Skycast Solutions Unveils PowerStreamer IFE Tablet Ahead of AIX
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Skycast Solutions thinks its tablets will appeal to airlines that want to offer a low-cost, flexible IFE solution.
Skycast Solutions has unveiled its latest in-flight entertainment (IFE) product, which will be on display at the Aircraft Interiors Expo next month in Hamburg. The Seattle-based company developed a family of low-cost Android-based portable devices called PowerStreamer.
The company initially plans to offer the IFE tablet devices in 8-inch and 10-inch variants. Both of these will be able to support 920 x 1200 or full HD resolutions.
“We can accommodate other size screens if mandated by an airline customer,” – Greg Latimer, Skycast Solutions
“We can accommodate other size screens if mandated by an airline customer,” explained Greg Latimer, president of Skycast Solutions. “But given the point of the PowerStreamer tablet is to offer a materially lager screen than personal phones, we don’t anticipate anything smaller than an 8-inch screen.”
The tablets also feature a built-in USB cord, which eliminates battery issues for airlines with in-seat power outlets.
Skycast Solutions selected IdeaNova to provide the tablets’ ready-to-go software. Latimer said it has already been approved by studios and is being used by multiple airline customers that offer the company’s existing tablet-based IFE solutions.
Airline customers will be able to customize the look and feel of the user interface, such as offering the device in a streaming-only mode and will also offer the ability to delete all previous data when shutting down the tablet. “If deployed in ‘streaming only’ mode, the user interface will be a simple and fool-proof re-direct to the onboard server offerings. If stored content is required, that will be held on a local SD card,” Latimer explained.
“We know the cost pressures on airlines are bruising so our tablets are geared to be an ultra-low-cost option but one that can significantly improve the passenger experience.” – Greg Latimer, Skycast Solutions
Latimer said he thinks PowerStreamer tablets will appeal to airlines because they’re a flexible IFE option – they can be deployed fleet-wide, on select aircraft or routes, or in select classes of service. “We know the cost pressures on airlines are bruising so our tablets are geared to be an ultra-low-cost option but one that can significantly improve the passenger experience,” he said. “We also believe in minimizing investment risk and avoiding systems that require certification. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach with us. We are all ex-airline employees at SkyCast, so we know every airline is different.”
Skycast Solutions will showcase its PowerStreamer tablets at Booth 3C50 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, April 2-4.