It’s clear that TV system in hotels and motels has been changed over the years based on the guests preferences. For example, GenZ people spend most of their time watching videos on YouTube (37%) and Netflix (35%), whereas GenX prefer to watch live TV channels. Similar to GenZ, GenY people prefer to watch TV online and on streaming services. They stream more online TV than any other generation - mainly on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, and Disney+.
It has become clear that accessing content whenever and wherever is now second nature to people. People bring their own mobile phone and expect to be able to cast their preferred content to the TV in a hotel or motel room. This is possible as long as you have an expensive TV capable of receiving the content from an external device using chromecast or airplay or a media player connected to a standard TV. Other people bring their your own content and expect to be able to access their content subscriptions through the devices in the room, such as a TV or a media player. This would be an app for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ or one of the many other providers that they can log into. This is a direct replacement for the Video on Demand solutions previously installed in many hotels.
Offering access to preinstalled apps on the TV will not be enough for your guests. This is because with a 5 to 7-year replacement cycle on those TV’s, even the most astute of futurists would struggle to predict the top apps 7 years from now. There is, however, one thing you can do for any investment you make in TV’s and TV systems right now. That is to ensure you implement a solution that has access to an app store such as Google Store.
App stores are a familiar part of everyday life. People with smartphones, tablets, PC’s, Smart TV’s, and set-top boxes are accessing them day in and day out. As such, accessing one is second nature. A media player with an app store would be more economical than purchasing more expensive smart TVs.
Additionally, having a media player in each room will enable the guests to install and play their preferred games. Depending on the performance of the media player, the guests could even play high quality and fun games such as Beach Buggy Racing, Sky Force or RipTide GP. A separate bluetooth controller (eg. XBOX controller) will be required.
Benefits Of An App Store In Hotel TV System
- You no longer have to make TV purchasing decisions based on the installed apps. The playing field is much more leveled.
- You no longer need to replace TV based on new app releases. While it could be some technical challenges in future apps, having app store access goes some way to alleviate some of these challenges.
- While it would be unwise to ignore advice from industry experts and specialists, you become less reliant on them predicting the future.
- You allow your guests to take control. Giving your guests a choice of where they take their content from allows them an element of control they never had before.
- The app store will allow the guests to install and play their preferred games.