Last updated on December 04, 2019

Compatible devices & operating systems

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. Basic devices will be able to playback a single basic sign channel, a single playlist channel, perform simple device tasks (e.g., download logs or restart app), and playback streamed content (e.g. live video stream). Advanced devices, in addition will be able to playback custom interactive channels, handle landscape and portrait modes, and have the ability to store content locally for offline playback with support for optimal load times and much more. Please refer to specifications for each device on their respective websites for more details on device capabilities.

Important

Please refer to our An Introduction to Devices in Appspace guide to find out more about choosing the right device and in-depth introduction to the types of supported devices that are ideal for your signage solutions.

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, as listed on this page.

Note

While we perform extensive testing in our labs, and you may use devices that have similar specifications to the ones we have tested, 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

We have categorized devices based on devices that run on our full-fledged Appspace App, and devices that have customized integrations with Appspace:


Appspace App supported devices:


Devices for Appspace integrations and solutions:

Note

For detailed specifications you will be taken to the manufacturer’s website.

Appspace App supported devices

Listed below are operating systems and devices that are fully compatible with the Appspace App.


Android

Ideal For Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Reference Models & Specifications
Smartphones, tablets and TVs
  • Android 5.0.0 Lollipop
  • Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
 Appspace 6.1
  • Samsung Tab 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S

  • 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.


  • How to Configure:

    Please refer to the Install Appspace App on Android article.


BrightSign

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications
TVs BrightSign XT Series 3 XT1143 v 6.2.147 / v 8.0.48 Appspace 6.1 See full specification
XT243 See full specification
BrightSign XD Series 3 XD1033 See full specification
XD233 See full specification
BrightSign HD Series 3 HD1023 See full specification
HD223 See full specification
BrightSign LS Series 3 LS423 See full specification
BrightSign XT Series 4 XT1144 v 7.1.65 / v 8.0.48 See full specification
BrightSign XD Series 4 XD1034 See full specification
BrightSign HD Series 4 HD1024 See full specification

Important

If you wish to upgrade existing BrightSign devices running the Appspace App to OS version 8.0, the Appspace App must be updated to version 1.46 first, before the device firmware is updated to version 8. This is crucial to prevent the local storage from being wiped off due to the architectural changes on the location of the local storage for BrightSign OS 8.

  • 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 XT4, XT3, and XD3 devices.
    • The XT4 devices are designed to support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for displaying vibrant colors with our App’s HTML5 engine.
    • Good multicast video playback on all BrightSign devices.
    • Power over Ethernet (PoE) support on XT4 and 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).
    • 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; you must add the Custom.media.video.layerindex property to your device.
    • The LS Series 3 models are rather low-power devices, and therefore it is recommended to use only simple images and cards without animation, with transitions disabled.

  • Bottom Line:

    BrightSign devices are purpose-built for digital signage and kiosks. The company’s Series 4 redesign shows its commitment to customer experience and reliability.


  • How to Configure:

    Please refer to the Install Appspace App on BrightSign article.


Chrome OS

Ideal For Device Manufacturers Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications
TVs AOPEN AOPEN Chromebox Commercial Chrome OS 74 Appspace 6.0 See full specification
AOPEN Chromebase Commercial See full specification
ASUS ASUS Chromebox See full specification
ASUS Chromebit See full specification

Important

  • We recommend pinning Chrome based devices at Chrome OS version 74 for Appspace App to work seamlessly.

  • We recommend using Google Chrome Enterprise, previously Chrome Device Management (CDM) to manage your devices. We currently only support issues that arise on Appspace App if the device is managed via a CDM.

    For more information, visit please the latest Appspace App release notes.

  • Strengths:

    • Industry-leading HTML5 compatibility.
    • Google Chrome Device Manager (CDM) for large scale deployments.
    • Class-leading browser, resulting in high reliability
    • Strong performance for h.264/MP4 video formats.
    • Configuration for single-app/kiosk mode.
    • 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.

