The MicroPi is a tiny, do-it-yourself WiFi Multimedia Server. It can be thought of as an autonomous portable website, providing everything needed to share digital files of any type. Even the wireless network required to connect itself to a client device is built-in. Thus, it operates anywhere, even locations where there is no existing Internet service.

Users can connect their smartphone, tablet or computer to the device's WiFi signal and browse the content provided by the internal website.

The MicroPi software which runs the device is designed to offer indigenous language materials from the Scripture Earth website. This includes translated Scripture in PDF form, audio Bibles, smartphone Bible apps and Bible video clips. These materials are loaded automatically by specifying desired languages during setup. The Global Recordings Network “5Fish” Gospel podcasts in both audio and video form can also be automatically loaded by specifying an ISO or ROD Code. This material is then distributed via the device’s built-in website, and or by wirelessly connecting a phone employing the 5Fish Android application.

The device can be connected to a screen to display hi-resolution video. “Kiosk Mode” allows videos stored in the server’s memory to be viewed on the connected screen, thereby permitting it to dynamically promote the content it offers as well as distribute it. Most modern televisions include a USB port which can be employed to power the MicroPi during kiosk operation.

The kiosk function enables the device to become a “vending machine” of digital content by displaying an infinite loop of content videos. Sub-titling files, available for many of these videos are overlaid on the corresponding video. Options exist allowing the videos to be cut after a specified time, thus displaying only short portions, effectively creating a series of “trailers” which demonstrate what can be downloaded from the device.

Promotional Videos

In addition to videos offered for download, a second set of videos, created especially for promotion, can optionally be interspersed in the playlist. Promotional videos can be thought of as “commercials” and may present other forms of digital content available on the device or demonstrate how one can connect to the WiFi signal to download the files offered. Or they can promote other material on the Internet, explain the Gospel, or advertise just about anything else.

This link leads to a short video showing what one might see on a MicroPi kiosk (Spanish).

Digital Signage

Worldwide, the market for video-based promotional media displayed on public screens is growing exponentially. Powerpoint® and similar presentation apps can include animated elements and automated slide changes. A screen recording of such a presentation can result in an interesting and eye-catching promotional video displayable via the MicroPi’s kiosk mode. This technique allows indigenous language speakers to create custom promotional videos and Digital Signage in their mother tongue. Digital advertising is a unique facility which may not be otherwise available to indigenous language speakers.