by Shane Henson — February 13, 2013—Kiosk Group Inc., a Maryland-based company specializing in multimedia computer applications nationwide, recently announced the release of its PowerWireRemote, a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)-based device that delivers USB power using standard Ethernet cables for the company’s iPad-based kiosks.
Kiosk Group notes that the iPad has been a game-changer in the kiosk industry, drastically cutting the costs of interactive touchscreen kiosks. The company’s industrial-quality steel kiosks secure and protect an iPad1, iPad2 or new third-generation iPad, and come in three models: standalone, countertop and wall-mount.
The versatile kiosks can be used for catalog sales, event registration, directory assistance, information displays, wayfinding, and many more applications in such settings as office buildings, retail environments, trade shows, hotel lobbies, hospitals and universities, but until this point installation was limited to certain areas.
“Until now, our customers were limited in where they could install a kiosk—it had to be near a wall plug. Or they had to hire electricians and get permits to install new outlets specifically for the kiosks,” explains Kiosk Group president Mike James. “PowerWireRemote changes all of that.”
The device is able to power iPads 1, 2, 3 and Mini—and even the power-hungry iPad 4—using its built-in USB jack.
In addition, the system delivers Ethernet connectivity via an RJ45 jack. While iOS devices continue to support only wireless Internet connections, some Android and Windows tablets will be able to take advantage of the direct Ethernet this system provides, the company notes.
The PowerWireRemote System jis composed of two small and easily installed modules. The Remote Module is plugged into a standard wall outlet via the included power supply and, if wired Ethernet connectivity is desired, plugged into an Ethernet port. The Remote Module can be positioned up to 1,000 feet away from the kiosk, the company adds.
The Kiosk Module is also small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand and fits easily inside any professional iPad or Tablet kiosk enclosure, says Kiosk Group. The modules are connected using standard Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cables, which are widely available locally or which can be ordered along with the PowerWireRemote system.
