Narrowing the Gap Between the Air and the Ground

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Narrowing the Gap Between the Air and the Ground

• Presented by Patrick Joly
• From DTI Software

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Introduction

• Focus on current systems
• Description of both environments
• Is there a gap? And why?
• What can we do to narrow it down?

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What do we see on the ground

• World Wide Web
• High end games on console with multiplayer
• Online shopping
• Email and SMS
• Interactive TV
• Personal devices
• VOD
• And more
• You are always connected!

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What do we currently see in the air

• AVOD
• Airline info
• Games
• Other applications
• SMS email
• And a little bit more
• Limited connectivity !

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Set up on the ground

• PC or console environment
• Powerful processors
• Ample available memory
• Dedicated machines
• Cheap connectivity
• Open environment

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Setup in the air

• IFE specific platform (between PC and kiosk)
• Embedded systems limitations
• Platform built for AVOD
• Closed environment

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Why is there a difference

• Different environment (PC vs hybrid of Kiosk)
• Different processing power
• Input devices
• Connectivity
• Not your own PC, not customized

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Evolution in Processing Power

Gap
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Limiting Factors

• Processing power
• IFE specific functions
• Support of various configurations
• Must lower cost given size of market
• Developing platforms

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Why offer the same experience

• Try to offer a familiar environment
• No learning curve
• Meet expectations
• Compete with personal devices
• Passengers used to high end applications

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Where are IFE platforms going?

• Greater processing power, 3D cards and better
  graphic cards
• USB ports
• Better network
• Cheaper connectivity
• Easier to update/modify content
• Still IFE specific features
• Still a different platform, not PC.
• What will happen to the gap?

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How can we match the unmatchable

• Scaled down versions
• Similar environment
• Branding
• Personalization
• Link both environments
• Connectivity

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Scaled-down (light) versions

• Versions optimized for IFE environment
• Redesign
• Less features
• Less content
• But keep the same look and feel !

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Similar environment

• Same navigation
• Same disposition
• But keep in mind the differences!

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Branding

• Increases awareness
• Increases usage
• Reminds passenger of content on the ground

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Personalization

• PC environment IS personalized (own setup,
  cookies, etc)
• Find ways to input personal info (frequent flyer
  cards, credit cards, etc)
• Save preferences and settings with USB drive or
  passenger identification

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Link both environments

• Continue playing your game when on the ground
• Purchase product onboard and deliver at home
• Kids can bring home what was done onboard
  (artwork, music, etc)

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Connectivity!!

• This is the tuff one!
• Given the cost and input devices
• Play in the air with someone on the ground
• Although limited, connectivity adds some
  freshness, you feel part of the world

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Conclusion

• We are comparing different environments
• There currently is a gap
• Will this gap always exist?
• There are ways to try and match the unmatchable