In the world of digital signage and interactive displays, technology moves quickly. Staying ahead of the curve means constantly reassessing and upgrading the tools we use to provide the best possible experience for our users. At HootBoard, we have always been committed to innovation and excellence. As part of this ongoing journey, we have made the tough decision to discontinue support for Chromebit devices. This change is driven by a need to embrace newer, more robust technologies that can better serve our community.

In this article, we’ll dive into what Chromebit devices are, why we decided to phase them out, and the exciting alternatives available that can enhance your digital signage setup. We’ll also guide you through the transition process to ensure a smooth shift to more advanced solutions.

What Chromebit Devices Do

Chromebit devices, developed by Google, are compact, stick-like computers that run on Chrome OS. They were designed to turn any HDMI-compatible screen into a fully functional computer. Businesses, educational institutions, and various other organizations have widely adopted Chromebits for digital signage, interactive kiosks, and simple computing tasks. These devices offer a cost-effective way to streamline information display and interaction without investing in expensive hardware.

Why We Are Discontinuing Support for Chromebit Devices

The decision to discontinue support for Chromebit devices stems from several key factors:

1. End of Manufacturer Support: Google and hardware manufacturers ended their support for Chromebit devices several years ago. This lack of ongoing updates and support from Google has made it increasingly challenging to maintain a high-quality user experience on these devices.
2. Technological Advancements: The technology landscape is continually evolving. Newer, more advanced devices offer better performance, security, and features that Chromebits simply cannot match.
3. Limited Capabilities: While Chromebits were revolutionary when first introduced, they now lag behind in terms of processing power and versatility compared to newer alternatives.
4. Software Compatibility: Ensuring seamless compatibility with Chromebit devices has become increasingly challenging as other platforms offer more robust and scalable solutions.

Impact on Users

We understand that this news may be disappointing for some of our users who rely on Chromebit devices for their digital signage and interactive display needs. However, this change also opens up opportunities to transition to more powerful and versatile solutions that can enhance the overall user experience.

Alternative Devices

As we move away from Chromebit devices, here are some excellent alternatives that can seamlessly take over their functions:

1. Windows-based Systems

Windows PCs and mini PCs are robust alternatives for running digital signage and interactive displays. They offer a wide range of functionalities and compatibility with numerous software applications, including HootBoard.

2. Android Devices

Android-based devices, such as Android TV boxes and tablets, are versatile and widely used in digital signage. They provide a user-friendly interface and can run a variety of apps designed for interactivity and display purposes.

3. Linux-based Systems

Linux-based mini PCs and single-board computers (like the Raspberry Pi) are cost-effective solutions that offer flexibility and reliability. These systems are ideal for tech-savvy users who prefer an open-source environment.

HootBoard Software Compatibility

One of the standout features of HootBoard software is its ability to run seamlessly on a wide range of devices, including Windows, Android, and Linux-based systems. This flexibility means that you can convert any screen into a dynamic display screen or an interactive hub with ease.

Key Benefits of HootBoard Software

• Versatility: Whether you are using a Windows PC, an Android device, or a Linux-based system, HootBoard software is designed to integrate effortlessly.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive interface ensures that setting up and managing your digital signage or interactive displays is straightforward.
• Rich Functionality: HootBoard provides a wealth of features, including interactive maps, event calendars, announcements, and more, making it a powerful tool for various applications.
• Scalability: Easily scale your digital signage network by adding more screens and devices, all managed through a centralized platform.

Transition Plan

To ensure a smooth transition for our users, HootBoard recommends the following steps:

1. Evaluate Your Needs: Assess your current setup and determine which alternative device (Windows, Android, or Linux-based) best suits your needs.
2. Select Your Device: Choose from a range of compatible devices that offer improved performance and functionality over Chromebits.
3. Install HootBoard Software: Download and install the HootBoard software on your new device. Our support team is available to assist with any setup questions or issues.
4. Migrate Your Content: Transfer your existing content and settings to the new device to ensure continuity.
5. Test and Optimize: Run thorough tests to ensure everything is functioning correctly and optimize your settings for the best performance.

Future Outlook

Moving forward, HootBoard is committed to providing support for a wide range of devices, ensuring flexibility and choice for our users. We continually strive to enhance our software, incorporating user feedback and the latest technological advancements to deliver the best possible experience.

What to Expect

• Ongoing Support: Continuous support for Windows, Android, and Linux-based devices.
• Regular Updates: Frequent software updates to improve functionality, security, and user experience.
• Expanded Features: Development of new features to meet the evolving needs of our users.

