ESL Meets Android In 2014

Android leads the mobile device market. ZBD is the leading provider of graphic ESLs. The company recently announced its re-branded name as Displaydata. In efforts to transition to digital display solutions, the provider aims to revolutionise the digital experience at the shelf-edge for retailers.

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Andrew Dark, CEO, Displaydata, stated, “Following months of planning, we are delighted to announce our new broader solution range and re-brand from ZBD to Displaydata. The retail landscape has changed considerably over recent years and so has our business. We have evolved to offer more than just ESL technology and now have a complete digital display solution that enables retailers of all sizes to revolutionise the customer experience at the point where it matters most – the shelf-edge.”

Android is expected to Surpass One Billion Users Across all Devices in 2014 according to Gartner. The latest findings indicate that worldwide combined shipments of devices (PCs, tablets, ultramobiles and mobile phones) are projected to reach 2.5 billion units in 2014, a 7.6 percent increase from 2013, according to Gartner, Inc. Among the operating system (OS) market, Android is on pace to surpass one billion users across all devices in 2014. By 2017, over 75 percent of Android's volumes will come from emerging markets.

"The device market continues to evolve, with buyers deciding which combination of devices is required to meet their wants and needs. Mobile phones are a must have and will continue to grow but at a slower pace, with opportunities moving away from the top-end premium devices to mid-end basic products," said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner.

"Meanwhile users continue to move away from the traditional PC (notebooks and desk-based) as it becomes more of a shared content creation tool, while the greater flexibility of tablets, hybrids and lighter notebooks address users' increasingly different demands.” "Complimentary smaller tablets will take over from the larger tablet form factors, providing the added mobility that consumers desire at a lower cost and will compete with hybrids for consumer attention," said Mr. Atwal.

Electronic shelf-edge labels (ESL) are evolving within the industry. Electronic shelf-edge labelling today has become a top strategic investment for retailers. Retailer’s Boards consider ESLs to integrate into an omni-channel retailing world. ESL provides an integrated customer experience.

About Displaydata

Displaydata is a venture-backed private company established in 2000. It is the leader in the design and supply of fully graphic electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and dynamic digital display solutions for retailers. Dynamic Solution Suite features fully graphic, high definition, zero power displays of up to three colours. These are connected with a high-speed two-way RF ‘light touch’ infrastructure, and controlled by a suite of management and information software. Centrally managed, the solution easily, wirelessly and instantly updates everything from an individual ESL to an entire retail enterprise. Displaydata’s ESL Bluetooth Beacons enable promotional offers and added-value information to be sent direct to customers’ smartphones, for a more engaging and rewarding in-store experience.