1.4.2017
The blurring lines between computers, kiosks, and store signs even further in 2017
The latest technological trends in marketing communications are becoming so advanced, that keeping up with the trends is starting to become easier. How so? Because of how much the new tools and toys can do.
When it comes to digital signage, the forms and functions of computers, kiosks, and, yes, signs are starting to overlap. They only truly difficult aspect of keeping up with the merging technologies lies in identifying which piece of technology, technically, is which.
Top of the line laptops are now launching 2-in-1 models
A brief history:
For years, there were laptops, and there were tablets. They were separate. They performed different tasks. It was easy to tell them apart.
Then tablets started acting more like kiosks with the inclusion of touch screens. They were okay, but they were not threat to power laptops. To use the touch screen technology, tablets essentially had to put all their resources into making it feel something other than clunky.
But, then Microsoft started taking the 2-in-1 tablet and making it into more of a laptop with the launch of their Surface line. They were novel, but more of a novelty when it came to true performance.
Then in 2016, one day before Apple had their big event to announced their update lines of MacBook Pros with their Touch Bars (to mixed reviews, but hold that great thought. More on that later), Microsoft held an event where they took their top-of-the-line laptops and kiosk and supercharged them, making them competitors to the MacBook Pro – the top selling laptop on the market. Not to be outdone, Microsoft also released a competitor to Apple’s previously unparalleled iMac. Called the Surface Studio, the new machine gives its users all the power and big screen elegance along with compact simplicity that can be found with the iMac, but then they made the huge screen into a touch screen.
The Surface Studio is essentially a supercomputer that interacts like a kiosk and is big enough to use as store signage.
And if that wasn’t enough. Dell is taking full advantage of Apple’s decision not to enter the 2-in-1 laptop market, leaving it for their iPads, they essentially put all their chips on the table with the technology.
Dell just announced an incredible upgrade to their new XPS 13 – already considered by many to be the top alternative to the MacBook Pro 13"
Their newest XPS 13 will not only be infused with the latest hardware and graphics but will be a true 2-in-1 laptop with a 4K touch screen. This makes it a top-performing business laptop, a tablet, and a kiosk.
Graphics technology is ever improving, making it more affordable…
The improving technology is making it easier for other companies to enter the market. That means more and more machines will be looking to fuse the technologies. That’s going to make it more affordable for everyone.
…and durable. Ever more durable.
And even if they do break, most all these newly-merging technological wonders have warranties that span several years, meaning you’re not out of pocket for repairs. You might be down for a couple days, but you wouldn’t have to replace them while under warranty.
And the crux of the point: because the technology is improving, their durability is improving along with it. This means instead of having to purchase a lot of specialty machines, computers, kiosks, and monitors to connect stores, the hardware stores and business need to create an interactive experience can be simplified because these new machines have the endurance to handle all the tasks.
It essentially becomes a world of computers and signs, for now.
Who knows, maybe computers will become so big that not only will they do the jobs of kiosks and tablets, but they’ll be placed on the tops of buildings and act as signage as well.
Nah!
But, with the way screens are going, the future of signage is going to light up the night, literally.