Conclusion

While the discontinuation of support for Chromebit devices marks the end of an era, it also signals a new beginning with more advanced, versatile, and powerful solutions. By transitioning to alternative devices like Windows, Android, or Linux-based systems, users can unlock the full potential of HootBoard software and elevate their digital signage and interactive display experiences.

Ready to create a free HootBoard? Create a Free Board

By embracing these changes, you can ensure that your digital signage and interactive displays remain at the cutting edge of technology, providing engaging and effective communication tools for your audience.

Join us as we embark on a journey to revolutionize the way businesses communicate with their customers. With our innovative kiosk experience, we are changing the game and empowering businesses to reach their customers.

Leave the heavy lifting to HootBoard: Simplify your Kiosk Solutions, Maximize Profits.

Are you tired of the complex, multi-part puzzle of selling kiosk solutions? Juggling hardware, software, CMS, and customer training can leave even the most seasoned resellers, AV partners, and OEMs feeling drained. Introducing HootBoard Kiosk OS, your all in one key to unlocking new revenue streams and customer satisfaction.

We take the weight off your shoulders by providing industry-specific kiosk software. Preloaded on a stable, secure Linux OS or even on Android devices.

No more piecing together disparate elements or scrambling to train clients.

HootBoard empowers you to deliver slick, customizable kiosks tailored to Destination Marketing, Universities, Smart Cities, Workplaces, and bustling Lobbies. With easy deployment, 1000+ integrations, and intuitive content creation, your customers will be thrilled, and your business will thrive.

With an omni-channel approach, cloud-powered consistency, secure partner connections, and the magic of Progressive Web Apps. HootBoard is a harmonious fusion of tech prowess and user-centric engagement.

1. Beyond the Kiosk – An Omnichannel Approach

Through optimized APIs, HootBoard seamlessly extends its reach, providing an integrated experience. No matter where your audience is—in front of a kiosk, on their smartphone, or at their desktop—they can connect with you, ensuring a unified brand experience.

• Enhanced Customer Engagement. HootBoard offers an all-in-one platform, ensuring your audience can connect with you no matter the device they use, leading to a stronger customer connection.
• Brand Consistency. Our cloud-powered consistency allows for a unified brand experience across all platforms, reinforcing your brand image and identity.
• Secure Partner Connections. With HootBoard, you can rest assured that your connections are secure, providing peace of mind for you and your customers.
• Increased Accessibility. By harnessing the capabilities of Progressive Web Apps, HootBoard makes your brand accessible to a larger audience.
• Efficient Communication. HootBoard’s kiosk solutions enable businesses to communicate their messages more effectively and efficiently, saving time and resources.

As you can see, our omnichannel approach goes beyond traditional kiosks, providing a holistic solution for businesses to reach their customers.

2. Cloud-Powered Consistency

Thanks to cloud-based solutions, HootBoard delivers a reliable, consistent experience. Whether your users are on the move, at home, or in a busy café, they’re met with the same robust engagement. This is helpful for the following reasons.

• Availability. Cloud power ensures your content is available 24/7, providing a seamless user experience at all times.
• Scalability. As your business grows, our cloud-based solutions easily scale with you, adapting to increased user traffic and content volume.
• Reduced IT Costs. Eliminate the need for in-house servers and maintenance. Cloud power reduces IT costs and resource expenditures.
• Data Security. HootBoard’s commitment to secure cloud storage ensures your data is protected and safe.
• Real-Time Updates. Changes made to your content are updated in real time across all platforms, ensuring your message remains cohesive and current.
• Increased Collaboration. Cloud-based solutions encourage collaboration by allowing team members to view, edit, and update content from anywhere.
• Environmentally Friendly. By hosting on the cloud, the need for physical servers is reduced, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Using cloud-powered consistency, HootBoard provides businesses with a reliable and cost-effective solution to engage with their customers.

3. Build Trust with Secure Partner Connect

Balance ease of use and data protection with secure yet flexible connection options. Enhance partner relations and build trust with HootBoard. This is important for the following reasons.

