Owner of New York Pizza gives tips in a book
25-2-2014
New York Pizza is the best-know pizza chain in the Netherlands, owner Philippe Vorst calls himself the best pizza baker of the Netherlands. Authors Maarten Beernink and Rupert Parker Brady have interviewed the New York Pizza owner several times and translated his entrepreneurial lessons into the book ‘The 13 smartest entrepreneurs tips of Holland’s best pizza baker’. Philippe Vorst gives tips about growing and innovation during uncertain times to business owners and marketers. The book is only available in Dutch.
Wi-Fi spot search via augmented reality
24-2-2014
The ‘NAVITIME For Japan Travel app’ helps tourists by finding a free Wi-Fi spot through augmented reality. By using the function ‘Free Wi-Fi Spot Search’ tourists and locals can search offline for the nearest Wi-Fi Location. The feature comes with an augmented reality mode and users can see the nearest Wi-Fi spot with distance and directions on their screen. The app provides information on over 50.000 free Wi-Fi spots.
Find your way in the store trough the light
20-2-2014
Philips demonstrated its new ‘indoor-GPS-system’ for retail during the EuroShop (Düsseldorf 16-20 February). A special app analyzes the light signals of the store and the system provides location-based information to the customer. The lighting communicates with the app and sends offers and additional information to the customer. The customer can easily find the way via his smartphone or tablet through the store. Retailers can equip points of sales with specific information. Philips is testing the system in a number of retail stores. Download the infographic.
Virgin America helps travelers to connect with others
19-2-2014
Airline Virgin America has launched a new social network app, the ‘Here On Biz’ app. The app connects people on the plane or at the airport through their LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. Travelers can make contact with people on the same flight or another Virgin America flight, people at the airport or with people at their destination. The airline wants to reinvent the flying experience for their customers and the app is part of the campaign.
Leave a message to the farmers
19-2-2014
Consumers often do not know where their food comes from. Cisse Trading Co, a company that focuses on Fairtrade chocolate bakes and drinks, gives consumers the opportunity to send a message to the farmers. There is a QR-code at the packaging of the food that can be scanned by the customer. The consumer is linked to the Facebook page where they can leave a message to the farmers. So there is more transparency and it creates a connection between the farmer and the consumer who buys their products.
Pay a KLM booking through social media
14-2-2014
Now KLM Royal Dutch Airlines makes it possible for customers to pay their booking through social media. Consumers are already able to book extra services through social media, such as a seat reservation or extra baggage addition, but they can now pay their booking via Facebook or Twitter as well. KLM will send the customer a link in a private message on Facebook or Twitter, consumers can choose the method of payment and complete the transaction. A KLM service agent receives a payment confirmation and sends a message to the customer. KLM is the first airline that makes it possible to pay through social media.
Bidroom alternative booking websites
5-2-2014
Bidroom is a commission free booking website where hotels can offer rooms via a reversed auction. The guest selects a city and a room (3 to 5 stars and choice between single, double of triple) and within 24 hours hotels can make an offer, while the prices of competitors are visible. In the future Mark Bradshaw (CEO), Michael Ros (COO) and Casper Knieriem (CFO) want to generate revenue from advertisements.
Aloft Hotel introduces virtual key
31-1-2014
The check-in process at a hotel can be long and often much paperwork must be filled in. The Aloft Hotel in Manhattan has a solution: a digital key to open the hotel room. Guests receive a virtual key through the Starwood app, compatible with both iPhones and Android devices. The Bluetooth enabled system will open the door. With this technical development the hotel chain wants to attract young people and offer an additional service.
Pay your snack by mobile
30-1-2014
It might be possible to pay a snack at snack bar Febo by mobile soon. You need to scan a QR-code and the payment goes through a personal code on the mobile. After that the locker can be opened to grab the snack. To develop the app Febo started a collaboration with èM!payment.
Vending machine with salads
24-1-2014
We already have seen a number of vending machines, but mostly with unhealthy products. The vending machine of Farmers’s Fridge sells healthy, fresh packaged salads, fruits and breakfast. The company prepares the salads made of organic, local en fresh produce early in the morning and delivers the packed salads to the vending machines by 10AM. The unsold salads from the previous day will be donated to the local food bank. The vending machine has a touchscreen and is made of wood and recycled materials. Farmer’s Fridge currently has vending machines in the Chicago area.
