Thales has just announced that they will implementing the Android OS in their new Touch Passenger Media Unit (TouchPMU) that will make flights much more enjoyable.
“The TouchPMU is a breakthrough for Thales and for the industry. It is a very powerful device that will provide airlines tremendous flexibility on what they offer their passengers and how they can engage with them. I am very excited about how this product and the integration of Android® will continue to evolve and build more innovative applications,†said Alan Pellegrini, Managing Director for the Thales In-Flight Entertainment business.
Features of the Thales TPMU include:
- Android OS
- 3.8 inch LCD display
- 800 X 480 Resolution
- Capacitive touchscreen
- Adobe Flash Player
- ARM Cortex Processor
- Multitouch capabilities
- 3D graphics acceleration
Designed to be both a stand-alone media device as well as a controller for the seat display, the Touch Pad Media Unit simply opens up a new category of products. Check out the video below to see this device in action.
That’s not all folks! Panasonic also has unveiled their Android-based device which will bring Thales some competition as it will bring in-flight entertainment to a whole new level.
“The reason for going down this road [and using Android] is the same reason we were in Linux instead of Windows. This stuff is open and relatively easy to get to and do your own drivers,” says Panasonic Avionics CEO Paul Margis.
Check out the video below to see what they plan on bringing to the table.
Anyone else going to book a random flight to check these little guys out when they become available?
