Guide

Android vs. Windows: Which Is Better for Intel X86 Dedicated Devices?

The Innovator’s Guide to Fleet Transformation

Every computing device needs an operating system (OS) to function, but not every OS is up to the task of managing dedicated devices like point-of-sale systems, kiosks, digital signage, rugged phones and tablets. This guide will take you through the highest impact considerations when trying to decide between Android and Windows for Intel-powered x86 devices.

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Bring your ideal use case to life
with the right OS to continuously
delight your customers.

What’s Inside This Guide

Get all the information you need to easily find the right OS.
Quick reference comparison of Android and Windows
Detailed insights on scalability, performance, functionality, cost, and more
Key risks and complexities to consider for each OS
Pros and cons of both Android and Windows specifically on x86
Building with off-the-shelf vs. custom hardware
How tomorrow’s customer experiences are being made by today’s hardware choices
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Myth
Android offers a poor end user experience
Android isn’t affordable — it’s cheap
Android is a cybersecurity risk
Android devices have short lifespans, so you’ll have to replace them sooner
Android hardware is inferior, isn’t it? And aren’t I stuck with ARM?
vs
Reality
Android can and does power world-class device UX — but your approach matters
Android is the ideal platform for end-to-end fleet OpEx management
Android offers enterprise grade security — and the keys are in your hands
Android enables agile fleet evolution — but you need a partner to leverage it well
Android hardware is whatever you want it to be (including x86, with Esper)

Selection cheat sheet

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What's inside this guide

Get all the information you need to design your app easily.

Dedicated device problem scenario

Scenario

You want to build an app that works across GMS and AOSP

Esper Solution

Since you can't use the GMS dev tech stack in this scenario, Esper created the ability to support managed config across GMS and AOSP.
You get the tools to programmatically control your config and push out data payloads in a fine grained manner to apps running on your devices. With Esper you can group your devices and create a specific managed config for a certain set of devices, customers, etc.
Quick reference comparison of Android and Windows
Detailed insights on scalability, performance, functionality, cost, and more
Key risks and complexities to consider for each OS
Pros and cons of both Android and Windows specifically on x86
Building with off-the-shelf vs. custom hardware
How tomorrow’s customer experiences are being made by today’s hardware choices
Download the Guide

Learn from the dedicated device experts

Digital healthcare, or HealthTech, is accelerating at an unprecedented pace due to factors such as the need for remote care, decentralized clinical trials, and the power of connected wearable devices.
We’ve worked with numerous HealthTech organizations building anything from complex custom remote patient monitoring solutions to electronic clinical outcome assessment (eCOA) solutions for long-term decentralized clinical trials. In this ebook, we dive into five principles we’ve learned about building a strong foundation for your device fleet, so you can deftly navigate the inevitable challenges along the journey.

Goodbye mundane processes, hello limitless efficiency

Lula was on a mission to bring delivery to convenience stores, providing a lifeline for these essential businesses during the challenging times of the pandemic. They nailed the innovation, but found their manual device provisioning process was draining their time and resources. Enter Esper, which helped optimize Lula's operations with automated provisioning, enabling them to devote their full attention to serving their customers. 
Read the full story

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To meet the growing demand for digital ordering, most restaurants, from fine dining establishments to quick-service restaurants, have transitioned to digital experiences such as online ordering, delivery, and digital self-serve to increase revenue and build customer loyalty among users who expect a digital-first experience.

50%
of Gen Z is willing to try a new restaurant if it offers curbside options, according to a Bluedot survey.
Pro Tip
Pro-tip:

Most MDMs are built to accommodate smartphones and tablets, but far fewer offer compatibility with mPoS, kiosks, ruggedized devices, smart fitness equipment, and telehealth devices. A smart approach to hardware procurement is key to mobile security, and this process should involve learning whether devices are compatible with your MDM.

  • 0: MDM is a best fit solution (probably)
  • 1-3: MDM is not a best fit solution and may slow you down  
  • 4-7: MDM is a poor fit and will cause problems
  • 7+: MDM is inappropriate for your use case
  • Read the full, detailed playbook. Everything you need from start to finish. 
  • Determine the best business model, hardware solutions, operating system, and a lot more for your business.
  • Discover why Android is the most versatile, longest lasting choice for device fleets.
  • Uncover advanced app delivery models for the ultimate in updates and agility. 
  • Recognize all the untapped potential devices can offer.
  • Learn why automation is the future of device management. (and how to get started)
92%
of restaurant business now takes place off-premise, as stated by Fast Casual.
57%
of respondents want a DevOps-based solution to help speed up time to market for new services and improvements
55%
say they will use DevOps to help improve the user experience of apps and services
33%
Download the scoring assessmentDownload the advanced planner guide

Quick Tip

Our advice: Keep your end goals in mind when selecting your operating system. While you can cater certain aspects of the overall experience with apps, the scalability and longevity of your hardware fleet will heavily depend on the operating system it runs.

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Learn
Everything You Need to Know About MDM
Tech-first companies need a way to manage all of their digital devices — from tablets and smartphones to kiosks and point of sale systems. That’s where MDM comes in. But there’s no such thing as a one -size-fits-all MDM solution, and each device management scenario needs to be evaluated individually. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of MDM and where each one excels. This is your guide to all that and more.
Tech RX: Thwarting Threats in Healthcare Hardware
Latest Blog
Tech RX: Thwarting Threats in Healthcare Hardware
Sudhir dives into why device security in the healthcare industry is so critical and why it’s important to stay one step ahead of the game every single day. It’s a gripping episode that you won’t want to miss.

New to DevOps for Devices?

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