• Data Protection. HootBoard prioritizes the security of your data, ensuring that information shared within your business and with partners remains confidential and secure.
• Flexibility. Our secure connection options are designed to be flexible and adaptable, accommodating the unique needs and demands of your business without compromising security.
• Increased Confidence. By demonstrating a commitment to data security, HootBoard helps to fortify partner relationships and enhance trust in your business.
• Regulatory Compliance. Our secure partner connect facilitates compliance with data protection regulations, providing additional reassurance for your business and your partners.
• Risk Reduction. Robust data protection measures reduce the risk of cyber threats, safeguarding your business and its reputation.
• Long-Term Success. Establishing trust through secure connections contributes to long-term business success, fostering stronger, more valuable relationships with partners.

You’ll be impressed by the secure partner connections that HootBoard offers and the peace of mind it provides.

4. The Magic of Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Merging the best of web and mobile, our PWA design ensures that users get an app-like feel without the usual app store hurdles. It’s fluid, fast, and fantastically responsive.

Embarking on this journey with HootBoard Web & Mobile is more than adopting a feature—it’s embracing a vision. 

A vision of endless possibilities, bridging the tactile kiosk world with the dynamic digital domain.

Ready to partner?

Become a Partner in 3 Easy Steps

1. Apply to Become a Partner: Complete our quick application and we’ll get back to you within 2 business days. [Apply here]
2. Complete Partner Onboarding: Work with our onboarding team to learn about HootBoard and get access to your customized partner resource kit.
3. Onboard Customers: Begin helping customers with joint solutions that a variety of partners bring to the table.

This partnership is ideal for kiosk manufacturers, agencies, integrators, and thought leaders looking to deliver out-of-the-world guest experiences.

Exclusive Partner Benefits

As a HootBoard partner, you will have access to exclusive benefits including:

• Training materials and collateral
• Partner-only discounts
• Direct customer leads
• Free demo account
• Priority technical support
• Access to the private HootBoard partner community

Partner with HootBoard and leave the heavy lifting to us.

Focus on closing deals, not building solutions from scratch. Let’s simplify kiosks together and watch your profits soar.

Apply to Become a Partner

Today we are excited to announce a significant milestone for HootBoard. With great pride, we are happy to introduce free versions of HootBoard’s easy to setup kiosk and digital signage software.

Make Your Digital Signage Content Look Great

Our mission here at HootBoard is to help people and organizations align better through effective communication and people engagement.

One of the first building blocks to achieving the mission was to create the first of its kind 360 degree communications platform that allows organizations to have a single effective place to communicate with their audience across all possible channels – web, mobile, digital signage, and touch kiosks. Award-worthy HootBoard-powered touch kiosks are now in use in over 14 countries across the globe and growing rapidly.

As part of this phase, we implemented some key concepts like being able to post once and have your communications post to multiple channels. We also launched our app store that allows users to create their own apps to point to a webpage or pull relevant content together.

A Digital Signage Solution for the Modern Age

Today I am happy to say that our relentless focus on this mission has allowed us to quickly become the kiosk software of choice for the tourism industry in the span of two short years.

With that success as a foundation, we feel we have an opportunity to align even better with our mission to help organizations of all sizes achieve success by effectively communicating with and engaging audiences that matter to them. The freemium access to some of the core functionality then makes a lot of sense.

Easily Set Up Your Free Digital Signage Software

Organizations can now set up their own digital signage and kiosks simply by signing up, and connecting to their HootBoard accounts via. a free screen id. Once they hit the monthly usage limit, they can decide if they want to upgrade or simply wait for the usage to reset the following month.

The free signage and the free digital kiosks functionality include a 100 monthly engagement units limit till some functionality gets hidden. Also, these screens may be ad-supported with reduced revenue sharing. We hope that making the freemium version available means more organizations will be able to take advantage of what we have to offer.

As always we love your comments and feedback – that is how we get better. If any of you have any questions or feedback, please reply or reach out to support@hootboard.com

Popular Digital Signage Uses

• Office Communication – HootBoard’s free digital signage software allows offices to display important announcements, meeting reminders, or performance metrics on smart TVs. It makes internal communication more engaging and efficient.
• Employee Engagement – Digital signage apps can be used to recognize employee achievements, share company news, office internal communications, or promote team building activities. With HootBoard, you can create dynamic content that engages employees and enhances their work experience.
• Deskless Workers – For workers who don’t have a dedicated workspace, digital signage media players can provide critical information and updates. The best part is HootBoard’s software works seamlessly with any operating system, including Android devices.
• Lobby Marketing – A digital display in a lobby can promote products, services, or upcoming events to visitors. HootBoard’s advanced features make it easy to distribute content to your target audience, enhancing the customer experience.
• Large Lobby Spaces – With HootBoard, any place with a large lobby can become an engaging content hub. The software allows for content scheduling, ensuring relevant information is displayed at the right time.
• Customer Experience – Digital signage can be used to provide useful information, advertise special offers, or entertain customers while they wait. HootBoard’s free account comes with unlimited storage, allowing businesses to create a variety of engaging content.

