Kiosk devices running Android offer businesses and organizations an affordable and customizable way to deploy specialized tablets and devices for a wide range of uses. With kiosk mode on Android locking a device into a single app or limited set of apps, companies can provide engaging self-service experiences, digital signage, interactive catalogs and more.
But setting up and managing a fleet of Android kiosk devices requires robust software to enable remote oversight, monitoring and troubleshooting. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the world of Android kiosk software solutions to understand the must-have features, top providers, pricing models and best practices for getting the most value out of Android kiosks.
An Introduction to Kiosk Mode on Android
Android‘s built-in kiosk mode allows devices to be restricted to only run one or a few apps. By locking down the home screen and device settings, Android devices can provide a focused, foolproof experience for users, preventing them from accessing other apps or features.
Some common examples of Android kiosk deployments include:
- Interactive digital signage
- Self-order or check-in terminals
- Product catalogs and demonstration devices
- Museum exhibit interactives
- Healthcare screening stations
- Trade show information kiosks
- Payment and ticketing kiosks
Without a comprehensive kiosk software solution, setting up and maintaining these types of installations can be complex and frustrating. The ideal kiosk management system makes it simple to configure secured devices remotely, push content and apps, impose restrictions, view device status in real-time and assist end users.
Must-Have Features of Android Kiosk Software
While all Android kiosk software solutions aim to improve device management, they vary widely in their specific capabilities. Here are some key features businesses should look for when evaluating options:
Centralized Remote Management
A unified dashboard to enroll, configure and control all kiosk devices over-the-air is extremely useful. This allows all settings, apps and restrictions to be deployed remotely without touching individual units.
Single & Multi-App Kiosk Modes
The ability to lock devices into either single application mode or specify a custom subset of allowed apps with configured launch screens.
Content Management
Tools to remotely push media assets like images and videos displayed by the kiosk application(s). Useful for digital signage networks.
Peripheral Restrictions
Fine-grained control over device ports, buttons and cables. For example, disabling USB access prevents unauthorized media or hacking.
Custom Branding
To make company-owned kiosk devices identifiable to end users, applying custom wallpaper, colors or logo lock screens is key.
Remote View & Control
For troubleshooting kiosk issues in the field, the best solutions provide remote screen viewing andtouch input control from the management dashboard.
Alerts & Notifications
Proactive alerts on device status like app crashes, connectivity issues or tampering attempts allow problems to be addressed swiftly.
In addition to the above, some secondary capabilities to consider include whitelisting/blacklisting apps, website filtering for kiosk browsers, usage analytics for adoption insights and OTA updates for streamlined maintenance.
Top Android Kiosk Software Providers
Now that we‘ve covered the key evaluation criteria for kiosk management platforms, let‘s take a look at some of the top providers and solutions:
Scalefusion
Offers a full range of Android kiosk configuration options combined with MDM functionality for robust device management at scale. Easy multi-app kiosk setup with dynamic content scheduling.
Mosyle Business
Intuitive and affordable solution focused specifically on streamlined kiosk device deployments including seamless OTA updates to keep units on the right app versions.
AirDroid
Long-standing player providing deep Android kiosk software integrated with remote device management and other business-centric features.
ManageEngine MDM Plus
Offered as a module of a broader device management platform. Provides Android kiosk configuration along with extensive policy controls.
42Gears SureMDM
Capable of enforcing both single and multi-app kiosk modes complete with workflows tailored for public internet access control requirements.
Hexnode MDM
Facilitates not only app locking but full-screen kiosk mode for a dedicated device experience. Comes with many supporting utilities like diagnostics and usage tracking.
This is just a sample of the many options out there. In general though, it‘s advisable to choose an Android kiosk software vendor that specializes in device locking capabilities rather than an add-on feature of a more generalized MDM platform that may have limited configurations.
Key Considerations for Rolling Out Android Kiosks
Once you‘ve selected an appropriate software solution, there are a few other factors to weigh as you plan your Android kiosk deployment.
Choose Compatible & Ruggedized Devices
Confirm that the tablets or devices selected work with your chosen kiosk software platform. Some support a wider array of models than others. Ruggedized devices built sturdy are also a smart investment for public-facing applications.
On-Prem vs Cloud Management
Self-hosted kiosk management systems provide enhanced customization flexibility with maximum control. Cloud platforms require less infrastructure. Evaluate compliance and connectivity requirements when deciding between deployment architectures.
Calculate Ongoing Costs
One advantage of Android over proprietary kiosk hardware is lower acquisition cost. But remember to budget not just for the devices but any recurring fees for cloud management capabilities or support licenses. These can add up with larger fleets.
Train Staff on Updates & Monitoring
Make sure appropriate IT staff familiarize themselves thoroughly with the centralized device dashboards. Establish processes for pushing updates to apps and android OS versions on devices as needed.
Setting Up a Sample Kiosk Step-By-Step
To provide a practical example, let‘s walk through configuring an Android tablet into a simple interactive digital signage kiosk using Scalefusion:
Step 1: Enroll Device
After installing the Scalefusion agent app on our tablet, we login to the dashboard and enroll the device with a descriptive name for identification.
Step 2: Apply Kiosk Policy
We create and enable a kiosk profile configured for standalone mode with just our presentation app allowed. This locks the device into that single app with the home screen and other functions disabled.
Step 3: Setup Monitoring Alerts
On the device page seen within Scalefusion, we enable a variety of event alerts to be notified if the unit goes offline, requires a reboot or attempts settings changes outside the kiosk restrictions.
Step 4: Schedule Content Updates
Taking advantage of the platform‘s content management system, we create a media playlist that will automatically update the images and video displayed on the unit according to date/time triggers we configure.
With the above steps complete, our Android tablet is now provisioned securely into a managed kiosk device with dynamic content updating automatically! We can instantly view its status and push further configuration tweaks remotely as needed going forward.
Unlocking the Potential of Android Kiosks
Thanks to the extensive customization capabilities offered by Android, devices running this OS present an affordable path to tailor-made kiosks. Combine the flexibility of Android with a robust, enterprise-ready kiosk software solution and companies gain a powerful platform.
With the ability to remotely lockdown devices, brand them as your own and push dynamic content on a schedule, kiosks can provide just the use-case your business needs. Visitors navigate through a curated set of apps showcasing products and services while staff maintain control and visibility behind the scenes. It‘s a versatile self-service approach made possible by specialized kiosk software unlocking Android‘s potential in public-facing business environments.
