As we turn another page and enter a new decade, I find myself thinking about technology and restaurants. As a customer, how do you see handheld technology being used to enhance your dining experience?
I captured this bit of video while trolling the aisles of the BC Hospitality Expo in Vancouver late last year. The video shows a handheld (iPhone) app that servers can use to be more efficient at handling the orders and billing of their guests.
I am also reflecting on how restaurants can use QR Codes to tell the behind the scenes stories of the meals they deliver to folks in the dining room. One really creative restaurant in New Jersey recently began using QR codes to link to videos showcasing the Ethiopain cultural connection of some of the meals they serve. The diner, clicking on the QR Code links to the video and watches the short Youtube Video. Nice. The restaurant doesn’t even have to create the video content, just has to make the connection for their diner.
How could a brew pub showcase their pride in craftsmanship or educate the customer on how their product is made? How could you give behind the scenes access to your kitchen recipes or showcase where your local food is purchased by filming a short video with a local farmer?
How do you think restaurants could utilize the power of handhelds to enhance the dining experience for their ideal guests? Have you seen anything innovative in this space?
I’m using this service on my iPod and computer – Line2 turns even an iPod into a phone for 10 bucks a month or less. With a phone number and everything. Try it free for 30 days.
I tried it free for one day, and then subscribed.
Includes North American calls (incoming and outgoing) Free.
When I travel, you guessed it. I can make calls from anywhere in the world to North America.
for FREE on wifi, and Folks can call me back on my number as if they were calling my North American number.
I have a phone number but I don’t have a phone.
Yes, my iPod. Also works on an iPhone. It runs as an app in the background. You don’t need to keep it open. You can do anything you want, and the call announces itself.
It rings my iPod or my computer. My choice. Hilarious.
It uses wifi. Also works on computer with wifi or ethernet.
Got an iPad – turn the sucker into a phone. Why not? It can have its own phone number.
Transfers calls anywhere…. Yes, transfers calls. “Oh, sorry, you should speak with Martha” , click a button and forward the call. wicked good stuff. Conference calls – up to 20 Free. Yes, included in the service. Just dial each person one after another and you’ve got a conference going, even on your iPod Touch. Yes it does. Try it, if you don’t believe me.
You can even change your phone number to work with Toktumi or Line2.
First thing in the new year, I’m going to do what I can to get Bell Canada out of our office and get a few lines like this where we manage our calls on our computers. Each computer can have a headset and its own number. Transfering calls instead of picking up an extension. The only question, what will we do with the thousands of dollars we save each year?
My phone number sits at my computer and travels with me when I go away – on my iPhone or iPod.
It’s blowing my mind how we will save money with this revolutionary service.
Give it a try and tell us how you like it.
Unfortunately, this service is still only available in North America. Sorry chums.
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Time for some data on Handhelds and the Here and Now Web: 91% of Cell phone users keep their phones within arms reach 24/7 (Mary Meeker – Web2 Summit, November ’08). Technology is continually evolving and data on phones is near universally available. Those without data, no worries they will have it, people upgrade their [...]
