OS Control: If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It

Dedicated devices are all about leveraging the perfect combination of hardware and software to deliver precisely on your needs, creating an exceptional customer experience. Whether it’s about performance, reliability, branding, or security, having control over your devices enables you to execute your specific vision. This ability to mix, match, and configure everything to your requirements is a major reason so many companies are looking to Android. In short, it’s all about control.

Increasing control over the user experience often means moving beyond off-the-shelf solutions to something custom — whether that means customizing hardware, software, or both.

On the hardware front, businesses have a range of options. You can work directly with an ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) to build a device from the ground up, designing every aspect to your needs. If your order quantity is large enough, you can also collaborate with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to develop a semi-custom solution — one that tweaks an existing design to better fit your use case. These approaches allow businesses to ensure that their hardware meets performance expectations and is optimized for the software running on it.

On the OS side, the level of control you choose impacts both flexibility and long-term sustainability. One option is to use the provided Android OS image from your OEM/ODM. This can be a quick and easy solution but comes with trade-offs: these images often include unnecessary files and services irrelevant to your dedicated use case, and you depend on your OEM/ODM for OS and firmware updates. A good partner might accommodate your needs if the economics make sense. Ultimately, this is a low-cost, low-control approach.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can build your own OS image in-house using AOSP (Android Open Source Project) as a base. This gives you complete control over the software stack, allowing you to strip out unnecessary components, lock down security settings, and tailor the experience to your exact requirements. However, it also means taking on the responsibility of maintaining the OS, applying security patches, and keeping up with Android’s evolving ecosystem. While this approach is higher in cost and complexity, the level of control it provides can be a game-changer for businesses that need to fine-tune every detail of their deployment.

The key is finding the balance — control, but cost-efficient control

Many leading companies across different industries have found this sweet spot, allowing them to maximize control while optimizing costs and efficiency. 

At Esper, we’ve seen a lot of these situations firsthand. One of the world’s top quick-service restaurant chains wanted to strategically move from Windows to Android to take advantage of Android’s lightweight flexibility and modern features as part of their next-generation restaurant platform. A connected fitness company needed a bespoke tablet-embedded solution for their equipment — one that showcased their branding right from bootup, ensured a frictionless user experience, and prevented unexpected software updates from disrupting workouts. One of the largest retailers in the US — an industry where legacy hardware is a significant factor — wanted to keep a 10+ year-old machine operational by running a lightweight Android app instead of undergoing a costly hardware refresh. They extended the life of their existing equipment while still benefiting from the adaptability of modern software solutions.

The common thread in all of these success stories? They found their solution with Esper Foundation for Android. Built and maintained by our AOSP experts specifically to meet the demands of enterprises, Foundation provides a locked-down, streamlined OS with no unnecessary bloat, giving businesses full control over their devices. Whether it’s branding, boot experience customization, or granular control over device settings, Foundation enables organizations to configure their OS in a way that best serves their needs.

And that’s just user experience — security is another major advantage. Because Foundation provides long-term support and monthly security updates, enterprises can operate with confidence, knowing that their devices remain protected against emerging threats. Additionally, Foundation enables fine-tuned security controls, such as restricting hardware or peripheral permissions. For example, businesses can enforce strict USB access policies, ensuring only approved peripherals are used, preventing unauthorized device connections and potential security risks.

Another crucial factor is hardware flexibility. Foundation supports both ARM and x86 architectures, meaning businesses don’t need to commit to new hardware upfront to start exploring the benefits of Android. Whether you’re looking to test Android alongside existing systems or planning a full migration, Foundation provides a seamless pathway that allows you to scale at your own pace.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why can’t I make my device experience work exactly how I need it to?” — Foundation is your answer. With the power of Foundation, you’re no longer constrained by the limitations of off-the-shelf solutions — or using precious resources to build something that isn’t directly your unique differentiator in the market. With cost-efficient OS control, if you can dream it, you can do it.

Let’s discover what we can build together. Contact our team to get started or request information.