Compatible operating systems and devices
There is a broad range of devices on the market today that are compatible with the Appspace App. We have chosen to integrate with industry-leading platforms to provide an extensive range of devices to meet different use cases and budgets. During our assessments, we consider playback performance requirements, physical dimensions, hardware features, and price points. However, not all devices are created equal, but that’s ok. Devices range from basic to advanced in their capabilities, and the most important thing is to pick a device that matches your requirements.
Below is a set of typical requirements that help define basic or advanced devices. While it is not an exhaustive list, it will help provide context for the more detailed assessments we have made for each compatible device in this article.
| Basic Devices | Advanced Devices – same as basic devices, plus: |
|---|---|
| Playback of a single basic sign channel. | Interactive viewing of channels. |
| Playback of a single playlist channel. | Local storage for offline playback. |
| Perform simple device tasks (e.g., download logs or restart app). | Optimal media load times. |
| Playback of streamed content (e.g. live video stream). | Playback of landscape and portrait channels. |
| Playback of custom channels (i.e. advanced signs). | |
| Peripheral support (e.g. keyboard/mouse). |
Please note that because of the significant number of devices running some of the operating systems we support, and the range of manufacturing standards for those devices, we can only assure the compatibility of devices, the OS, and the firmware versions that we actively test.
While we perform extensive testing in our labs, we always recommend that customers work with a systems integrator or Appspace reseller to ensure that the target devices are suitable for your deployment and meet the needs of your specific use case(s). If you do not have such a partner, please contact us and we’ll be happy to make some introductions.
Operating Systems
Note
For detailed specifications you will be taken to the manufacturer’s website.
Chrome OS
| Ideal For | Device Manufacturers | Reference Models | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVs | AOPEN | AOPEN Chromebox Commercial | Chrome OS 61 | Appspace 6.0 | See full specification |
| AOPEN Chromebase Commercial | See full specification | ||||
| ASUS | ASUS Chromebox | See full specification | |||
| ASUS Chromebit | See full specification | ||||
| HP | HP Chromebox | See full specification | |||
| Samsung | Samsung Chromebox | See full specification |
Strengths:
- Industry-leading HTML5 compatibility.
- Class-leading browser, resulting in high reliability
- Strong performance for h.264/MP4 video formats.
- Configuration for single-app/kiosk mode.
- Google Chrome Device Manager (CDM) available for large scale deployments.
- Great option for cloud deployments.
Challenges:
- Limited video format support (e.g., no multicast support, no support for video formats other than .mp4 h.264).
- Support for RS232 and PoE on limited devices.
- CDM licenses required at a fee.
- Does not support on-premises deployments.
Bottom Line:
Chrome OS sets the standard for HTML5 compatibility. Chrome devices are highly compatible with Appspace features and functions. However, performance may vary depending on hardware specifications (i.e., a Chromebit is ideal for basic signage deployments; but for more rigorous performance requirements, a Chomebox or Chromebox Commercial is the way to go).
Windows 10/ Universal Windows Platform (UWP)
| Ideal For | Device Series | Reference Models | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10-based tablets, PCs and TVs | Windows 10 / UWP | Microsoft Surface Pro 4 | Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, Education | Appspace 6.1 | See full specification |
| PC Desktop or Notebook | See full specification |
Strengths:
- Windows 10 operates on a wide variety of displays, TVs, and tablets.
- Strong performance when minimum hardware specifications are met.
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments.
Challenges:
- A large variety of hardware manufacturers and firmware specifications, some of which may not enable Appspace to perform as well as the reference models above.
- Not all versions of Windows 10 can run kiosk mode, which is typically a mandatory requirement when deploying.
- Customers may find differences in the rendering of web content due to the reliance on the Edge browser.
- The generic nature of Windows 10 OS may require extra work from Systems Administrators when preparing and automating the deployment. Customers are encouraged to apply their own standards and tools to OS automation, lockdown, and updates.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking to deploy Appspace on a wide variety of devices using a single OS, then you should consider Windows 10 as a serious option. However, we do recommend sticking with known brand manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and others of similar size.
Android
| Ideal For | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Reference Models & Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android-based smartphones, tablets and TVs |
|
Appspace 6.0 |
|
Strengths:
- Android operates on a wide variety of devices and TVs.
