Singapore Airlines Provides Linux Network PC in Every Seat (Photos)

Singapore Airlines always stands out in in-flight entertainment services. KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system, offers on-demand movies in multiple languages (pretty good collection of latest movies in my experience), television shows, games and music to passengers. Singapore Airlines rolled out a new version of KrisWorld, at least as early as May 14th, that improves significantly on existing systems.

SA provides a brand new in flight entertainment system on a Linux networked PC with 100 movies in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Tamil, Spanish and French. About 50 TV programs (check out Sponge Bob, Simpsons, Futurama etc.), games, music system with customizable playlist, audio books and even StarOffice 8 with Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation (Impress) & File Manager. Check out more cool images below.

The latest version of KrisWorld is based on Panasonic Avionics Corp.’s eX2 in-flight entertainment system and was jointly developed by the two companies. The system consists of a central Linux server that connects to a network of PCs installed in every seat on the aircraft. The KrisWorld software offers an improved user interface and each economy-class seat is fitted with a 10.6-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) screen that offers resolution of 1,280 pixels by 768 pixels. They are larger in business and first class, where each seat comes with a 15.4-inch and 23-inch screen, respectively.

The system is configured to ensure that airlines announcements interrupt the regular programs and are displayed prominently on top. This is very important for any airlines so that any passenger engrossed in work or entertainment, doesn’t miss important announcements like plane is landing or there is a turbulence ahead or even that meal is being served. I wonder how they implemented it or in other words if someone can disable it.

Images via linkThe external interfaces allows you to plugin your usb card and work on your documents. No more will you have to carry your laptop around in planes.

The keyboard is reportedly hard to use for people with long fingernails and may be slightly hard on fingers. You can see the old game buttons still there on the left and right of the keyboard.
Images via link

Overall I think Singapore Airlines has revolutionized in-flight entertainment. When US airlines view in-flight entertainment as cost-center, Singapore Airlines has traditionally used in-flight entertainment & hospitality as its key differentiators. And based on my personal experience over several years they have succeeded. With on board Linux PC, they are now miles ahead of other airlines. Looking forward to my next trip on Singapore Airlines.