Archives for the 'technology' tag
Pizza Via TiVo
I squealed with joy when I read this (I really did. Ask the guys at reason’s DC HQ if you don’t believe me): You can now order pizza from your TiVo.
From the press release:
TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), and Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, have teamed up to give broadband connected TiVo subscribers the ability to order pizza for delivery or pick-up, and track delivery timing, right from their TV sets using the TiVo® service.
Tell me that this quote from Rob Weisberg, vice president of precision and print marketing at Domino’s Pizza, Inc., doesn’t make your heart overflow with joy at the wonders of the modern world:
“This is the first time in history that the ‘on-demand’ generation will be able to fully experience couch commerce by ordering pizza directly through their television set. You’ll see a television ad for Domino’s and you’ll click ‘I want it’ through your remote. In about 30 minutes, your pizza will show up at your door.”
Just in case you missed it, you can track your pizza from your couch.
Via Lifehacker
Touchscreen Dining: Lose the Waitstaff
Sick of surly waiters who still expect 20% tips? Equally tired of waiting for the advent of the robot waitstaff?
Enter the e-waiter.
Restaurants in Europe, the United States and Japan are testing technology to let diners order their food direct from a screen at their table instead of depending on a fellow human being to note their choice — sometimes grumpily or erroneously.
Besides cutting costs, companies that sell the “e-menu” argue the bytes-for-bites approach has a novelty value that can lure younger customers, and boost revenues as tantalising photographs of succulent steaks and gooey desserts tempt diners to order more.
[...]
In Israel, privately owned start-up Conceptic has already installed e-Menu technology in sushi bars, pubs and family restaurants. The system is based on touch-screens already used in self-service canteens or for ticketing in airports and cinemas.
[...]
In Japan, a company called Aska T3 has produced a similar system. But the field is attracting more than startups.
Microsoft says its new Microsoft Surface system, which transforms an entire table into one big touch-screen, is due to go live in spring 2008 in some U.S. hotels and casinos, letting customers order food direct as well as play music and games.
The Seattle-based giant says on its Web site it will “transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live”. Both Conceptic and Microsoft argue their examples of interactive and communal technology represent the future.
Reuters has more, including video. Conceptic site here. Microsoft Surface here.
Via MarketingVox.