- Strong performance when minimum hardware specifications are met.
- Deployment and updates are made easy through an MDM (Mobile Device Management) service.
- On smartphones and tablets, the Appspace App can run as a standard app that is launched by the user.
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments.
- Most devices are attractively priced.
Challenges:
- Requires MDM (Mobile device management) software when used in device mode. However, this is extremely advisable when deploying Android.
- Android devices do not come with a common hardware specification, so it is advisable to check compatibility before purchasing.
Bottom Line:
If you wish to deploy Appspace on a wide variety of devices using a single OS, then you should consider Android a serious option.
iOS
| Ideal For | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Reference Models & Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS-based smartphones and tablets |
|
Appspace 6.1 |
|
Strengths:
- Apple develops its own hardware, firmware, and software.
- The Appspace App can run as a standard app that is launched by the user, or in single app/kiosk mode.
- Excellent single app experience on tablets.
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments.
Challenges:
- Requires MDM (Mobile device management) software when used in device mode. However, this is extremely advisable when deploying iOS.
- Customers may find differences in the rendering of web content due to iOS devices relying on the Safari browser.
Bottom Line:
If you wish to deploy Appspace to keep your teams up to date with what’s going on, then the Appspace App for iOS is going to be a big part of this deployment.
MediaVue
| Ideal For | Device Series | Reference Models | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVs | SureVue | SureVue D1 | Linux / v1.2.4 | Appspace 6.0 | See full specification |
| SureVue D2 | See full specification | ||||
| SureVue D4/D6 | See full specification |
Strengths:
- Purpose-built HTML5 devices.
- A range of devices to meet different performance and configuration requirements.
- Good 4K and multicast video playback performance.
- Proprietary device management platform available from MediaVue, offering additional hardware management tools.
- Devices come preloaded with the Appspace App.
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments.
Challenges:
- There is a fee for MediaVue’s device management platform. However, this approach is not uncommon.
Bottom Line:
MediaVue devices are purpose-built for digital signage, kiosks, and video walls, and are highly compatible with Appspace features and functions no matter the use case or deployment environment.
BrightSign Series 3
| Ideal For | Device Series | Reference Models | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVs | BrightSign XT Series 3 | XT1143 | v 6.2.63 | Appspace 6.0 | See full specification |
| XT243 | See full specification | ||||
| BrightSign XD Series 3 | XD1033 | v 6.2.63 | Appspace 6.0 | See full specification | |
| XD233 | See full specification | ||||
| BrightSign HD Series 3 | HD1023 | v 6.2.94 | Appspace 6.1 | See full specification | |
| HD223 | See full specification | ||||
| BrightSign LS Series 3 | LS423 | v 6.2.94 | Appspace 6.1 | See full specification |
Strengths:
- BrightSign develops its own hardware, firmware, and software.
- A slim, fan-less design is ideal for even the most challenging environments.
- Good 4K video playback performance on the XT3 and XD3 devices.
- Good multicast video playback on all BrightSign devices.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) support on XT3 devices.
- A range of devices to meet different performance and configuration requirements.
- OPS module provides slot-in compatibility with several leading manufacturer’s display products (e.g., NEC, Avnu).
- Proprietary device management platform available from BrightSign, offering additional hardware management tools.
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments.
Challenges:
- A microSD card must be purchased separately for each BrightSign device. BrightSign is working on a solution for Appspace customers.
- To display text on top of video requires some workarounds. Click for more info.
Bottom Line:
BrightSign devices are purpose-built for digital signage and kiosks. The company’s Series 3 redesign shows its commitment to customer experience and reliability.
LG webOS 3.0
| Ideal For | Device Series | Reference Models | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVs | SM5KC series | 32SM5KC | webOS 3.0 / v 4.30.40 | Appspace 6.2 | See full specification |
Strengths:
- As a System-on-Chip (SoC) TV solution, customers do not have to purchase a separate media player device.
- Supports the majority of Appspace platform features and functions.
- Good multicast video playback.
- Compatible with Appspace device tasks.
- Use the LG TV remote control to navigate the Appspace App.
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments.
