The New Year has arrived and with it comes optimism for the upcoming year for the self-service industry.

Technology is constantly advancing and sectors undergo trends which can be easily predicted based on the latest gadgets and gizmos.

Here at Protouch kiosk manufacturers, we strive to be up-to-date with the latest industry news.

The KioskMarketplace.com has scoured the industry to talk to experts on what the major trends for 2012 might be and the findings reveal that;

- The retail sector is to embrace the technology the most

- Mobile technology will rise

- The health care industry will cut costs by deploying technology

- Vending machines

RETAIL;

Touch screen kiosks are extremely beneficial for many areas but the retail and consumer good division is particularly helpful. According to the new verdicts, retailers will clinch kiosk solutions and tablets more than ever before and invest in the technology to increase growth.

An in-store kiosk can display information on products that are only available online and by being deployed on the floor; consumers can interact and look through transactions easily and quickly. They are also a great alternative due to low cost maintenance.

MOBILE;

The trend of mobile is already present but this is set to grow in the upcoming year with smartphone technology being the instrument that transcends all platforms for convenience and allows the shopper the greatest experience at home and on the move.

HEALTH CARE;

The UK government has cut a lot of public spending in order to tackle the country’s deficit and in a bid to reduce costs; the health care sector will reap self-service technology.

Only last year did we save around £80,000 at The Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust after it deployed check-in and information kiosks from Protouch.

VENDING MACHINES;

There have been multiple examples of touch screen vending kiosks such as wine dispensing kiosks, ice cream dispensing technology, bread distributing and rail ticketing. Industry experts forecast that more vending kiosks will arise over 2012.

The concept of being environmentally friendly and having a positive impact on the earth is a huge aspect of any business nowadays. And many industry sectors in the UK have placed an emphasis and drive to reducing its carbon footprint and becoming ‘green’.

Trading firms are striving to be eco-friendly alongside retailers, banks and health services but it has been claimed that the self-service sector is lagging behind in going conservational.

However, it is arguable that touch screen technology is already trying to be environmentally friendly. There are many kiosks and digital signage on the market that are made out of recycled and renewal materials and there are numerous manufactured kiosks that specifically help the environment.

Here at Protouch we have written several posts on kiosks aiding the world. Information units have been installed in varying countries across the globe to offer help and advice to consumers on how to help the environment and manage the unit’s power and energy consumption; and there is evidence of solar powered touch screens.

Back in 2010 Pepsi announced an innovate strategy to fight
pollution and encourage recycling through the use of intelligent kiosks; and in 2009 a self-service kiosk was created to recycle old mobile phones.

Kiosks do promote ‘greener’ issues by educating and communicating with the public. Only last weekend when a member of our team came back from a holiday and landed at Manchester Airport in the UK, did they notice some deployed touch screen monitors by the train station to inform travellers on how they can be more sustainable.

All industries can continually progress and do better to be conservational but it does take time and there are stepping stones to cross. The self-service sector, like many others, is determined to do its part to reduce the world’s overall carbon footprint; we’ll all just have to wait and see what it brings.

Pic Credit: Inventor Spot

A common technology trend that is expected to come into fruition over the next few years is facial recognition.

The director of Intel’s Retail Marketing and Communications unit, Christopher O’Malley, has argued that facial recognition technology will become extremely population as a tool to provide shoppers with more targeted information in-stores.

It involves the scanning of consumers’ faces to determine the approximate age and gender in which then certain products can be displayed on the kiosk interface dependent on that shopper’s specific profile.

A number of brands have already jumped on the band wagon such as Kraft and Adidas and they have already deployed the software in-stores to improve customer experience. It has already been adopted in countries like Japan and is installed in industry sectors like retail (shops), hospitality (restaurants) and entertainment (theme parks).

The technology can be used on kiosks, walls and digital signage and works for example, by advertising a female consumer in her fifties a range of goods that are suitable for her age and lifestyle. Adidas’s Vice Present of Global Retail Marketing, Chris Aubrey, says that “if a retailer can offer the right products quickly, people are more likely to buy something.”

Accurate demographic and lifestyle information is therefore vital for this technology to work e.g. a female aged between 25-29 years old is more likely to have children at home and so kids products can be suggested. Or a male in his sixties is prone to having more disposable income to buy luxury items like cars or gadgets.

The software has even been developed on social networking site Facebook, in which the tool automatically recognises people in photos put online to tag them in the picture.

Protouch cares about upcoming touch screen trends. As Europe’s leading manufacturer and distributor of touch screen technology, we are excited about future trends for kiosks and we work hard to be at the forefront of relevant industry news.

Touch screen technology is used in varying forms from kiosks, PCs and monitors to digital signage.

There are a vast array of interactive displays in sectors such as hospitals, airports, supermarkets and libraries. But as the technology advances, car companies and designers across Europe are predicting that in the not-too-distant future, multi-touch windows in cars will exist.

A car window is simply a clear glass panel on the vehicle windscreen to keep the wind and noise out for the driver’s comfort and acts as a safety shield from road debris.

