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Android L could be used for kiosks, ATMs

Google's release of the developer preview for Android L has some speculating about its uses for ATMs and self-service kiosks.

July 23, 2014

Google's release of the developer preview for Android L has some speculating about its uses for ATMs and self-service kiosks, according to a Tech2 article.

Last month Google announced it was joining up with Samsung to connect its Knox security suite with Android L. Task locking will also be added, according to an Android Police report, the article said, allowing the use of one app at a time for special purposes. 

"The operating system must be configured to grant special rights to a single, preselected application, which will be able to activate and de-activate the locking mode as needed," the report said.

Task locking, which prevents users from switching apps and inviting viruses, can be a useful feature for ATMs and kiosks . Lockdowns can enable greater control of devices and boost security.

According to Business Insider, Windows XP has been the "dominant OS," and with financial institutions pulling away from it, Google's open source Android could take center stage.