HootBoard’s free digital signage software has a user-friendly interface, eliminating the steep learning curve often associated with similar systems. Plus, if you need help, phone support is readily available. You can also embed a web page directly onto your digital display, providing even more ways to engage your audience.

Download HootBoard’s free digital signage apps today to revolutionize your communication strategy. With its advanced features and user-friendly interface, it’s the best digital signage software for businesses of all sizes.

Questions? Contact Our Digital Signage Team! We are Ready to Help

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to tell you more about our free digital signage software. If you need case studies, or review from our many satisfied customers, we would love to provide that to you.

Some Good Questions to Consider Asking

If you need some guidance, here are some great questions to consider if you wish to learn more. Feel free to pick any question from this list that applies to you, and we can get started.

• What are the core features of HootBoard’s free digital signage software?
• Can I manage unlimited remote screens using your digital signage solution?
• How can I create engaging digital signage content using your platform?
• Are there any basic features that are not included in the free digital signage solutions but are available in paid digital signage plans?
• Can HootBoard’s digital signage software be used for digital menu boards and TV screens?
• Does your digital signage system support interactive digital signage?
• Are there free templates available for creating digital signage content?
• Can your digital signage software handle multiple screens at once?
• Is the digital signage player included in the free digital signage package or is it sold separately?
• How does your digital signage solution work with smart TVs and other mobile devices?
• Is your digital signage software completely free or are there hidden costs?
• Can your digital signage software be used to manage digital signage screens remotely?
• Is there an option for unlimited screens in your free digital signage solutions?
• Can your digital signage software be customized to meet my specific digital signage needs?
• Is HootBoard’s digital signage software based on open source digital signage technology?
• Can I display digital signs on multiple types of digital screens (e.g., TV screens, digital menu boards) with HootBoard’s software?

Hey! Why don’t you answer these questions here?

Good question! We would love to, however, every usecase has a different scenario for the above questions. In order for us to serve you as accurately as possible, we need to get more information from you. That’s why we offer these questions that you can choose from and bring to a discussion with one of our experts. You can ask however you’d like. You don’t have to call. Simply email, submit a form question, or schedule a time. We are here for you.

              
Satya Shahade
Founder & CEO, HootBoard

No internet? Offline kiosk functionality is here to handle it.

We understand how frustrating it is when your kiosk users don’t find something they need when kiosks are offline due to a network issue. With this new functionality, we have tried to solve exactly this. Here’s how we achieved this.

Appropriate messages

If something is not locally saved, with the right messages in the right places, we will now direct users to get the most out of your kiosk.

Easy switching to mobile phones

The messages will now have a QR code to direct them to your HootBoard on their mobiles once scanned. This will make it easier for users to access your board when they don’t have access to the kiosk due to a potential network issue.

This solution will handle your network issues for you. Go a ahead take a closer look at how it works right now.

If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us at support@hootboard.com. We will be happy to help. 🙂

Explore with the HootBoard City Guide!

Exploring a destination just got easier with the HootBoard CityGuide app. Let’s look inside the revamped HootBoard CityGuide.

City Guide Snapshots

HootBoard CityGuide provides screenshots of CityGuide as different apps that help the user categorize their search. These apps will also be recommended while installing a HootBoard developer app. So make sure you download all the recommended apps.

Places worth a visit

HootBoard provides its users with an inventory of all the places in the category they have selected. These are laid out as points on a map and a list.

Customize your search

With the customization tab, your users can now narrow their search further to their liking.

Need to know more?

Knowing more about a place is just a click away. HootBoard users can get more details (like phone number, opening hours, etc.) about the venue they are interested in.

Fetch directions to get there.

Want to visit a venue you like? Get directions immediately. HootBoard CityGuide provides clear instructions on how to get to that venue.

Claim your business

Find your business listed on the HootBoard CityGuide app. Claim it and create a board for it! Once a claim request is sent they will receive an email with instructions on how to claim it. In this way, you can improve the network of boards so your visitors can find information about locations of their choice.

Go ahead install the HootBaord CityGuide app on your HootBoard to help guests and visitors have a great time exploring your destination with HootBoard CityGuide.

