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The VenuePilot Hardware Guide

VenuePilot's mission is to make our platform available on as many types of devices as possible, including iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and a desktop app experience. 

 

 

TL;DR -- Don't just look for the cheapest or newest device. Investing in a medium to high-quality device that offers good power and components will always guarantee a smoother, more reliable experience than opting for a cheaper, even if newer, alternative.

As part of our mission, we believe that having the right tools makes a significant difference, and consider ourselves your technology partner. We are also big fans of devices of all kind, especially recycled!

This guide is designed to help you select technology that's reliable, performs well, and integrates seamlessly with your work. Of course, please contact us at clientsupport@venuepilot.co with any questions.

1. The Foundation: Why Quality Hardware Matters

Investing in good quality hardware upfront is a smart move. While budget-friendly devices can be tempting, they often come with underperforming components that lead to:

  • Slow performance and frustrating delays.
  • Frequent freezing and unresponsiveness.
  • Poor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance, leading to dropped connections and unreliable accessory use.
  • A generally poor user experience that can waste your time.

2. Choosing Your Mobile & Tablet Devices

Selecting the right Android or Apple mobile device is key to a smooth experience.

What to look for and avoid in Android devices:

When selecting an Android phone or tablet, paying attention to specific details can make a big difference in your experience.

  • What to AVOID:

    • MediaTek Processors: (Especially in tablets and lower-end phones) These often deliver slower performance and a less reliable user experience.
    • Intel Celeron Processors: Typically found in very basic devices, they may struggle with anything beyond minimal tasks.
    • Budget Hardware in general. If it's cheap, that usually comes at a performance cost.

  • What to PRIORITIZE (Key Specifications):

    • Processor (CPU): The Core of Your Device
      • Recommended: Qualcomm Snapdragon (600 series and above) or Google Tensor chipsets. These offer strong performance and efficiency.
    • RAM (Random Access Memory): For Smooth Multitasking
      • Recommended: At least 6GB for phones and a minimum of 8GB for tablets for seamless app switching and operation.
    • Storage (Internal): Your Device's Capacity
      • Recommended: At least 128GB of internal storage. Opt for more if you plan to store many apps, photos, or files.
    • Display Quality: Your Visual Experience
      • Recommended: Full HD (1080p) resolution or higher. AMOLED/OLED displays offer vibrant colors, but high-quality IPS LCD panels are also excellent choices.
    • Battery Life: Powering Your Day
      • Recommended: Look for devices offering "all-day battery life" or capacities of at least 4000mAh for phones and 7000mAh for tablets.
    • Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Chips: Reliable Connectivity
      • Recommended: Quality Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components are essential. Ensure your device has strong, stable connectivity for smooth operations.
    • Cellular Data (4G/5G) & eSIM Support:
      • Highly Recommended: Consider devices that support cellular data. This provides a crucial backup internet connection if your Wi-Fi becomes unreliable or unavailable. Many medium to high-quality Android devices now support eSIM, making it incredibly easy to quickly purchase and activate a data plan when needed.
  • What we LIKE
    • Google Pixel devices, 6 and newer
    • Samsung Galaxy Devices, S22 and newer (avoid A models)
    • Similarly specced devices, reach out with questions!

B. For Apple (iOS) Devices: Generally Recommended

Apple's integrated hardware and software design typically ensures strong performance across their product lines.

  • General Recommendation: All Apple iPhone and iPad devices fewer than five years old are generally excellent choices for a smooth experience with the Box Office app. iPhone 12 and newer can support tap to pay, but we recommend 13 and newer currently.
  • We have not yet tested the iPhone 16s but it should work as well.

C. Important Note: Tap to Pay Functionality

If you plan to use "Tap to Pay" for accepting contactless payments directly through your device, please note the following:

  • iPhones: We strongly recommend an iPhone 12 or newer for reliable Tap to Pay functionality.
  • Android Phones: Many modern, good quality Android phones with NFC (which aligns with our general hardware recommendations) support Tap to Pay.
  • iPads: Please note that iPads do not support Tap to Pay functionality directly.

