InnCable: InnSpire announced the InnCable, which is essentially an Android computer built into an Ethernet cable. Plug one end into an Ethernet port, the other into a TV, and you have a smart TV.
As the device’s name suggests, InnCable is aimed at hotels. It’s incredibly easy to set up, with no need for a server room or specialized IT management. However, InnSpire co-founder and CEO Martin Chevalley says it has many other potential uses.
“It’s essentially an Android Box, so you can use it anywhere, even for regular home use.”
“We will start selling to hotels, but we are already talking to B2C companies about releasing a version for consumers.”.
InnCable's current system includes custom software with hotel applications, including information services and merchandise sales to customers. InnSpire expects other providers, such as telcos, to develop applications that will promote their own services.
InnCable works best over Ethernet , and POE (Power Over Ethernet) ports are ideal. It can also power the TV via the HDMI port, although not all TVs support this. If necessary, the system can operate using a regular power supply and a Wi-Fi connection, although this is not as reliable. (Hotel Wi-Fi systems can be overloaded, for example.)
InnSpire states in its press release that InnCable is based on the same groundbreaking technology that won the Technology Innovation Award with the HTNG [Hospitality Technology Next Generation] product in 2014. Millions of hotel guests have since enjoyed world-class entertainment.
InnCable is another way of delivering the same InnSpire system.
The InnCable has two USB ports and an RJ-12 serial port. InnSpire has not yet released details about the device's processor or memory.
The device is being showcased at the HITEC conference in Toronto, Canada (June 26-29). HITEC bills itself as the “world’s largest hospitality technology expo.”.
