As businesses strive to excel in leveraging technology to enhance productivity, off-the-shelf devices might not be capable enough to meet industry-specific needs. This is where custom Android devices help. Being tailored to the use cases, these devices offer the highest degree of functionality and better control over user access, thus enhancing security and functionality.
In this guide, you’ll get a thorough account of what these devices are, how they can be customized in different ways, what benefits they offer, and what factors to consider before customizing.
Custom Android devices are developed by manufacturers or third-party developers who collaborate with the original equipment manufacturers to address unique business requirements. These are devices working on the Android operating system modified to serve specific enterprise needs. This can be done in several ways, e.g., by introducing unique custom features, altering the interface to meet the needs of a specific industry, or introducing custom-built hardware or software.
Some of the examples are as follows:
Custom Android phone for inventory management with a built-in barcode scanner.
Rugged Android devices specifically made for field work with a push-to-talk feature.
Android devices with a built-in POS system to be used in the retail industry.
Custom Android devices can be customized in many key areas to meet specific requirements. These customizations include:
Hardware Customization
Design and Build: Modifying the physical structure, building material, and overall design to fit the specific usage need.
Components: Selecting the right sensors, processors, and hardware components to boost performance for targeted applications.
Example: Rugged field work Android phones with unbreakable Gorilla Glass Screens and sealed ports to protect against dust and moisture.
Software Customization
User Interface (UI): Customizing the user interface that reflects the brand identity for a more personalized look and feel.
Pre-installed Applications: Providing pre-installed apps according to the use cases for enhanced functionality.
Example: Dedicated Android devices with Enterprise Home Screen (EHS) that allows access to pre-installed work-related apps only.
Security Features
Enhanced Security Protocols: Applying strict security solutions like including biometrics, encrypted data protection, and protected boot systems.
Custom Security Policies: Implementing defined security protocols to align with industry regulations or organizational standards.
Example: Healthcare tabs with HIPAA-compliant software and multi-factor verification system to protect crucial data.
Network Customization
Providing specific connectivity options such as private LTE or unique IoT communication protocols.
Example: Custom Android phones operating on a private LTE network in remote locations for secure and reliable connectivity.
Firmware and OS Customization
Custom ROMs: Develop or use custom ROMs to offer specific functions and optimize system performance.
Operating System Tweaks: Adjust operating systems to increase efficiency, extend battery life, or add unique features.
Example: Custom Android devices working on tailored ROM, that remove all non-essential apps and include only business-related tools.
Branding and Personalization
Brand Elements: To stay consistent with company branding, manufacturers modify visual elements of custom Android devices, like logos, color schemes, and wallpapers.
User Experience Customization: Customizing the user experience to better support particular workflows or targeted environments.
Example: Custom Android tablets for a healthcare company, featuring company logo on the boot screen, customized UI, and medical essential apps.
2Benefits of Custom Android Devices for Businesses
Custom Android devices offer numerous benefits for businesses by using technology for specific operational needs, integrating hardware and software tailored to the company’s requirements, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning, such as:
1Improved Security
Improve security by applying security features such as secure boot, encryption, and biometric authentication to safeguard sensitive data while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Custom ROMs, with their enhanced security protocols, also help protect data and block unauthorized access.
2Greater Software and Hardware Control
Compared to consumer devices, custom Android devices allow more in-depth customization of operating systems and hardware. This enables companies to implement precise configuration, limit access to certain features, and design a supervised user experience aligned with their operational needs.
3Branding and Custom Identity
Customizing Android devices with corporate logos, themes, and user interface helps reinforce brand identity with an effortless user experience, where every interaction with the device reflects the brand’s identity.
4Industry-Specific Features
Devices can be configured with tools according to the unique needs of industries such as logistics, healthcare, and retail, while providing specialized tools that directly enhance business operations. For example, GPS tracking and inventory management in logistics, patient management apps in healthcare, and a lot more.
5Adaptable to Growth
Custom devices are modified to grow with your business, supporting updates and modifications to match evolving business requirements. These devices can be updated with new features and hardware integrations, ideal for a growing business.
3Key Considerations When Choosing Custom Android Devices
When choosing a custom Android device, it’s important to start by clearly understanding and defining the operational needs and the tasks the device will support. When choosing custom Android devices, it’s essential to consider several key factors, such as:
1Customization
These are the key factors when evaluating customization options for Android devices:
Hardware Flexibility: Ensure the device’s physical components such as CPU, RAM, sensors, or battery, will meet specific performance demands or durability standards.