To date the car window is a non-interactive glass panel that is static but car industry experts expect that just as laptop and TV interfaces are fast becoming touch screen, so will the car window. So soon people will be looking at windows rather than just looking through them!

For example, Toyota has collaborated with the Copenhagen Institute of Interactive Design to create the concept “Window to the World” in which car windows add an interactive layer to the scenery outside. At times the window allows the passenger to trace for example the outline of a sheep or cow but in other modes the screen estimates the distance of various objects from outside of the car.

The concept envisions the interactive window recognising objects like barns and bikes and offering vocabulary lessons in other languages. And the popular ‘pinch screen’ mode on many smartphones, in which the user can ‘pinch’ the screen to zoom in, would be available so the passenger could zoom in on objects in the distance of the car.

Glasgow University is undertaking a similar project with Fiat called “heads-up displays” in which computer-screen like windshields for the car driver display data such as fuel levels and speed so the driver doesn’t have to take his or her eyes off the road.

Another example is with Cadillac and Fusion92 who are working on interactive touchscreen car window stickers. The scheme is targeted at enhancing show rooms and it works by displaying the price and car features ordinarily but then when the customer walks by the car window, it comes to life making the glass a fully interactive touch screen kiosk. The prospective buyer can watch videos of the car in action, share information about the car over social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter and customise the car’s features.

Who knows what the future of touch screen technology will hold? Rest assured Protouch will keep you informed.

Following on from our recent post about self-service in health care, the Kioskmarketplace.com has published a white paper on industry findings as a whole.

Kiosks are used across a variety of sectors from education, retail, banking and more and it can be easy to concentrate on a specific category and analyse it individually. But what about the collective deployment of touch screen technology?

According to the Self-Service Future Trends 2011 report, produced by the Digital Screenmedia Association, the industry which will benefit the most from self-service in the next five years is;

- Retail (35.1%)

- Banking/financial (17.6%)

- Restaurant (12.8%)

- Healthcare (9.5%)

- Telecommunications (7.4%)

- Government (5.4%)

- Travel (5.4%)

- Entertainment/gaming (3.4%)

- Hotel/motel (3.4%)

So we have a prediction as to which industry divisions will profit the most from installing touch screen kiosks but what are the expectations as for spending on the self-service technology? More than 96% of respondents said they will spend the same amount or more on the technology in the next 12 months which is great news for businesses like us who manufacture and distribute touch screen units.

More precisely, 67.9% said their spending on self-service technology would increase over the next year, only 3.8% said that it would decrease and 28.2% remained the same. This is a fantastic indicator that despite difficult economic times, businesses are still focused on bettering customer experience and enhancing staff time management.

And the findings further get healthier in that firms believe spending on self-service technology over the course of five years will increase more than 86%. This optimism is enthralling for the future of kiosks, pcs and touch screen monitors.

So we know now that people will be considering self-service units in their businesses but what are the reasons why?

A trend which is becoming more and more popular as of late is the use of smartphones but industry experts argue that its future will complement rather than hinder kiosks.

Almost 70% of those surveyed said the reason they would ponder deploying touch screens is that the devices can increase efficiency and a further 65% said that the customer demand for its convenience was a reason alone.

The top findings also included;

- Just over 60% said customer demand for faster service

- 50% because self-service helps the bottom line

- Just over 40% said for customer demand for complete, accurate information

- Almost 40% as the devices can help brand the company

More answers were customer demand for privacy, courteous service and simply because the competitors are using self-service technologies.

To find out what type of touch screen kiosk would be best for your business, contact the experts at Protouch.

A trade show and expo is a fantastic opportunity to interact and network with potential clients as well as display your best performing kiosks.

Exhibitions are a brilliant way to get your brand noticed, maximise exposure and get possible sales that you wouldn’t necessarily have done beforehand. This is partially because you can reach a varying range of audiences but what use is hosting a stand if you are not going to shine out from your competition and draw attention?

Protouch is often sponsoring and exhibiting at prestigious and renowned tradeshows up and down the country. As Europe’s number one manufacturer and distributor of touch screen technology, we are often showcasing multifunctional and self-service kiosks in order to help companies find how kiosks can benefit their business and what advantages they can bring for customers.

The Kioskmarketplace.com has put together some top tips on making your kiosk stand pop out at a tradeshow. It is integral that a spectacle of sights and sounds is displayed to draw the crowds to your stand and therefore Protouch feature a vast array of different kiosks from all industry sectors.

- Promote through marketing

It is useless going to so much effort in your stand if no-one knows you are going to be there so use marketing tactics and social media ahead of the big day to let people know where and when you will be located in the show.

Distribute press release, write blogs, utilise social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter and increase the traffic to promote your stand.

- Dazzle in lights

They say never read a book by its cover but still people do. Presentation is key so attract audiences in with lights, colours, sounds and movement. You don’t have to host a bright pink stand to get attention but why not use flashing lights, shimmery fabric or a laser projection to give your stand that edge. Make a strong impression with a big banner and grab client’s focus quickly.

