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The iPad might be winning the tablet battle on the ground, but Android is on its way to owning the air. Boeing has chosen the Android platform for in-flight entertainment for its new 787 Dreamliner airplane. Once integrated, passengers will be able to play games, listen to music, watch video, and more from the comfort of their seat.
Mark Larson, the technical manager at Boeing’s Dreamliner Gallery, told the Australian Businss Traveler that all current 787s will see touch displays built into seats, giving the airliner’s passengers something to do on those long flights. Economy seats will see a 7-inch display, whereas first-class suites are expected to offer a larger, 17-inch experience.
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Panasonic is reported to be manufacturing the displays, which will include wider viewing angles and less light reflection than today’s tablets. Larson indicates that while the 7-inch screens will be touch interface, the business and first-class displays may prove to be gesture-based.
Boeing is just the latest player in the airline industry turning to Android for in-flight assistance. Skycast Solutions recently introduced TrayVu, an Android-powered entertainment system, which is said to be both lightweight and easy to install, built into seat-back trays. American Airlines began offering 6,000 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets as an entertainment device for first-class passengers on select 757 and 767 flights.
