United Airlines Is Upgrading Its In-Flight Entertainment with Bluetooth-Equipped 4K Displays

Almost 300,000 Panasonic 4K entertainment systems will be installed across the United fleet.

Tech & Gadgets
3.2K 6 Comments

United Airlines has teamed up with Panasonic Avonics to bring 4K screens and Bluetooth accessibility to select aircrafts. The airline plans to install nearly 300,000 units of Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova seat-back displays on new Airbus A321XLRs and Boeing 787s beginning in 2025. According to a press release from Panasonic Avionics, this is the most an airline has ever invested in its in-flight-entertainment.

Panasonic first revealed the Astrovia display at the 2022 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), and at this year’s AIX, United managing director of identity, product and loyalty Mark Muren announced the airline’s plan to purchase the displays. United will launch Astrovia displays on international fights first, then roll them out on domestic US flights shortly thereafter.

The Astrova employs 4K OLED technology to emulate a higher image quality and sharper contrast ratio. Displays also feature Bluetooth technology that can offer high-fidelity 3D spatial audio, and will arrive in five different sizes ranging from 10 to 42 inches — the former is a standard-size screen for an economy seat, while the latter will be used in select first-class cabins.

“Ten years ago, United thought that it was all going to be about [using] your own device,” Muren said at AIX. “We were right, but we can delight and engage [passengers] if we also put a great screen right in front of them. They want to use their own device, but also to be engaged and entertained.”

Elsewhere in the tech space, Apple has made its developer betas free to download.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Macklemore Wants You to Show Out on the Golf Course, Haters Be Damned
Golf

Macklemore Wants You to Show Out on the Golf Course, Haters Be Damned

With an adidas collab now under its belt, Bogey Boys has come of age.

Dior Looks to the Future With New Sunglasses Lineup
Fashion

Dior Looks to the Future With New Sunglasses Lineup

With an overall technical edge.

IRAK and Denim Tears Announce a Collaborative Apparel Collection
Fashion

IRAK and Denim Tears Announce a Collaborative Apparel Collection

Both parties adorn Levis 501 jeans, tees and hats with their signature patterns.

Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen Is ‘Madden 24’ Cover Athlete
Sports

Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen Is ‘Madden 24’ Cover Athlete

Succeeding last year’s cover of John Madden himself.

Acne Studios Returns With 'House of Acne Paper' Issue 18
Design

Acne Studios Returns With 'House of Acne Paper' Issue 18

Featuring 151 fanciful objects to furnish the Swedish label’s imaginary home.


NFL Launches Pride Month Capsule With Humberto Leon
Fashion

NFL Launches Pride Month Capsule With Humberto Leon

The first-ever Pride capsule featuring NFL-licensed merch.

Gucci and Major League Baseball's Latest Collection Is a Home Run
Fashion

Gucci and Major League Baseball's Latest Collection Is a Home Run

Batting first with varsity jackets and logomania denim before getting sophisticated with New York Yankees loafers and button-down shirts.

You Can Now Pre-Order JW Anderson's FW23 Padlock Ankle Boots
Footwear 

You Can Now Pre-Order JW Anderson's FW23 Padlock Ankle Boots

“We shouldn’t be scared of subversion.”

The Weeknd To Release New Music Alongside Every Episode of 'The Idol'
Music

The Weeknd To Release New Music Alongside Every Episode of 'The Idol'

Revealing which tracks will drop for the show’s second episode.

The Nike Roshe Run Has Returned
Footwear 

The Nike Roshe Run Has Returned

And it’s only $5 USD more than it was in 2012.

More ▾