- Look professional

If you appear professional then people will assume you are professional and take your service seriously. A full suit is not necessarily needed but a smart top and trousers that are clean and crisp portray expertise.

- Stand up and be noticed

Don’t sit down on the job! It discourages people to visit your stand as it comes across that you’re disinterested and bored. Look lively and energetic and customers will want to talk to you. Be on your feet, interact with them and draw them into your stand; don’t make them do all the hard work. Make sure someone always mans the stand though and wear comfortable shoes.

Come check out Protouch at the Kiosk London Expo 2011 at the Barbican Centre on 19^th-20^th October and see their leading self-service kiosk solutions that are in demand; and find out how they can benefit your business.

Touch screen know-how and machinery is ever growing and more and more industries are taking advantage of its benefits and functions.

Here at Protouch HQ we found this super cool video of touch screen technology at its best and we just had to share it with you!

It is a kiosk called the “Emulator” and is said to revolutionise and be the future of the music and DJ’ing industry.

So what do you think of the Touch screen kiosk

? Let us know!

Credit: VLAD TV

Touch screen technology has developed and progressed so much over the past few years that now it is hard to go anywhere without seeing an interactive Kiosk.

Interactive displays surround consumers in supermarkets, hospitals, airports and libraries just to name a few and more sectors are jumping on the band wagon and reaping the benefits of touch screen technology, as well as advancing a customer’s experience.

As consumer need grows, the technology needs to reflect this and enhance to keep up to speed with the demand.

Interactivity can now be found in the form of multi-touch walls, Kiosks, floors, windows and tables.

Normal every day surfaces are becoming exciting digital media solutions that are triggered and activated by touch motion and gestures.

The limits are endless in terms of content, design and applications meaning businesses can create engaging and memorable experiences for their customers. Whether it is located in a restaurant, bar, hotel or museum; multi-touch technology can be deployed in a plethora of venues and benefit a variety of consumers.

So what does the future hold? If tables and walls are becoming touch interfaces who knows, the sky is the limit! One might be able to play games on the dinner table at a restaurant in between courses, or order clothing at the entrance of a store.

With so many surfaces becoming digital, what else is in stow for consumers and companies; Touch screen doors?

The concept of being environmentally friendly and having a positive impact on the earth is a huge aspect of any business nowadays.

Consumers are looking and wanting the best technology that is out there but ethical morals have heightened over the years meaning not only do they want top products but they have to be ‘green’.

As a society we are focused on being sustainable and environment conscience; recycling whatever products we can to have a healthy influence on the world’s global warming.

What is more, the government is pushing citizens to become aware of their effects on the o-zone layer and realise how our resources are diminishing at a rapid rate.

We are being told to recycle our rubbish, clean bottles out and reuse whatever materials we can to save waste, landfills, costs and ultimately to protect the environment.

But it doesn’t mean consumers still can’t have high-quality products.

A company in Ireland has created a touch screen kiosk that is remotely managed and has no power cables or data lines.

EcoTech Computers, whose slogan is “Making Modern Technology Green”, has built and deployed an information kiosk that is powered by the user via a hand-crank generator but run ultimately by solar panels.

The outdoor computer system provides 24-hour access to a broad range of information and has a time display on screen letting the user know how much power is left.

The software monitors the solar power intake and power consumption. When the day is overcast, the screen will notify staff to turn it off when not in use. However, the crank will reactivate the machine, giving users two minutes of usage per full rotation of the crank.

It delivers local town councils’ visitors with event, accommodation and restaurant info, maps and contact number.

It has already been installed at Trim Castle, in Ireland, giving consumers’ info about the castle and its surrounding areas.

Peter McManus, Managing director of Eco Tech Computers, said: “With the unit being solar, mains powered or both, the installation costs are at a minimum as the unit can be mobile or fixed with no need to dig up paths to run power and data cables.”

Install a Touch screen kiosk in your business or local town, with Protouch; Europe’s number one manufacturer and distributor of touch screen technology.

A patent has been awarded for a hover sensitive device that accepts input from finger movements above the device’s display.

The patent, by Apple, describes the usage of “real world” gestures to control the device equipped with a touch or hover-sensitive interface.

The finger and hand movements, such as a circle to select or an X to delete, could identify users and restrict access to protected files, information and applications. This could be hugely beneficial in industries including security or banking.

Further simple movements include a knock to inquire and more.

Filed in 2007, the patent requires a computer system with a touch sensor panel that has hover detecting capability and a proximity sensor.

As for what computing system it is, the patent details do not explain.

A similar copyright, for hover-enabled surface on a portable device such as an iPhone, was filed in early 2007 too.

Patents like this could quite easily influence, affect and expand the future of touch screen technology, and therefore has a direct impact on the consumer and business’ services; altering the consumer’s experience and the usage of a kiosk.

Here at Protouch we care about the future of Touch screen. Who knows what is to come, but you can be sure we will be one step-ahead, as Europe’s number one manufacturer and distributor of touch screen technology.