If you are a little puzzled by Android digital signage and Apple digital signage, it is probably because of the poorly chosen device name that Apple gave their software. They called it Apple TV, which brings to mind an actual TV, but in reality, it is a small device that contains Apple software. Here are the differences between Apple TV and Android for all those who are looking for digital signage solutions.
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What is Android Digital Signage?
All you need is an Android device, usually a Smartphone, you need digital signage software, such as that from Kitcast, and you need a digital screen. You now have an Android digital signage solution, good for marketing, staff motivation, and household management. With Android digital signage, you may also use an Android TV box. You connect your digital box to your digital screen, and you control what is shown both with your box’s remote controller, and your desktop or Smartphone device.
What is Apple TV Digital Signage?
In 2015, TVOS was created by Apple, and their new Apple TV app became famous. If you have an Apple TV device, you may download and use third-party software on it. When people say they have Apple TV digital signage, they probably mean they are using Apple software within the Apple TV device. They may have a different brand of digital signage, but they may be using one of Apple’s line of media player software to stream content onto the digital sign or to display pre-made software on their digital sign. Third-party software, like that made by Kitcast, is still needed to run your digital signage content.
What Are The Differences?
Besides the differences listed above, there is nothing different about them. The Android digital signage solution may allow you to stream your digital signage to your digital sign without needing an Android TV box, but that is about the only difference. Plus, if you do it without an Android box, you are still going to have to tie up another piece of hardware to keep your sign up and running, so you may as well have the Android TV box.
Both the Android TV solution and Apple TV solution need third-party software to run your digital signage content. Neither solution is quicker, easier to use, or cheaper. In the old days, people veered away from Apple TV because you couldn’t use third-party software on it, but now you can, which has leveled the playing field.
Which Should I Choose? Apple or Android?
In truth, you should probably choose the solution you are most familiar with. For example, if you have never used any Apple products because you have only used Android and Windows in the past, then stick with Android. If the reverse is true, if you have always been a big Apple user, then it stands to reason that you use the Apple TV option.
It is not about sticking with brand loyalty, though it helps if you wish to transition certain apps from your mobile devices to your digital signage hardware. However, it is not about brand loyalty, it is about intuitive use.
For example, if you are a Windows user, then you already understand the most commonly used symbols. If you saw something like a cog symbol, you wouldn’t need a small label telling you that it leads to the settings. If you were using Android and you saw three dots, you would probably know what it meant without needing a label.
Since you already have a baseline knowledge of one piece of software over another, it stands to reason that you will be able to easily pick up and use one piece of software over another.
What About Digital Signage Software?
If there is one place where your choice of hardware and software may trip you up, it is your digital signage software. This is the programming you need to do to arrange your digital signage content, so that you may display audio and visual content as you wish.
Some software providers will offer solutions for Android, but not for Apple TV, and vice versa. You would think that these days such software providers would cover all bases, but the adaptive programming required to make one digital signage program work on both is very complex.
Can I Do it Without Either?
Digital signage is on the rise, with it predicted to be worth US$12.17 billion by the year 2026. There are a few ways you may run your digital sign. In most cases, you need the things in this list:
- A digital sign
- An HDMI cable
- Digital signage software
- A TV box
- A Wi-Fi connection
Yes, you can buy a digital sign, and then use your desktop or mobile device, and your digital signage software, to put content on your digital sign. However, in many cases, this is trickier than simply having an Android TV box or Apple TV box doing all the work. The box connects to your digital sign by an HDMI cable, and it draws content from your Wi-Fi router. In short, it is often easier to run your digital signs using Android or Apple TV.