Boeing has been working on its new 787 Dreamliner for quite a while now, and after some delay the aircraft has now been cleared by the FAA, meaning it can now be delivered to buyers.
Since being cleared, we have learned that Boeing have decided to use the Android operating system which will be used in the top of the range in-flight entertainment system to provide passengers with music, video and also apps – with the possibility of having airline-specific apps for passengers to use as well.
The news comes from technical manager at Boeing, Mark Larson, who has confirmed that the Dreamliner will feature both Android OS servers as well as touchscreens on the back of all seats from first-class to economy to power all aspects of the entertainment system inside the plane.
Panasonic have already built the first 787-certified Android system which has been fitted in the 787, however Larson went on to explain that “a lot of the larger screens (for business and first class) will be non-touch because you can’t reach them, although they’ve also got a prototype of gesturing”. So perhaps that means we will be able to control the entertainment system using some simple hand gestures?
The move by Boeing is a kick in the teeth for other major competitors like Microsoft and Apple, as Boeing have already racked up 820 orders for the plane (including 50 from Qantas and Jetstar) with each plane costing an average of £138 million.
Also, if you ever get the chance to fly on the 787 Dreamliner; as well as getting the Android experience, the 787 raises the bar when it comes to connectivity as each seat also features connectors for powering your laptop, as well as having USB ports (although we’re not quite sure how they’ll be used?).
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