UBI Program in the ISE 2010 Show in Amsterdam

The UBI Program, coordinated by MediaTeam Oulu research group of the University of Oulu, participated the ISE 2010 (Integrated Systems Europe) show which was organized in the beginning of February in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ISE is the leading annual digital signage event in Europe. UBI Program’s Account Manager Ville Valkama was at the show getting acquainted with the future prospects of digital displays.

The show indicated that the city of Oulu represents the cutting edge of ubiquitous cities and it is a forerunner in integrating interactive displays into a city centre. The UBI displays, which consume environmentally sound wind power, are installed in such manner that they are easy to approach and pleasant to use. They also blend into their environment and fit well into the cityscape of technology-oriented Oulu.

Comparable presentations to the UBI Program’s services were present at the show in Amsterdam, but the entity built in the city centre of Oulu proved to be unique. In Oulu, public actors have united their strengths in order to create a ubiquitous city. Creating innovations is crucial: technically advanced displays alone are not sufficient but they must have content that draw both users and developers. Innovations which enable the modification and allocation of messages to the correct target groups will be essential in the development of information display business.

In addition to the increasing number of touch screen displays, the UBI Program has developed several means of interaction between the UBI displays and the user. Among other means, the UBI displays can be used with a mobile device.