Portable in-flight entertainment (IFE) specialist digEcor is positioning itself to offer in-flight connectivity over its media players.

"We are working with some connectivity companies," reveals digEcor president and COO Brad Heckel, noting that digEcor's portables have wireless capabilities.

By the end of this year or early next year digEcor plans to announce partnerships that will aid in its connectivity strategy.

"We believe, as connectivity becomes more prevalent, the need for embedded [IFE] systems will decline," says Heckel, adding that he believes that portables will still have a long life "despite the proliferation of personal electronic devices".

An Alaska Airlines baggage handler was the brainchild behind the original digEplayer portable device. Alaska is currently trialling Row 44's high-speed connectivity solution.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news