  • 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 Chromebox or Chromebox Commercial is the way to go).


  • How to Configure:


iOS

Ideal For Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Reference Models & Specifications
iOS-based smartphones and tablets
  • iOS 10
  • iOS 11
 Appspace 6.1
  • iPad
  • iPad Mini

  • 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.


  • How to Configure:

    Please refer to the Install Appspace App on iOS article.


LG webOS

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications
TVs SM5KC series 32SM5KC webOS 3.7 / v 4.73.60 Appspace 6.2 See full specification
SM5KD series 43SM5KD webOS 3.3 / v 4.02.20 See full specification
SM5KE series 43SM5KE webOS 4.0 / v 4.01.60 See full specification

Note

For TV-based models, please ensure that commercial grade signage models with WebOS 3.0+ are chosen for optimum performance results.

  • 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.


  • How to Configure:

    Please refer to the Install Appspace App on LG webOS article.


MediaVue

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications

TVs /

Video Wall

 SureVue SureVue D1

Linux / v 1.3.0

Chromium v 56.0.2924.59

 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.
    • Ideal for video wall setup.
    • 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.


  • How to Configure:

    Please refer to the Install Appspace App on MediaVue article.


Samsung Smart Signage Platform (SSSP)

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications
TVs Samsung SSP QBN series QB43N Samsung SSP 6.0 Tizen 4 / v 1120.6 Appspace 6.0 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 in UHD resolution.
    • Use the Samsung TV remote 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 suitable consideration.


Windows 10/ Universal Windows Platform (UWP)

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models 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.


  • How to Configure:

    Please refer to the Install Appspace App on Universal Windows Platform article.


Cisco Interactive Experience Platform (IEC)

Important

The Interactive Experience Client 4650 (IEC) device is now supported and managed by Cisco’s partner Moderro.

Customers who wish to experience the benefits of the next evolution of the Appspace App may use the Appspace Progressive Web App available via all browsers. However, please contact Moderro for information and support.

If purchasing devices from Cisco, please that we support these new Cisco Collaboration Endpoints.


Devices for Appspace integrations and solutions

Listed below are devices that are integrated with Appspace, and are ideal for the customized functions stated.


Cisco Collaboration Endpoints

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications
Wallpaper & Signage Mode Cisco Webex Room series Room 55 CE 9.4 or later (if registered on CUCM) / Latest RoomOS (if registered on Webex Cloud) Appspace 7.0 See full specification
Room 70 See full specification
Room Kit See full specification
Room Kit Mini See full specification
Room Kit Plus See full specification
Room Kit Pro See full specification
Cisco Webex Board series Board 55 See full specification
Board 70 See full specification
Board 85s See full specification
Wallpaper only Cisco Webex Desktop series DX80 CE 9.4 or later (if registered on CUCM) / Latest RoomOS (if registered on Webex Cloud) Appspace 7.0 See full specification
Cisco TelePresence MX series MX200 See full specification
MX300 See full specification
MX700 See full specification
MX800 See full specification
Cisco TelePresence SX series SX20 See full specification
SX80 See full specification

  • Strengths:

    • The Collaboration Endpoint devices are already in place as they are used for video conferencing. The Appspace integrations bring additional features to existing infrastructure to enhance corporate communication.
    • The Appspace integrations do not interfere with Cisco functionality.
    • Appspace leverages the existing Cisco macro functions to easily register the endpoint to the Appspace console.
    • Appspace does not just change the wallpaper but provides the end user with a lot of the features that are traditionally available only on digital signage devices, like the ability to schedule content, use Alerts and create good looking content by leveraging Appspace Cards.

  • Challenges:

    • Currently the integration requires an external Appspace App supported device, known as a caching device, which is responsible for uploading the content to the endpoints. The caching device needs to access the Appspace Cloud and be on the same local network as the endpoints.
    • Mass registration requires a desktop tool developed by Cisco to install the macro.

