iPad: A false dawn for IFE

I think the Samsung 10" tablet will be the first to seriously threaten Apple's iPad dominance.

http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/

With the continuing challenge to get the best content for the iPad for deployment in IFE, and the imminent arrival of lighter, thinner and more powerful tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 running the increasingly popular Google Android OS, it seems that the days of the iPad dominance is about to fade.   In the UK market, its taken three years for the iPhone to fall from grace and now 5 out the top 6 phones run android and the other one is a blackberry.

"Content is King" and the inability to get the iPad approved for early window content and iTunes supplier license agreement that locks out all iTunes content for IFE, means that those who want to give their passengers the very best experience should seek alternatives.  If you dont want to wait for the 10.1 but can settle for a more traditional size screen for IFE personal TVs, Mezzo has already customised the Dell Streak 5" and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 and have gained approval for their security solution to show early window content.

Not the page 3 picture you might expect...

Mezzo has had an excellent show at Aircraft Interiors in Hamburg this week; our investment in the android based range of tablets modified for inflight entertainment and communications has been well received. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/06/355177/interiors-mezzo-launches-tablet-based-ife-system.html

If you would like to find out how Mezzo's adaption of Dell, and Samsung tablets could be used to enhance passenger experience, or generate extra revenue,  drop me an email.

Installed IFE...and low ROI

Traditional installed inflight entertainment systems are still seen by many as the main option, but as costs are high and technology is always behind the consumer curve do they really offer a good ROI?

Although in theory traditional IFE and Communications (IFEC) systems installed in the seat back are easy to operate and cost effective, in reality they are anything but.  Likely to be expensive to purchase, the experience in the industry is that they require continuous and expensive engineering support to keep working, and with the additional weight of servers and miles of cabling results in significant extra fuel burn.  This all adds up to huge lifetime costs; most airlines may never achieve a decent return on investment. 

The solution of using COTS devices repurposed for IFEC seems like the most sensible option, combining the latest technology with the ease of operation of an installed system...  The downside is all the integration effort, costs and time still has to happen, as Sally Gethin points out in her recent blog http://gethins-ifec.com/?p=573  

Without an industry step change in seat design, only airlines who can afford to develop their own seat modifications will be able to adopt these solutions and there may be a higher seat cost resulting from the requirement for bespoke seat design.   The market for these products looks to be extremely limited.  I have no doubt that these systems will continue to be "available" and may on the face of it look like a low cost option, however the development costs still need to be recouped and so watch out for the sting in the tail - high after-sales costs.

Get a taste of Mezzo at AIRCRAFT INTERIORS HAMBURG HALL 6 STAND 6F7

Mezzo will be demonstrating the advanced in-flight entertainment and communication system "Mezzo CareSystem" at the Aircraft interiors in Hamburg from the 5th April.  With latest touchscreen touchscreen technology, this lightweight system (with individual personal TVs from 250g) has been designed to deliver the industry beating levels of reliability.

All airline personnel are welcome to find out more at Mezzo's exclusive VIP lounge.  Admission is by ticket only, so if you dont have one, contact Dave Sampson at dave.sampson@mezzoglobal.com. 

Happy New Year

I wish you all a fun 2011.