ng Connect Program Announces Human Kiosk

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The ng Connect Program has announced a new Proof of Concept developed by The MediaTile Company, a provider of cellular digital signage and SaaS management solutions, in collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent.
 
The “HumanKiosk” prototype is a digital signage solution with integrated 4GVideoPresence technology that will enable brands, retailers, and other vendors to influence millions of consumers where and when they shop. It combines out-of-home digital promotions with a simple way to connect personally with consumers purchasing products, in-store, at their point of decision.
 
The HumanKiosk leverages 4G/LTE technology to deliver a live, 2-way in-store video session between a consumer with a product question, and a representative of that product or service. For example, a customer seeking information about a prescription after their in-store pharmacist has left for the day, can simply tap the touch screen to establish a live visual and audio connection with a pharmacist or product expert at another location. Setting up the fully integrated solution requires nothing more than a standard power outlet. It can be easily deployed into thousands of retail, service and other locations consumers regularly visit. With 4G/LTE technology, no on-site networking infrastructure or IT services for deployment or management are required to set up and use the HumanKiosk.
 
The HumanKiosk, with its 4GVideoPresence capabilities is just one of the many digital signage configurations possible using 4G/LTE technology. With a large bandwidth, and persistent IP-connection, 4G/LTE-equipped digital signs support a variety of rich media services including on-demand video requests, live emergency video broadcasts, 1-to-many broadcasts, 1-to-1 broadcasts, rich-media services, and other significant communication enhancements. All of this brings viewers and promoters closer together, and because 4G/LTE services are completely independent of existing on-site terrestrial or Wi-Fi networks, no on-site support and management is required.
 
“With more than 155 million estimated viewers each month in the U.S. now watching digital signage networks as part of their daily routine, adding 4G/LTE into the equation means these viewers will be able to ‘interact’ directly with the vendors whose products are on screen,” said Simon Wilson, CEO of The MediaTile Company. “4G/LTE and technologies such as 4GVideoPresence will fundamentally change the digital signage market as we know it today, and allow brands to re-engage and interact with consumers in a more personal, face-to-face manner.”
 
“By adding 4G/LTE networking directly into digital signage solutions such as those developed by ng Connect member MediaTile, network operators will be able to provide a new level of experiential content for their customers,” said Derek Kuhn, Vice President, Emerging Technology and Media Group, Alcatel-Lucent, a founding member of the ng Connect Program. “With more and more customers deploying 3G networks today, providing a built-in roadmap to the future with 4G/LTE adds tremendous business value and investment protection to digital signage about which customers are already ecstatic.”