  • Bottom Line:

    • The Cisco Collaboration Endpoints are purpose-built for conference rooms. The wallpaper is a secondary feature, hence, content should be limited to using images and cards only. Alternately turn on Signage mode.
    • Other than a few Appspace App supported devices that are responsible for the content sync, there is no new hardware investment necessary as the display devices are already in place.

  • How to Configure:

    Please refer to Configure wallpaper for Cisco Collaboration Endpoints.


Crestron

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications
Room Scheduling TSS TSS-7 v 2.002.0048 Appspace 7.0 See full specification
TSS-10 See full specification

Huddle spaces /

In-room signage

 AirMedia AM-200 v 1.3975.00025 See full specification
AM-300 See full specification
In-room signage Mercury Mercury v 1.3705.00093 See full specification

  • Strengths:

    • Crestron develops its own hardware, firmware, and management software.
    • Proprietary device management platform is available from Crestron, offering additional hardware management tools (like automatic firmware updates).
    • Mercury and AirMedia devices are already in place as they are used for video-conferencing and screen sharing. The Appspace integration brings additional features to the existing infrastructure to enhance corporate communication.
    • The TSS device, with a slim, fan-less design is ideal for room booking locations, either mounted outside the room or on a stand inside.
    • The TSS device is PoE so it does not need a separate power source.
    • The Appspace App is part of the Crestron firmware, so the setup is easy as the feature just needs to be enabled. No separate installation needed.

  • Challenges:

    • The Crestron devices stream all content from Appspace, so if it reboots while the network is out then it cannot be used until the network connection is restored.

  • Bottom Line:

    • Crestron Mercury and AirMedia devices are purpose-built for conference rooms. Digital signage is a secondary feature, hence, content should be limited to simple signage by using images and cards only.
    • Crestron TSS panels are purpose-built for interactive room booking. The content should be limited to the Room Schedule card only.

  • How to Configure:


iAdea

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications
iAdea Smart Signboards N/A XDS 1078

v 2.0.2-45

7.1.1 Nougat

 6.1 See full specification

  • Strengths:

    • iAdea develops its own hardware, firmware, and management software.
    • The Adea Smart Signboard device, with a slim, fan-less design while incorporating programable LED side lights for immediate visible communication of room status is ideal for room booking locations, especially when mounted outside the room.
    • The iAdea Smart Signboard device is PoE so it does not need a separate power source.

  • Challenges:

    • The iAdea Smart Signboards devices stream all content from Appspace, so if it reboots while the network is out then it cannot be used until the network connection is restored.

  • Bottom Line:

    • iAdea Smart Signboards devices are purpose-built for interactive room booking. The content should be limited to the Room Schedule card only.

  • How to Configure:


Mersive

Ideal For Device Series Reference Models Operating System/Firmware Minimum Appspace Version Specifications

Huddle spaces /

In-room signage

 Solstice Pod Solstice Pod Gen 2i v 4.0.11716 6.1 See full specification
Solstice Pod Gen 3 See full specification

  • Strengths:

    • Mersive develops its own hardware, firmware, and management software.
    • Proprietary device management platform is available from Mersive, offering additional hardware management tools.
    • Mersive devices are already in place as they are used for video-conferencing and screen sharing. The Appspace integration brings additional features to the existing infrastructure to enhance corporate communication.
    • Quick setup by just enabling the digital signage feature, and entering the Appspace App (PWA) link.

  • Challenges:

    • The Mersive devices stream all content from Appspace, so if it reboots while the network is out then it cannot be used until the network connection is restored.
    • Only the Mersive Solstice Pod Gen 3 device is PoE so it does not need a separate power source.

  • Bottom Line:

    • Mersive devices are purpose-built for conference rooms. Digital signage is a secondary feature, hence, content should be limited to simple signage by using images and cards only.

  • How to Configure:


Note

If you are looking for legacy devices, please go to the Configure legacy devices article.