Software Customization: Whether the device supports modifications to the UI, control over app restrictions like installing or blocking certain apps, and OS adjustments such as the use of custom ROMs.
Update and Maintenance Control: Ensure that you can control firmware updates, send over-the-air (OTA) changes, and support system maintenance.
2Security
Your selected custom Android device should follow industry-standard security protocols. These help in protecting both the device and business-sensitive data.
3Cost & ROI
Your selected device should also offer durability and low maintenance, reducing long-term expenses compared to standard off-the-shelf devices. The device should be tailored for your business, increasing operational efficiency and driving higher return on investment (ROI).
4Vendor Support and Warranty
Choose an experienced vendor that offers strong technical support for the device through different options like call, email, or chat. Make sure that they have a strong warranty for both hardware and software, to keep your device running smoothly without facing any downtime.
5Compatibility
Ensure that the custom Android device is fully compatible with the hardware and software requirements of your business. It should seamlessly run all the essential applications and integrate effectively with third-party tools.
6Industry Compliance
Make sure the custom Android device meets all the necessary regulations and industry standards, whether it’s PCI-DSS for retail, HIPAA for healthcare, or other industry-specific certifications.
4Why Choose AirDroid Business to Optimize Custom Android Devices
AirDroid Business is a comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. When used in conjunction with custom Android devices, it allows IT teams to control and monitor all devices from one dashboard.
With AirDroid Business, you can manage the entire lifecycle of custom devices, control app deployment and updates, and make sure these devices meet the security and compliance requirements.
1Assessing Business Requirements
A thorough understanding of your daily workflows and business goals helps you choose the right custom Android solution for your business, which will increase efficiency and productivity. Before selecting a custom Android device, it’s important to define all your business’s operational needs:
Start by defining the core functions you expect from the device, managing inventory in a warehouse, barcode scanning in retail, providing patient data access in healthcare, or other functions.
Then consider all the working environments like, will the device face any harsh conditions or require long battery life.
Determine the level of control needed over updates, software, and security.
2Managing Custom Devices with AirDroid Business
Below are some examples of how AirDroid Business helps get the best out of the custom Android devices through several features.
KIOSK Mode
KIOSK mode limits access to one or multiple selected apps while locking the rest, improving security and a focused experience for users in enterprise or public settings. With AirDroid Business, IT managers can configure Kiosk Mode on custom Android devices, update allowed apps, and monitor device usage in real-time.
Rebranding and Personalization
Personalize your device's interface according to your brand’s identity by using the brand’s logo, color, and visual elements to ensure consistent brand representation.
Example: Discount Vending (DV) opted for AirDroid Business as they wanted an MDM solution that could help give a personalized touch for their vending machines.
Customize Features
With AirDroid Business, you can tailor device functionalities according to your specific business needs e.g., enabling and disabling certain business applications.
Example: A logistics company can restrict entertainment apps while only allowing navigation.
Custom Configuration Profiles
Set up and apply specific configuration profiles across all the devices to ensure operational consistency and alignment with corporate policies.
Partnering with Manufacturers
AirDroid Business collaborates with device manufacturers during the production phase for seamless deployment. This collaboration ensures that all the devices come pre-configured with your preferred settings, apps, and management tools.
Custom Attributes
AirDroid Business lets you add custom attributes to your devices, like location, user role, and department. These attributes play a critical role in device management and make device tracking much easier.
Example: Think of a business managing a large number of custom Android devices, with custom attributes each device can be tagged with identifiers like the ones given below:
User Role: Assign roles to manage usage settings and device permissions, such as Admin or Staff.
Location: Assign geographical tags to identify where each device is deployed, such as Los Angeles, California Office.
Device Function: Label devices based on their function, like POS terminal, KIOSK.
Department: Categorize devices by departments to align with internal team structure, like Support, Sales.
Custom API Integrations
Link AirDroid Business with your existing system through APIs, making workflows more efficient and reducing any manual effort.
Tailored Policy Management
You can enforce tailored policies with AirDroid Business, based on your organization’s specific requirements, set security rules, and manage user access. These policies help you:
Restrict access to certain apps or features.
Enforce security settings like password protection or screen lock.
Limit device usage to work-related tasks.
Assign permissions based on user roles or departments, and many more tailored to your business requirements.
Custom Reporting and Analytics
Get detailed logs and reports and access real-time analytics, these reporting tools help you stay in control and maintain a secure, efficient device environment.
