What a dedicated device is
A dedicated device is a company-owned Android device that exists for one task. Google’s term is dedicated device; many MDM documents still call it COSU (Corporate-Owned, Single-Use). Typical examples are a self-service tablet in a store, a handheld scanner in a warehouse, a tablet mounted in a vehicle, a check-in screen in a hotel lobby or a tablet used for an exam.
These devices are usually not assigned to one person, run in public or busy places and are often far from the IT team. That is why they need to be locked down more tightly than a normal work phone. For background, read what kiosk mode is.
How kiosk mode works on Android
Android has a built-in feature called lock task mode. Only the device owner app can use it, which is why dedicated devices are enrolled as fully managed. In lock task mode, the device runs only the apps on an allow list, and the home, recent apps and notification areas are hidden or limited.
DeepManage controls this through the policy:
- Single-app kiosk: one app opens at start and the user cannot leave it.
- Multi-app kiosk: a locked launcher shows only the approved apps.
- Hardware and system options: status bar, volume control, camera, USB and other features follow the same policy.
See the kiosk mode feature page for the full list.
Running many devices without site visits
A kiosk fleet is only useful if it stays up to date. With app management, new versions of the kiosk app install silently on every device in the group. With content management, you can deliver files such as menus, price lists or training material. When a screen shows an error, a Live Control session lets support staff see the screen and fix it remotely.
Kiosk devices shared by several people
Some dedicated devices are also shared, for example handhelds that change hands between shifts. If you need to know who used a device, combine kiosk mode with the sign-in options described on the shared devices page.
Where dedicated devices are used
Kiosk and dedicated devices are common in retail, transport and logistics, education and hospitality. In heavy industry, rugged tablets are often locked to a single safety or maintenance app.