3. How VenuePilot Works Across Different Devices

VenuePilot is designed to be flexible, adapting to your needs whether you're on the go or at a dedicated workstation. Here's how different devices fit into the VenuePilot ecosystem:

A. Mobile Phones (iOS & Android): Your On-the-Go Toolkit

  • Ideal for:
    • VenuePilot in Browser: For event building, announcing shows, editing tickets, and looking up orders, you can use VenuePilot directly in your phone's browser. Save the website to your home screen for an "app-like" experience!
    • Box Office App (Scanning & Selling): The dedicated VenuePilot Box Office app on your phone is specifically designed for quick check-ins, scanning tickets, and processing mobile sales.
    • On-Demand Information: Access schedules, customer details, or inventory updates from anywhere using our integrated tools
    • Google Analytics native app gives you your VP buyer data at your fingertips
    • Google Calendar sync can be surfaced natively.
    • Tap to Pay: Utilize compatible iPhones and Android phones for contactless payments.

B. Tablets (iOS & Android): Your Portable Powerhouses

  • Ideal for:
    • Point of Sale (POS) Stations: Perfect for ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions with a larger, easy-to-use interface, especially using reserved seating.
    • Customer Service & Information Desks: Provide a better visual experience for customers, like showing seat maps.
    • Inventory Management: More screen real estate for detailed stock checks and updates.
    • Extended Check-in Stations: Handle higher volumes of attendees with a more robust setup.
    • VenuePilot in Browser: Yes! a tablet in a keyboard case unlocks effectively the full desktop experience on a touch screen, which is one of our favorite ways to use VP! For event building, announcing shows, editing tickets, and looking up orders, you can use VenuePilot directly in your tablet's browser. Save the website to your home screen for an "app-like" experience!

C. Laptops & Desktop Computers: Your Command Center

  • Ideal for:
    • Full Administrative Tasks: Comprehensive event setup, detailed reporting, deep analytics, and managing user permissions.
    • Multi-User Workstations: Manage multiple sales points or administrative tasks simultaneously.
    • Event Oversight: Gain a complete view of your event's performance and make real-time adjustments.
    • Native App: Just like on mobile, you can save the VP app to your dock and unlock the functionality of a standalone app alongside your web browser!
    • Soon! Box office: We're hard at work on a new box office tool for web and native apps. Check in with us in Fall 2025

4. The VenuePilot Box Office App: Your Essential Tool

The VenuePilot Box Office app is a central component for managing your venue's entry and sales operations. It's built to work seamlessly with the VenuePilot system, offering key functionalities directly from your devices:

  • Seamless Ticket Scanning: Easily scan both General Admission (GA) and reserved seating tickets, ensuring quick and accurate entry for your attendees.
  • Integrated Sales: Process ticket sales directly through the app, supporting various payment methods. The app can connect to Tap to Pay as well as Bluetooth credit card readers.
  • Real-time Attendance Tracking: Stay updated on attendance figures as patrons enter, giving you immediate insights into your event's progress.
  • Will Call Management: Access and manage will call lists efficiently, reducing wait times at your entrance.
  • Guest List Support: Easily check in guests from your pre-defined guest lists, automatically syncing with your attendee information.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed for efficiency, allowing your staff to quickly learn and operate the system with minimal training.

Broad Compatibility & Upcoming Hardware Solutions:

The VenuePilot Box Office app is designed for wide accessibility, making it easier than ever to find a powerful and cost-effective device for your operations:

  • Android Devices: Fully compatible with a wide range of Android phones and tablets that meet our recommended hardware specifications.
  • Apple Devices: Compatible with iOS and iPadOS devices, as well as any Apple device featuring Apple Silicon (M1 chip or newer), including MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, Mac Studios, and Mac Minis.
  • Chrome OS: The app also runs seamlessly on Chrome OS devices.
  • Upcoming All-in-One Devices: Very soon, we will offer stand-alone box office devices that include an all-in-one solution, eliminating the need to buy a separate phone or tablet.

This broad compatibility across various operating systems and hardware, along with our upcoming dedicated devices, means you have numerous options to find a powerful, low-cost solution that fits your venue's needs perfectly.

5. Important Note: Windows 10 End-of-Life & Your Options

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support. Continuing to use Windows 10 past this date significantly increases your risk of security vulnerabilities.

  • Our Recommendation: If your current computer cannot be updated to Windows 11, we strongly advise against continuing to run Windows 10 after its end-of-life.
  • A Secure & Free Alternative: For those situations, we highly recommend transitioning to a version of Linux, such as Linux Mint. Linux Mint is:
    • Completely free to use and install.
    • User-friendly and designed to be easy for Windows users to adapt to.
    • Includes built-in, Microsoft Office-inspired applications (like LibreOffice) to make the transition for daily productivity tasks smoother.

This ensures your administrative computers remain secure and functional without requiring a new hardware investment if your current PC doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements.

Questions? clientsupport@venuepilot.co