5Use Cases for Different Industries
Custom Android devices are used across many different industries, each industry benefits from these in ways that suit their specific needs. AirDroid Business offers diverse MDM solutions with features like remote access to devices, role-based permissions, and custom branding relevant to industry-specific needs. Ranging from retail stores managing digital signage and POS terminals to logistics companies tracking fleet devices in real time, the platform enhances control, security, and efficiency.
1Retail - Rebranding and Personalization
Discount Vending store (DV store) is a US-based vending machine company. DV faced a challenge, updating product information and personalizing their vending machines with the brand image. By using a white label solution from AirDroid Business, they were able to remotely change visuals, update information, and customize the interface to reflect their own branding. This not only saved time by reducing on-site updates but also helped them maintain a strong brand presence and increase customer engagement and satisfaction.
2POS - Customized Features
A leading POS technology provider faced disruptions during busy shopping hours due to frequent unwanted notifications on their devices. To solve this, a custom “Do Not Disturb” mode was introduced for their kiosk browsers by AirDroid Business, automatically silencing notifications.
3Municipal Services - Customized Features
A city cleaning department needed a better way to track staff movements within complex urban zones. Traditional circular geofencing wasn’t accurate enough for these irregular city blocks. To solve this, a customized polygonal geofencing feature was implemented by AirDroid Business, which allowed real-time tracking based on the actual layout of the streets. This made it easier to confirm when staff entered or exited specific cleaning areas. As a result, task completion rates improved by 25%, leading to more efficient operations and cleaner public spaces.
4Healthcare – Kiosk
AirDroid Business, by offering kiosk mode configurations, is helping hospitals limit access only to patient check-ins and hospital-related web pages. This ensures that the healthcare personnel have an immersive experience devoid of any distractions and sensitive patient data is kept secure.
6Key Challenges in Customizing Android Devices
Below are some of the key challenges in customizing Android Devices:
1Certification and Compliance for Custom Android Devices
Major Risks: Custom Android devices must meet industry certifications like GMS, FCC, and CE to avoid market entry delays and additional costs.
Recommendations: Plan certification paths early in the design process and collaborate with third-party labs for comprehensive testing.
2Long-term Maintenance and Security for Custom Android Devices
Major Risks: Without regular security updates, custom devices can become vulnerable to threats, risking data integrity and user safety.
Recommendations: Establish clear update policies with vendors and implement OTA mechanisms to ensure timely updates and patches.
FAQs
Are custom Android ROMs legal?
Maverick
Yes, custom Android ROMs are legal, but with some important caveats:
Open Source Compliance: Android is based on the open-source AOSP which means you're permitted legally to modify and distribute it.
Personal Use: Installing a custom ROM on your own device, like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, is legal.
With Device Owner’s Permission: Deploying custom ROMs on company-owned or customer devices with consent is also legal.
When Legal Issues Can Arise:
Including GMS, e.g., Play Store, Gmail, Maps in your ROM without a license from Google is a violation.
Flashing a custom ROM may void the manufacturer’s warranty unless the device explicitly allows it.
Adding copyrighted apps, media, or firmware from other manufacturers can cause legal trouble.
How to remove a custom Android version?
Maverick
To remove a custom Android version and go back to the original version, follow these steps:
Custom ROM removal will erase all data. Use cloud backup or transfer files manually.
Visit the device manufacturer’s official website, and download the right stock firmware for your model.
You may need tools like:
Odin (for Samsung devices)
Mi Flash Tool (for Xiaomi)
Fastboot & ADB (for many others)
If not already unlocked, unlock the Bootloader, follow the manufacturer's official process. Be aware it may void warranties.
Use the appropriate tool to flash the firmware. This will replace the custom Android with the factory version.
Once flashing is complete, reboot the device and set it up like new.
What is Stock Android vs Custom Android?
Maverick
Stock Android is the pure, original version of the Android operating system as designed and released by Google. Custom Android is a modified version of Android created by device manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, or OnePlus, or third-party developers.
User Interface: Stock has a clean, minimal interface while custom's UI is customized with extra features.
Performance: Stock is faster, while custom may have slower performance because of added features.
Customization: Stock has limited customization by default, while custom offers more built-in customization options.
For more than 8 years, Maverick has dig deep into IT and mobile device management. He delivers practical MDM solution tips and strategies for various endpoints management.
Leave a Reply.