Friday, February 7, 2014

The potential bottom line savings using Android Mini Pcs

Earlier covered a note on 
http://emergingtechnologiesaview.blogspot.in/2014/01/on-android-pc.html

We had been showing the demo inside and outside to several people. Several use cases emerged (For a quad core, Jelly bean based, 2gb local memory, 8gb flash memory - wireless, Ethernet enabled, camera  - 2MP - TF Card 32 GB - external hard disc 2TB - USB hub - wireless keyboard, RF mouse - under $70)

1. Can easily replace desk top operations - word, excel, ppt - microsoft / quick office app, Skype, Gmail, Outlook, RDP (Windows), Citrix, and VMWare apps are there to connect with apps, or any systems - imagine savings on desktop (capital cost) and updates - maintenance costs
2. Google drive, Drop box, facebook, linked in other cool apps - are good
3. TED, Pinterest is great surprise - with HDMI sound
4. In a large group conference - great collaborator - wireless key board passed on - every one can share their doc / ppts and express ideas.
5. Great use case for conference systems - mic is pretty good - picture quality is better.
6. Could be low cost for training class rooms (instead of  desktops)
7. Good BYOD that can be implemented at low cost - professional is productive at office - needs just HDMI monitor and key board only - at home - HDMI TV - at the hotel - Has HDMI TV - seen it work - and even on the airport (they can think of giving only HDMI monitors - Think of that!!! -
Only down side - though jelly bean - can't play Temple doom or other games - the monitors are not touch enabled - 
8. If we are taking to to enterprise and clients - what about security - what about updates - what about apps that need to be blocked - good questions - remember this is Open source - can be hardened - one answer - There are apps that will allow you to control or block app specific bandwidth - example - I can provide low bandwidth to skype of video based apps - This way, if the person is in VISA environment - certain apps (Games!!!) may not work, but when you are in the lobby - it might - then, if you are back in office space of home - apps blocked - in your drawing room apps enabled - possibilities are unlimited - and truly collaborative - with a true out-side in flavor.





Future Desktop / Laptop?

There was a brand doubt - Dell answers that - all features (and more) are available in Android PC



Now that Dell is Retailing at $129 (without camera and a little less memory) - we can look at alternative cheaper options

Interestingly even at $129.. (a 40% more expensive solution) - The IT shops can save significant money - per seat per hour 

Consider this - Mobile development is a key strategy - Android development environment, platform, currently managed through simulators -

When the IT shop adopts this - the platform, environment is all mobile ready (or android ready)  - this can be one' secret agility.

Are there solutions in apple / ios?

Not fully - Here is what we have


Primarily focused on audio / video streaming - they could potentially look into providing access to apps

Similarly chromecast


What I find most interesting about Android Mini PC - is the disruption and the innovation possibilities - With dell adopting.. the business prospects are brighter.

For me - I do not have to have a desk top - lap top (I do not have to lug this everywhere) - tablet -

Just give me an HDMI monitor - I am good

Further good news - you can load ubuntu into this RK3188 based android PC


Have loaded ubuntu into my android mini pc - works great

Before I sign off - you have to check this - heard of ubuntu server in 2"x2"x2" sized cube? - like a key chain!!




Incredible price of $129 - quad core - ubuntu - with e-sata - imagine that


I remember Jack Nicholson (Joker) in 1989 - Batman - 'Where does he get those wonderful toys? -