Skycast to develop in-flight entertainment solution on Windows 8 tablets

Skycast Solutions is to develop a Windows-based portable inflight entertainment (IFE) solution.

The IFE solution will run on the Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet with a quad-core Intel Atom processor, HD screen and a lightweight security shell/stand. It will weigh less than one pound.

Features will include wi-fi access, 'one touch' integration with on-board server streaming content, simultaneous multiple screen operation, intra-cabin gaming/networking, usage analytics reporting and customer relationship management capabilities.

It will also offer entertainment, such as early-window movies, new releases, TV, music, digital magazines and an Xbox game centre.

Seattle-based multi-screen agency Ratio will develop the tablet experience.

"Airlines are seeing the many advantages of Windows devices, whether supporting flight crews with productivity tools or offering a cutting edge entertainment experience for their passengers," commented Greg Jones, director of Hospitality and Travel solutions at Microsoft.