Q&A
A different approach to the mobile workforce Q&A with Janko Mrsic-Flogel, CEO and founder of Planet Computers
Planet Computers has been responsible for three smartphone/mini computer hybrid devices, from the Gemini (launched in 2018) to the Astro Slide 5G device that debuted last year. The company recently announced its first foray into the mini desktop PC market with a Linux-powered device that has an external display and is configurable to various specifications. UC Advanced spoke with founder and CEO Janko Mrsic-Flogel about what drove the company’s move into the PC market and how increased hybrid working has helped to drive the company’s product range. EMG: How did the idea of a smartphone/mini PC with keyboard built in come about? JM-F: Back in the 1990s there was a popular niche of products known as PDAs (personal digital assistants), one of which was the Psion Organiser – a device that combined a mono screen and keyboard. The Psion’s came with
their own software for calendars, contacts and email and by connecting the device to the early mobile networks it was possible to be productive on the go. This form factor was eventually replaced by smartphones. Despite this, typing on a touch screen remains slow and frustrating. We felt the format of built-in keyboard and smartphone functionality combined was more suited to the always connected data networks of today and decided to reinvent the format.
Janko Mrsic-Flogel Fofunder and CEO
EMG: What was the thinking behind the latest device, the Astro Slide?
JM-F: As productivity on the go has become more important, people end up carrying a laptop, iPad, phone and a pile of power cables. We wanted to simplify the process by creating a device you could comfortably type long form content on, such as emails, blog posts, as well as remaining in contact. The thinking was that Astro Slide combined the best features of a phone, a camera phone and a PC in one, so users could not just remain connected by being productive wherever they are.
planetcom.co.uk
The Astro Slide combines the best features of a phone, a camera phone and a PC in one
EMG: How much has the move to more hybrid working impacted the business?
JM-F: It’s interesting. During the pandemic and lockdown, people were demanding better connectivity as working, creating and consuming content were all taking place in one place. For people that worked from home for the first time, it was liberating to be able to be productive anywhere. We’ve found that since people have adopted hybrid working, they are demanding instant access to content wherever they are so they can seamlessly move from one device to the next. This has helped people use their time more effectively wherever they are.
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