Elo Adds Android Modules To Retail-Centric Touch Displays

January 25, 2016 by Dave Haynes

On the heels of Panasonic announcing a System on Chip pro display panel comes word that Elo – among the oldest and biggest companies involved in touchscreen tech – now has ARM-based micro computer modules paired with some of its displays, running Android.

This new Android Elo Computer Module (Android ECM) accessory, says the Silicon Valley company, is available for 32”-70” interactive signage displays, providing a secure, all-in-one solution for content delivery and device management. Additionally, location-based services can be enabled with iBeacon technology. The high-performance, commercial-grade computer module, coupled with the EloView cloud-based management software, transforms Elo’s large-format interactive digital displays into a complete interactive platform.

The Android ECM, is now shipping and is aimed at the retail market.

The module is not an embedded system on chip set-up. It slides into the back of the touchscreen display “to deliver the industry’s thinnest commercial-grade, all-in-one Android touch computer at 32-inch, 42-inch, 55-inch or 70-inch screen sizes. AC power, video and USB signals pass between the computer module and the Elo IDS touch display via an internal docking connector.”

This appears to be an entirely contained platform. In other words, if you have Android signage software, it doesn’t look like you can buy one of these Elo touch panels and port your software on it. Wisely, it could be argued, Elo wants more out of the sale than just the skimpy margin from selling the panel.

EloView is a device management, content delivery and auto-deployment platform. It has a modular architecture for integration with content management systems, point of sale (POS) software partners and mobile device management (MDM) systems. The Android ECM, coupled with EloView and Elo’s large-format touchscreen digital signage products, enables omnichannel consistency by allowing customers to leverage their existing responsive websites, mobile digital content and apps with minimal investment and development time.