kiosk mode - lock users in an App

EDIT: This has turned into my search for a solution. The following thread is updated on my progression to find a viable solution. /EDIT

<Original Posted Question:>
Is it possible to lock the user in an application, so that the user cannot exit without a password or some key-stroke sequence? I would like to disable the home and power buttons with a case or software solution.


Intended Application:
I want to give my customers iPads when they come into my store. There is an app I would like them to be able to use while shopping.
Other's have referred to this as "Kiosk Mode" or "Toddler Mode". Put Simply: I want the customers to use the Application, without immediately exiting the application and playing with other applications. The customers need to be free to hold the device, so fixed mounted cases won't work. An ipad kiosk case would work well, if such a thing existed.

<Answer After Months of Research:>
It's possible, but not yet pretty.

Software Solution:
JailBreak the Ipad, use "IncarcerApp" from Cydia

If you JailBreak the iPad, you can use "IncarcerApp" from Cydia to lock the user in an Application. IncarcerApp ONLY disables the home button. In my experience with the App, it works great. No crashes thus far. This is the only software solution. Even if you have a private developer working to build a private app for your company, you must JailBreak the Ipad before this functionality is allowed. According to my Developer, once JailBroken, you can also make an App "Start on Boot", and password protect and/or hide all other icons on the home screen. Both "Start on Boot" and hiding/locking other apps is important, in the event the user (customer) decides to "power cycle" the Ipad to exit the App, the intended App should run immediately on Bootup and not allow the user to make any changes to the system without the password.

Also, on page 4 of this thread, another developer has proposed a jailbreak solution. I can't speak to the validation of such a claim, but the dev seems adamant about providing a solution.​

Hardware Solution (in development):
There is no current hardware solution (Ipad Case) currently available. No cases, to my knowledge, are being developed.​

as of 10/4/2010, I have not heard from the case dev in over 2 weeks. No idea what happened, hoping he reconnects our communication:

Current Status:

Application Development:
Currently, we are working with an amazing developer that we found on Elance. This was our first time to do ANY type of development for any type of software application. Our business does not have anything to do with software, ipads, or really even technology as a whole. We went with one of the higher bids on Elance. I interviewed (on the phone) all bids, and selected an American because of the ease of communication I had with him, and his professionalism. In Short, he and his business has, thus far, surpassed our highest expectations. If your looking for a developer, feel free to email me (click on my name "kross" and "email user") and I'll give you his contact information. I'd post it here, but want to refrain from making this an advertisement.

Once we have the application finished, we will start to deploy the application in our stores. We will be using the "IncarcerApp" on JailBroken Ipads, until a better solution presents itself (hardware or software). ​

- Kross

 

I'd love to give my customers Ipads while they shop, (they turn them in when they leave), so they can use an App that will help them while they are shopping at my store.

But.. I'd rather not give out facebook machines to keep them occupied instead of shopping.


Is there any way to do this?

- Kross

 

Tru.. I like both ideas.

If I jailbreak it... can I lock the settings page? so they can't go in and change anything?


that way they can go back into the App if they want, otherwise the iPad is useless?

 

Let me make sure I understand.


so if I get an App coded for me, and I'm a paid developer...

I can put that App on all of my iPads manually? and the AP can do anything I want (like password to exit program) without Jailbreaking?

- Kross

 

same question I asked in my last "quoted" post...


So if I get my own App written for me, I can manually put it on all my iPads I purchase and it can do "Anything it Damn Wants" including password on exit, etc... Without Jailbreaking? (this is sounding really good so far)

- Kross

 

Can anyone answer the questions I gave to PBG4 Dude or ptara?


basically just want to know:

So if I get my own App written for me, I can manually put it on all my iPads I purchase and it can do "Anything it Damn Wants" including password on exit, etc... Without Jailbreaking?

- Kross

 

Perfect. Thats exactly what I want to do anyways. This will be my first experience with getting an App written. I'm sure there are tons of resources and websites to hire coders. Any recommendations?

And are there forums on this board or elsewhere, where I can ask questions specific to the capabilities of the OS for coding? (ie: is it possible to keep a user in an App, etc etc). So that I can be better prepared to instruct the coder-for-hire on what the app needs to do.


Thanks,

- Kross

 

jtara: wow.. i can't thank you enough.I really appreciate the info.

I'm currently getting a few quotes from iphoneappquotes.com, we will see how that works out. Any other suggested spots to search for reputable dev's?

I'm going to price getting the App developed for me. Then see how I want to proceed. Either way, I do want to know what case they are using that hides the home button. (even if its disabled, or disabled with a password.. would just be nice to hide the "BIG RED BUTTON that says DONT PUSH ME" (if ya know what I mean)

- Kross

 

Corrections being made throughout post now...

<moderator please change title from "Ap" to "App", thanks>