Run the player as an app or in the browser on a Qbic panel
Compare running Offision as a native Android app versus in the built-in browser on Qbic panels, including hardware RFID reader access and offline video playback.
A Qbic touch panel runs an Android operating system and can display the Offision player in two distinct modes: as an installed native Android app or within the panel’s built-in web browser.
Both modes generate a 6-character pairing code and display similar scheduling screens. However, browser mode lacks access to low-level hardware interfaces and local storage.
[!TIP] Installing the native Android app is strongly recommended for all production deployments. Browser mode is intended strictly as a temporary evaluation fallback.
Feature comparison
| Capability | Native app mode | Browser mode |
|---|---|---|
| Local video storage | Downloads and caches video files locally for reliable looped playback | Unsupported. Displays static poster image only |
| Streaming video (YouTube) | Supported | Supported |
| Built-in RFID card reader | Fully supported | Inaccessible (requires external USB card reader) |
| USB visitor badge printer | Supported via direct USB connection | Unsupported |
| Side LED status light bars | Supported (7 status colors) | Supported (via local HTTP daemon) |
| Occupancy sensor detection | Supported | Supported |
| Remote reboot from console | Supported | Supported |
Understanding media playback differences
Uploaded video files (such as brand videos or looping screensavers) are downloaded to on-device storage prior to playback. This ensures video continues looping smoothly even during intermittent network drops.
Because the built-in browser does not have permissions to store persistent local video files, it cannot load uploaded videos and permanently displays the static preview poster image. If a panel must operate in browser mode, embed video content via YouTube instead.
How to verify which mode a panel is running
The Offision admin console reports the container environment under Devices › Booking panel › Devices.
Open Booking panelYou can also test directly at the panel hardware:
- Card tap test: Tap a registered NFC staff card against the panel bezel. If the card reader does not beep or respond, the panel is running in browser mode.
- Media test: Assign a layout with an uploaded video clip. If the video plays, the panel is running the native app; if it stays on a frozen poster image, it is in browser mode.
Installation and re-pairing
To deploy the native application, refer to Install the Offision app on a Qbic device by USB.