help you find just the right shades of eye shadow and rouge, then show you where to apply them.