Since the early 2000s, digital signs, kiosks, and totems have grown in popularity from retail to healthcare to fast food. At the same time, screen, connectivity, IoT, media servers, content management, and other technologies have elevated their functionality. Arguably, it is hard to turn a blind eye to digital signs and kiosks’ business impacts. But the COVID pandemic made touchscreens in public and private enterprises “persona non gratis.”

Hence, Vocinity helps enable the next generation of video-based digital totems.

The rise of Internet technology, technical advancement, and high-speed connectivity has opened a new world of possibilities. Today, brands and organizations in all industries aspire to capture attention via more engaging, memorable and useful digital signage solutions.
What is Interactive Digital Signage? – A Quick History, Intuiface Blog, 2019

So What’s Next?

We are not quite ready for the holographic displays from the Minority report, but there is a near-term opportunity to enhance the interactivity of video-based digital signage.

Pre-COVID, we grew accustomed to a digital kiosk to check in at the doctors’ office or touchscreens in malls and everywhere in between. Recently, voice recognition technology for signs became hot to no one’s surprise. In late 2019 McDonald’s announced the purchase of a started called Apprente. And numerous fast-food restaurants launched trials over the last 18 months.

However, using your voice for basic food ordering is just the beginning. When today’s consumers interact with digital signs, they want a more engaging experience than just speaking to a flat image. That’s why we believe smart signs will become increasingly popular as they enable more immersive and entertaining experiences.

Vocinity-Enabled Smart Signs

Over the last year, we have supported multiple partner-based digital sign initiatives. Besides the Vocinity Video Engagement Platform, the reference design adds HD cameras, noise-canceling mics, proximity sensors, APIs for content management integration, and example code for media servers (browser or thin client) to existing kiosks or totems. We are getting closer to the Minority Report paradigm by enabling personalized video-based journeys. (Digital sign providers interested in learning more should contact us directly).

Smart Sign engagements can launch using proximity sensors or custom wake words (just like “Siri” or “Alexa”). One of our partners, TROC, has Vocinity-enabled smart signs for brand roadshows and in-store assisted selling. Their virtual brand ambassador uses “Hey Valerie” as their custom wake word. After which, users can then engage with interactive conversational video assistants, live video chats, and streaming broadcasts.

With these types of smart signs, customers get service quickly and cost-effectively. In addition, brands and businesses can now enhance the effectiveness and productivity of existing staff.

With 86% of businesses using video as a marketing tool, video marketers are being pushed to think outside the box and stay ahead of the competition. Using interactive video software to create a personalized experience allows you to stand out from the crowd while keeping your viewers engaged and driving them to your desired outcomes.
The Importance of a Personal Experience in Video Marketing, Mindstamp, July 22, 2021

Blurring The Lines Between Entertainment, Education, and Commerce

Most industries have more than one high-value use case for smart digital signage, from education and healthcare to banks and hospitality. Marketers have learned to appreciate the value of video-based experiences, and consumers are demanding them. And with digital signage, you have a platform to address both. By adding Vocinity, you can achieve truly personalized immersive multimedia experiences that consumers will love.