Meet iGlass: the touch screen tech trying to change shop displays

Done properly, a shop display window can be a great way of enticing people into your store. Thing is, it’s only really useful when your shop’s open.

iGlass might be one way of changing that. The product, which claims to turn a standard storefront window into a touch-screen, appears to have a lot of potential. People can, for instance, buy products, get quotes, browse catalogues or brochures, and view and be alerted to product information.

The window display technology works with adhesive rear projection film. Images, video and dynamic media content are projected onto the storefront window — or mobile display — turning it into a TV screen. Music and sound effects are also possible add-ons.

Digital innovation company NXT\, which is launching the product in South Africa, says that the solution can be tailor-made to specific retailer needs and cater for different glass or surface dimensions.

iGlass can also be used to play games designed by the retailer, take part in competitions and importantly, share the company information socially on multiple platforms, including social media.

iGlass is targeted at retailers and landlords of properties with high foot traffic rates who want to draw more passing trade, but are facing traditional constraints in the retail space. These include limited shopping hours, limited floor space for displays, and increased rental space costs.

“The vision and strategy is to enable retailers to combine the best of digital interactivity and ‘always on’ culture with the familiarity and tangible benefits of the traditional retail environment,” says Wayne Levine, CEO of NXT\.

Among the planned phases for development is the introduction of an application that will enable consumers to interact with any store that uses the technology, and transmits information from iGlass to themselves, or share with their friends on social media.

NXT\ also plans to introduce QR code technology that will enable a ‘virtual shopping experience’ for consumers using iGlass – as they will be able to use a mobile phone to read the code, which will then direct them to the respective retailer’s mobile site, allowing them to make purchases or conduct transactions on the spot or in the privacy of their homes at a later stage. The use of QR codes will also enable retailers to generate customer leads.

That would give it some features reminiscent of the award-winning interactive display iKineo built for men’s retailer Loom. The difference being that while iGlass is more universally implementable, it doesn’t carry quite the same levels of bespoke interactivity.