LIVE FROM DROIDCON LONDON: Opportunities for Android developers to build apps for devices other than smartphones and tablets were outlined by two technology companies.

Paresh Patel, founder and CEO of vending technology company Vendscreen, said his company is looking to engage with developers to build apps for its Android-based Vendscreen devices, while Frederic Albinet, marketing group manager for automotive OEM/OES/AM at Parrot, told developers about opportunities to build technology for the Asteroid range of in-car connectivity devices.

Vendscreen’s Android-based devices enable cashless payment, promotions and additional information – such as nutritional values – to be provided to customers.

The internet-connected terminal is also able to relay data back to vending machine owners and product manufacturers, allowing them to stock machines to meet demand to keep track of maintenance issues.

Patel said the company is keen to work with developers to build other apps that could enrich the Vendscreen functionality and said that Android was the ideal platform to quickly add new functionality to the devices.

“We want people to start thinking about that stuff because there’s a lot more that can happen with this platform. We can’t possibly imagine the functionality we can provide on these machines,” he said.

Patel added that the process to develop apps for the platform would require vending companies and developers to work closely. “Unlike mobile devices this is something that whoever runs that machine will have to have some control [over] so I anticipate that devices that attach to machines will be much more closed. There’s going to be a process for it,” he said.

Parrot’s Asteroid devices “host apps dedicated to the car environment”, such as music, navigation and phone contacts capability with future developments likely to include broadcast television, advanced diagnostics, connectivity to dynamic vehicle networks.

Albinet said the company chose to use Android for its Asteroid in-car connectivity devices, partly due to the “huge community of developers” and touted the Asteroid Market as an emerging  portal to build apps for.