How do weather widgets work in digital signage software?

The weather widgets in digital signage software allow users to display up-to-date weather conditions dynamically on their screens. The process is supported by core digital signage features that handle the content management, layout, and real-time updating.

Here is an explanation of how these widgets work, focusing on the configuration and display process within the system:

1. Content Management and Widget Selection

The weather feature is provided as one of the multiple widgets supported by the digital signage system.

• Availability: The software includes the Weather feature as part of its suite of widgets.

• Management: Users access the Library Management system to manage their content and easily add these unique widgets to their library.

• Configuration: The system supports displaying weather information for multiple locations. This means the user can configure the widget to fetch weather data for specific areas of interest, such as the local conditions for a restaurant or a corporate office.

2. Layout and Placement (Signage Features)

Once configured, the weather widget is incorporated into the visual design of the screen using the software's layout features.

• Zone Flexibility: The user utilizes the Custom Layout Builder with Zone Flexibility to create custom screen layouts. This feature allows the screen to be divided into multiple zones where different types of content can run simultaneously.

• Placement: The weather update is assigned to a specific zone on the screen, often displayed alongside other media files like images and videos.

• Example: For example, a corporate office may show live weather, news, and sports updates in a small scrolling zone while using the main display area for announcements or internal communications.

3. Scheduling and Real-Time Operation

The final layout, including the weather widget, is then scheduled and deployed to the screens for display.

• Content Publishing: Content is published to any number of screens. The application running on the display device (compatible with various operating systems like Windows, Android, and Tizen) receives the content.

• Dynamic Data Rendering: The weather widget updates automatically by pulling fresh weather data in real time, making it suitable for Android digital signage and Tizen digital signage deployments.

• Future Functionality: The software is planned to include the capability to Trigger Content based on Weather, allowing the current weather conditions displayed by the widget to automatically influence or change the primary content running on the screen.