Challenges:
- Performance issues on some transitions. By default, transitions are disabled.
Bottom Line:
If you wish to deploy an affordable all-in-one TV and media player solution, then this is a serious consideration. In use cases where smooth transitions between video content are required, we would recommend a separate media player option.
Samsung
Important
As part of our ongoing commitment to user experience, we are planning significant app enhancements by the end of 2017. Following careful evaluation, the Samsung SSP 3.0 platform will not be able to handle many of these impending enhancements. As a result, Appspace will not support SSP 3.0 on the next evolution of the Appspace App.
Customers who wish to experience the benefits of the next evolution of the Appspace App will need to choose a different device platform that is compatible with the Appspace App. More details will be available closer to the time. When the Appspace App transitions to a new experience, technical support for the Samsung SSP 3.0 platform will continue for twelve (12) months.
| Ideal For | Device Series | Reference Models | Minimum Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVs | Samsung SSP DBE/DME/DHE/UDE-P/DME-BR series | DM40E | Samsung Smart Signage Platform (SSSP) 3.0 / v1026.6 | Appspace 6.0 | See full specification |
| DM32E | See full specification |
Strengths:
- As a System-on-Chip (SoC) TV solution, customers do not have to purchase a separate media player device
- Good for displaying full-screen images and text
- Use the Samsung TV remote to navigate the Appspace App
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments
Challenges:
- Displaying HTML5-based Appspace cards requires workarounds.
- Performance issues on some transitions. By default, transitions are disabled.
Bottom Line:
If you wish to deploy an affordable all-in-one TV and media player solution, then this is a suitable consideration. Performance is good for basic digital signage, however, in use cases where smooth transitions between video content are required, we would recommend a separate media player option. Other Appspace platform features (e.g. HTML5 cards and channel browsing through the Appspace App) may also suffer from a sub-optimal performance. We are aware of an updated version of Tizen scheduled for release in late 2017, and at that time we will explore its suitability with the Appspace App. We will base our decision to support that version on its technical feasibility and market demand.
Cisco 4650 / IEC
Important
On June 19, 2017, Cisco announced that it would no longer develop or support the Interactive Experience Client 4650 (IEC) device. Instead, Cisco partner Moderro would take over the management and support of the solution. It is still unclear what the roadmap is for the platform so, at this time, we cannot recommend this solution. Accordingly, we have suspended support for new deployments of Appspace with the Cobra-based IEC. For more information about the Cisco-Moderro transaction and what it means, please go here.
For current Appspace customers, who have already deployed the Appspace App on the Cisco IEC platform, please be advised that as part of our ongoing commitment to user experience, we are planning significant app enhancements by the end of 2017. Following careful evaluation, the IEC will not be able to handle many of these impending enhancements. As a result, Appspace will not support the IEC on the next evolution of the Appspace App.
Customers who wish to experience the benefits of the next evolution of the Appspace App will need to choose a different device platform that is compatible with the Appspace App. More details will be available closer to the time. When the Appspace App transitions to a new experience, technical support for the IEC will continue for twelve (12) months.
| Ideal For | Device Series | Reference Models | Operating System/Firmware | Minimum Appspace Version | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVs | Cisco IEC 4600 Series | IEC-4650 | Cisco Interactive Experience Platform / v2.3.4b (build 5.354.406) / Cobra browser | Appspace 6.0 | See full specification |
Strengths:
- Purpose-built HTML5 device.
- Good for displaying full-screen images and text.
- Ideal for both cloud and on-premises Appspace deployments.
Challenges:
- There is a fee for other components required to run a Cisco IEC deployment, including the Cisco Interactive Experience Manager (IEM) server software, server hardware, software licenses, and a support agreement.
- Uses a proprietary Cobra browser that is not fully HTML5 compatible.
- Displaying HTML5-based cards requires workarounds.
- Performance issues on some transitions (e.g. video-video, video-image, and image-video).
Bottom Line:
Performance is good for basic digital signage, however, in use cases where smooth transitions between video content are required, we would recommend a different media player option. Other Appspace platform features (e.g. HTML5 cards and channel browsing through the Appspace App) may also suffer from a sub-optimal performance.
Note
If you are looking for legacy devices, please go to the Legacy devices section.