Despia OEM

The nocode builder for the Android Kiosk ecosystem - the modern alternative to launcher apps.

Overview

Despia OEM is a groundbreaking framework that extends Despia's web-to-native compilation capabilities into the world of custom Android-based software and kiosk applications. Built on Android's robust foundation, Despia OEM enables developers to create standalone, purpose-built applications that run in controlled environments - all while maintaining the simplicity of web development.

What is Despia OEM?

Despia OEM is a specialized framework that allows you to deploy your web applications as dedicated Android kiosk solutions. Unlike traditional mobile apps that run alongside other applications, Despia OEM apps can operate as the primary interface of an Android device, making them perfect for:

  • Point-of-sale (POS) systems

  • Digital signage and interactive displays

  • Self-service kiosks

  • Industrial control panels

  • Educational tablets

  • Healthcare patient terminals

  • Hotel and hospitality interfaces

  • Fleet management devices

  • Smart home controllers

How It Works

Simple Activation Process

Getting started with Despia OEM is remarkably straightforward:

  1. Develop Your Web App: Use your existing web stack (WeWeb, Nordcraft, React, Vue, Angular, or Vanilla JavaScript)

  2. Configure in Despia: Import your web application into the Despia platform

  3. Enable OEM Mode: Navigate to the Targets section in your Despia dashboard

  4. Toggle "Despia OEM": Simply enable the Despia OEM option

  5. Build and Deploy: Compile your application with OEM-specific optimizations

Technical Architecture

When you enable Despia OEM, your application is compiled with:

  • Kiosk Mode Runtime: A specialized Android runtime that locks down the device to your application

  • System-Level Integration: Deep Android OS integration for hardware control and system management

  • Persistent Foreground Service: Ensures your app remains the primary interface

  • Custom Launcher Capabilities: Your app can replace the default Android home screen

  • Hardware API Access: Direct access to device peripherals and sensors

Key Possibilities and Use Cases

1. Retail & Commerce

  • Build complete POS systems that run on commodity Android hardware

  • Create self-checkout kiosks with barcode scanning and payment processing

  • Deploy product catalog browsers for in-store customer use

  • Implement queue management systems with ticket dispensers

2. Enterprise Solutions

  • Develop time-clock systems for employee management

  • Create inventory management terminals for warehouses

  • Build quality control stations for manufacturing

  • Deploy secure data entry terminals for field workers

3. Public Services

  • Design information kiosks for airports, museums, and public spaces

  • Create ticketing machines for transportation systems

  • Build citizen service terminals for government offices

  • Implement wayfinding systems for large facilities

4. Healthcare Applications

  • Deploy patient check-in terminals

  • Create bedside entertainment and information systems

  • Build medical device interfaces

  • Implement telemedicine kiosks

5. Education & Training

  • Develop exam and assessment terminals

  • Create interactive learning stations

  • Build library catalog access points

  • Deploy digital textbook readers with restricted access

Advanced Features

Device Management

  • Remote Configuration: Update settings and content remotely

  • Multi-App Profiles: Switch between different kiosk applications based on time or user

  • Automatic Updates: Push updates without user intervention

  • Crash Recovery: Automatic restart and recovery mechanisms

Security & Control

  • Lockdown Mode: Prevent users from exiting your application

  • Disabled System UI: Hide status bars, navigation buttons, and system notifications

  • Restricted Settings: Block access to device settings and configuration

  • Whitelist Management: Control which features and apps are accessible

Hardware Integration

  • Peripheral Support: Connect barcode scanners, printers, card readers

  • GPIO Control: Interface with custom hardware through GPIO pins

  • Camera Integration: Built-in QR/barcode scanning capabilities

  • NFC/RFID: Support for contactless interactions

Customization Options

  • Boot Animation: Custom branding from device startup

  • System UI Theming: Match the entire device interface to your brand

  • Gesture Controls: Define custom gestures for navigation

  • Screen Timeout Management: Control display sleep and wake behaviors

Revolutionary Offline Capabilities

Seamless Offline/Online Switching

Despia OEM introduces groundbreaking offline functionality that ensures your kiosk applications never stop working, regardless of connectivity:

  • Automatic Mode Switching: The runtime intelligently detects connectivity status and seamlessly switches between online and offline modes

  • Local Client Hosting: Host a complete client-side version of your application locally on the device

  • Zero Downtime: Users experience uninterrupted service whether connected or disconnected

  • Optimized Offline Version: Deploy a streamlined version of your web app specifically optimized for offline performance

DespiaBase: Powerful Local Data Management

At the heart of Despia OEM's offline capabilities is DespiaBase, our SQLite-based database solution:

Key Features

  • Local SQLite Storage: Full-featured SQL database running directly on the device

  • Action Queue System: Store user actions, transactions, and data locally when offline

  • Automatic Sync: When connectivity returns, queued actions automatically sync with your server

  • Conflict Resolution: Built-in strategies for handling data conflicts between local and server states

  • Encrypted Storage: Secure local data storage with encryption at rest

How DespiaBase Works

  1. Online Mode: Application operates normally, communicating with your server

  2. Connection Lost: Runtime detects offline state and switches to local mode

  3. Local Operations: All user actions are stored in DespiaBase

  4. Queue Management: Actions are timestamped and queued for later processing

  5. Connection Restored: DespiaBase automatically syncs queued actions with your server

  6. Conflict Handling: Smart merge strategies ensure data integrity

Practical Offline Scenarios

Retail POS Systems

  • Process sales transactions offline

  • Queue orders for processing when connection returns

  • Maintain full inventory visibility from local cache

  • Accept payments with offline authorization

Field Service Applications

  • Technicians work in areas with poor connectivity

  • Complete work orders and inspections offline

  • Sync completed jobs when returning to coverage areas

  • Access customer history and documentation locally

Transportation & Logistics

  • Driver apps continue functioning in remote areas

  • Delivery confirmations queue for later upload

  • Route information available offline

  • Signature capture and photo documentation stored locally

Healthcare Kiosks

  • Patient check-ins continue during network outages

  • Appointment scheduling with queue-based confirmation

  • Access to essential medical information offline

  • Emergency protocols always available

Beta Access

Despia OEM with offline capabilities and DespiaBase is currently in beta. Organizations interested in early access to these groundbreaking features can email beta@despia.com to receive updates and join our beta program when it launches.

Benefits Over Traditional Solutions

Cost Efficiency

  • No Native Development: Save months of development time

  • Standard Hardware: Run on affordable, off-the-shelf Android devices

  • Single Codebase: Maintain one web codebase for both kiosk and regular deployments

Rapid Deployment

  • Quick Prototyping: Test kiosk concepts in hours, not weeks

  • Instant Updates: Deploy changes immediately across all devices

  • A/B Testing: Easily test different interfaces and workflows

Flexibility

  • Hardware Agnostic: Deploy on tablets, phones, or specialized Android devices

  • Scalable Architecture: From single-device deployments to thousands of units

  • Cloud or Local: Choose between cloud-connected or fully offline operations

Reliability

  • Always-On Operation: Applications continue working offline with full functionality

  • No Single Point of Failure: Local processing ensures business continuity

  • Automatic Recovery: Seamless transition between offline and online modes

  • Data Integrity: DespiaBase ensures no data loss during connectivity issues

Getting Started

  1. Sign up for a Despia account at despia.com

  2. Upload your web application

  3. Navigate to Targets in your project settings

  4. Enable "Despia OEM" option

  5. Configure kiosk-specific settings (lockdown level, permissions, boot behavior)

  6. Build your OEM application

  7. Deploy to your Android devices via MDM, USB, or direct download

Conclusion

Despia OEM represents a paradigm shift in how businesses can leverage Android devices for specialized applications. By combining the ease of web development with the power of native Android capabilities, Despia OEM opens up endless possibilities for creating purpose-built solutions that are both powerful and cost-effective. Whether you're building a single kiosk or deploying a fleet of thousands, Despia OEM provides the framework to transform your vision into reality - all with the simplicity of toggling a single option in your Despia dashboard.

Updated on
Migration Guide (V2 to V3)
Getting Started