Askarya claims that via PocketKiosk Builder, any type of application -- whether binary executable, visual basic, or .NET CF-based -- can be made to run in fullscreen kiosk mode, with or without a menu bar. Users are prevented from running other applications, such as games, media players, etc. The company claims that the tool is "especially useful in enterprise scenarios where workers' productivity is of highest concern."
Additional benefits of the tool are said to be:
- Avoidance of accidental device data or system corruption by inexperienced users
- Reduced device maintenance, which further reduces support costs
- Longer battery life, due to reduced use of resources
- Utilization of the full screen area on Pocket PC devices having a small display size
While
previous versions of PocketKiosk Builder offered the above functionality, version 3 adds the ability to create a Kiosk Desktop, allowing the user to run more than one application -- but still only those defined by the developer/system adminstrator.
Below we see a Kiosk Desktop being created by PocketKiosk Builder -- which requires a desktop computer running Windows 2000 or XP, plus ActiveSync.
PocketKiosk Builder creating a Kiosk Desktop.The next picture shows a device running the resulting desktop. Even after a warm boot, says Askarya, the device returns to the Kiosk Desktop or kiosk mode, unless a predefined passcode is entered.
PocketKiosk running on an emulated Windows Mobile devicePocketKiosk Builder requires no programming, the company says, and creates .CAB files that can be placed on devices using ActiveSync or by loading from a storage device. It's said to be compatible with Windows 5.0, Windows Mobile 2003 SE, and Pocket PC 2002 based devices.
PocketKiosk Builder is downloadable now from the company's Web site, priced around $350. However, says Askarya, the resulting kiosk files may be distributed royalty-free.
Related stories:
