NextWindow Installs World’s Largest Retail Touchscreens in Vodafone Outlets

Bullet PR
1 November 2004

As reported in Kiosks.org
 

AUCKLAND – 1 November 2004 – NextWindow, an international designer of ground breaking optical imaging technology for touchscreens, announced today the installation of fifteen 50 inch touchscreens in Vodafone retail stores throughout New Zealand. The giant touchscreens are amongst the largest interactive digital signs in the world to be deployed in a retail environment. The rollout is part of a nationwide re-branding of Vodafone stores.

According to Al Monro, CEO of NextWindow, “the impact of the new interactive digital signs is in direct proportion to their size. As well as impressing customers, the touchscreens allow them to explore and interact with a wide variety of Vodafone products and services. At the same time, Vodafone is able to direct people to current promotions.”

“A major benefit of interactive digital signs is that customer interests can be deduced from recorded information about where they place their finger,” said Mr Monro. “This will enable Vodafone to develop offers and deliver messages more closely aligned to customer interests.”

Neville Pulman, Retail Channel Manager, Vodafone, said the massive screens give Vodafone a great deal of flexibility in its marketing without destroying the look and feel of each store. The content of the digital signs can be updated rapidly, without the high costs of traditional signage alterations.

NextWindow's technology uses state-of-the-art optical imaging techniques to record the touch point. The NextWindow solution scales effectively to touch-enable very large displays. Overlays are not used, therefore excellent image clarity is provided. In addition, scratches on the touch surface will not affect the touchscreen operation. The slim profile of the frame can easily be retro-fitted to most existing flat panel displays, and enables the touchscreen to be incorporated into a wide variety of P-O-P and indoor advertising solutions, including interactive kiosks, shop windows and display cabinets.

About NextWindow
NextWindow’s ground breaking advancements in optical imaging technology facilitate the production of large scale touchscreens for the interactive digital signage market. The powerful new medium of interactive digital signage is transforming the retail advertising and entertainment industries by encouraging customer interaction and ensuring messages are closely targeted to the needs of users. By utilising NextWindow’s unique technology, companies foster personal relationships with each customer, build and reinforce brands, and create real competitive advantages.

NextWindow delivers touch enabled digital signage in a wide variety of formats, including 30” to 60” plasma and LCD screens, display cabinets and store windows.
The company has offices in Chicago, London and Auckland, New Zealand.

About Vodafone New Zealand
Vodafone New Zealand is part of one of the world's largest mobile telecommunications companies, Vodafone Group Plc. Established in the UK in 1983, Vodafone now has equity interests in 26 countries over five continents and partner networks in a further 13 countries. As of December 31, 2003 Vodafone had more than 130.4 million proportionate customers around the world.

ENDS

Media Contact
Tony Mangan, Account Manager, Bullet PR Limited, New Zealand
Tel: +64 21 903 181