If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us at support@hootboard.com. We will be happy to help. 🙂

Share away with the all-new Share Feature!

We hear you! We know how meaningful it is for you and your visitors to share something of interest with others. So we are here to make it possible, with the newly added Hoot and Board Share feature.

Sharing the hoots

Sharing the board

You can now share your HootBoard on social media with friends, family, or colleagues to increase engagement on your HootBoard. The Share Board button is in the board info dropdown.

Where can you share?

HootBoard makes it easy to share content that interests you on various platforms like WhatsApp, SMS, Email, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Share content from anywhere. Be it via the HootBoard web, mobile, app, or kiosk. If you find something good, don’t wait to share it!

Improve engagement by sharing!

When you or your visitors share content, they also receive a link to your HootBoard. Making it easy for people to find you. The more shares, the greater the engagement.

Check out this feature and now share what interests you with others!

If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us at support@hootboard.com. We will be happy to help. 🙂

The Revised HootBoard Analytics!

As we all know, now it is quite easy to find out what is happening on your HootBoard. However, we thought it would be helpful to provide a more focused insight into different activities on your HootBoard. With upgraded HootBoard Analytics, you can get more personalized insights and branded reports for your HootBoard. Here are some of the features that it provides.

Brand customized reports

You now get customized reports to match your brand colors, making them tailored to your Hootboard. Each report is crafted to give you a professional look and feels that is uniquely yours.

Easily download reports

Your reports are available in multiple formats from which you can choose the most suitable for your needs – SVG, PNG, or CSV. Downloading is easy and sharing is even easier!

Check out your upgraded analytics now. They will provide you with some fresh insights into your HootBoard.

If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us at support@hootboard.com. We will be happy to help. 🙂

Introducing the HootBoard Digital Signage Player for Amazon Fire TV

With HootBoard Digital Signage Player App for Amazon Fire TV, you can display customized content on multiple Fire TV-enabled devices at once. It pulls content from your HootBoard Digital Signage system and allows remote management of the content, making it easy to make changes or update content quickly. You’ll be able to get your message out there faster than you can even say, “Hoot-hooray!”

Who can use it? Practically everyone! You can create HootBoard-powered campuses and premises with Fire TV-enabled devices for your residential communities, commercial properties, university departments, workplaces, and offices. Share announcements, news, events, classifieds, jobs, and more.

Our simple post-once philosophy makes all your content on HootBoard accessible across all platforms: HootBoard- Web, App, Interactive Kiosk, and Automated Newsletters because we know that the most hoot-worthy content deserves to be seen by everyone!

You can now download the HootBoard Digital Signage Player App from your FireTV app store and set it up to display customized content by following these simple steps below.

With the HootBoard File App, your files can now be apps on HootBoard.

We at HootBoard are back to introduce you to our newest update. With the HootBoard File App type, you can now create apps for your PDF, Document, Excel worksheet, and PowerPoint files.

Where can you find it?

Easy File Upload

To create an app for your file:

• All you need to do is give the file app a name and an icon based on the content in the file.
• Click on next, and drop or choose or paste the URL of the file.
  The file is now uploaded successfully!

Allowed file types

You can create an app for various types of files. You can drop these files or provide a link to these files. These different types of files include PDFs (.pdf), Word documents (.doc), Excel Worksheets (.xls), Image files (.jpg .png), and PowerPoints (.ppt).

Check out this feature and create these files apps and showcase them on your HootBoard.

If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us at support@hootboard.com. We will be happy to help. 🙂

Travel smart with the HootBoard Transit App.

Navigating around your destination is now easier for your tourists and guests with the all-new HootBoard Transit app. Your guests can use this app to find detailed transit routes to move around your city.

Where can you find it?

Easy destination Search

Just place the pin on the map or type the destination name in the text box.

What’s the right way to get there?

The HootBoard Transit App provides you with multiple route options to choose from. These routes are the appropriate routes mapped out for them to reach their destination.

It’s all about the details.

These routes show you all the details needed to get to the destination. They include all the modes of transit to be used, steps to take to reach a certain point, transit timings, and more. Tourists can easily plan their trip with these details.

Personalize the routes.

With the ‘Route options’ filter, tourists can further customize a route to their liking.

Get the routes on your mobile.

Tourists can scan QR codes to get the route on their phones while touring.

Check out this fantastic app on your HootBoard & install it. Help your HootBoard users have a memorable visit.

If you need further assistance, you can reach out to us at support@hootboard.com. We will be happy to help. 🙂