GeekSugar

Would You Order Food Via RFID?

GeekSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:00:41 -0700

We've all agreed that the idea of organizing your wine rack with RFID technology, an automatic identification method that relies on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders, is completely geek chic. We've also agreed that the prospect of H&M allowing shoppers to purchase items via a Semacode bar that is read by a cell phone may revolutionize shopping, but is the notion of ordering food via RFID as intriguing?

This week The Korea Times reported that McDonald's and SK Telecom have unveiled a new ordering system that will allow customers to use mobile phones and infra-red sensors to make orders from their table. The system will send customers a phone message when their meal is ready. Apparently, the "Touch Order" menu is the first in the world to utilize the radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in a self-ordering system at a restaurant. Do you think you would use this service?

Source: Korea Times

McDonald's and Starbucks to Both Offer Free WiFi?

GeekSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:00:39 -0700

With more than 15,000 WiFi enabled McDonald's around the globe (including the one across from Sugar Headquarters), Computer World is predicting that Starbucks will start rolling out free WiFi access within a year to compete with McDonald's growing fan base. Although Starbucks already offers free WiFi access to iTunes music stores, you still have to pay for the music download and any additional Internet surfing.
The competition between Starbucks and McDonald's is definitely apparent, with Starbucks adding more variety to their breakfast menu and McDonald's offering upscale coffee. As much as I love a good Mickey D's run now and then, I can't say I'd want to spend hours on my laptop inside a McDonald's. Now Starbucks? That's a whole other story...

McDonald's, Starbucks, and Jack in the Box Offering Free WiFi?

GeekSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:46:44 -0700

Starbucks has yet to roll out its free WiFi across the country, but in the meantime, it looks as though other franchises are jumping on board the free WiFi initiative.

With over 15,000 McDonald's already offering free WiFi, the competition between Starbucks and McDonald's is growing stiffer, and it doesn't seem to be ending there. Although there hasn't been an official announcement, Jack in the Box restaurants across California and Arizona now have free wireless Internet.

Rumor has it that it's only the recently remodeled restaurants that are wired, so if you're in need of some free net surfing, plus you're craving a big burger, your local Jack in the Box may be able to deliver the goods!

Source

Daily Tech: McDonald's in Japan Tests Out Pay-By-Phone Coupons

GeekSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:20:57 -0700

McDonald's in Japan will be implementing a new e-coupon system where customers can pay for their order by placing their phone on a RFID reader. - Wired
Now with Google Earth, you can check out new environmental layers that are based on future climate change estimates. - Gizmodo
Here's an entertaining Saturday night Wii game to play with friends. . . Beer Pong for the Wii! - Kotaku
Weezer has just released its video for its new single "Pork and Beans", and it's entirely based on YouTube. - CrunchGear
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in to your TeamSugar account for your chance to win a Wii Fit! - geeksugar

Where Is the Strangest Place You've Seen WiFi?

GeekSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 07:00:23 -0700

While there are some people around Sugar HQ that have what Yum calls a "minor French fry problem," I'm not one of them. That might be the reason why it took me so long to notice the McDonald's across the street from the office offers a WiFi connection.

Once considered a luxury, WiFi is a near staple at this point. It's standard in American hotels, airports, new Virgin America planes and pretty much every other coffee shop, library and imaginable place with electrical outlets. But when is enough enough? I can't imagine sitting down in a McDonald's long enough to want to check my e-mail, let alone blog or do any kind of serious work.

I want to know, where is the strangest place, most unexpected place you've noticed a WiFi connection?

Mac vs. PC Battle: It's Not Bragging If You Can Back It Up

GeekSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:20:13 -0700

There are some fights that live on throughout the ages: Ali vs. Frazier. McDonald's vs. Burger King. Queen Elizabeth I vs. Mary, Queen of Scots. And, of course, Mac vs. PC. Whether you're a loyalist or a convert you gotta pick a team. Time for you to weigh in, put on the boxing gloves, and test out your operating system!

Who Rocks Mac and Who Rocks PC?	Who Swings Mac and Who Swings PC?	Who's a Mac and Who's a PC? Gossip Girl Edition
Have You Ever Been Mac or PC Curious?	PC Vs. Mac: Waging War From the Get Go	Who Wins: Microsoft's Seinfeld Ads or Apple's Mac vs. PC Ads?

Daily Tech: Google Reveals "An Almost Complete" Android Phone

GeekSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:55:27 -0700

It hasn't officially been announced, but Google showed off its latest pics of a working Android Handset at a Developer Day in London. - Engadget
The Internet provider Wayport will be enabling wireless music downloads for Microsoft Zune customers in WiFi hotspots at more than 9,800 McDonalds. - CrunchGear
MTV has just launched the Backchannel, a new online game that mixes chat and social networking tools. Basically providing you with a new place to complain about characters on The Hills. - Switched
Note to self. Be sure to erase all the data on my cell phone before I sell, recycle, trade, or give it away. A woman's phone ended up on eBay after she donated it to charity; with all of her personal information intact. - Consumerist
George Lucas decided to make a "surprise" appearance at the official launch party for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed at Best Buy in San Francisco. - Crave CNET
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in to your TeamSugar account for your chances to win geek-chic beach gadgets and accessories! - geeksugar

Japanese Can Now Pay For Fast Food With Cell Phones

GeekSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:00:14 -0800

Visitors to fast food outlets in Japan will soon be able to pay for their burgers, fries and shakes with their cell phones, according to the BBC. Japanese mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo and McDonald's have created a system where hungry fast food fans can make electronic payments for their grub. While I don't think fast food needs to be any easier for people to get their hands on, I'm impressed with the the geek factor.

For the rest of the story, read more

Here's more:

In the UK, YourRail is working with Chiltern Railways to offer commuters the chance to buy tickets with their mobile phones.
Users buy their ticket on the internet and it is delivered to their mobile phone in the form of a barcode. Gates are currently being installed at Marylebone station which will scan phones.
In Japan, DoCoMo set up a service which allows customers to use their handsets as a credit card. By April there were around 3m wallet phones in Japan using a pre-paid credit system where users topped up their account, often via a website, before using their phone to pay for something.
The joint venture between McDonalds and DoCoMo - worth 300 million yen - will see McDonalds Japan holding a 70% stake, with DoCoMo owning the rest. It is due to begin in July of this year.

Geek Tip: AT&T to Offer Free WiFi Access For Subscribers

GeekSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:15:16 -0800

AT&T has just announced today that it will be offering subscribers free unlimited access to the company's WiFi network. Considering AT&T has a growing number of public hotspots - which can predominantly be found in Barnes & Noble, McDonald's, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and airports - this is great news for pre-existing customers! Wondering where the closest hotspot is to you? Check out a complete list of AT&T's WiFi locations.

Would You Use WiFi with Commercials?

GeekSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:21 -0800

I've always been a free WiFi hunter, but having an iPhone has definitely heightened my hunting instincts. I am constantly seeking signals in cafes, restaurants, and stores and get a sick thrill out of finding one and getting online in unexpected places. Apparently, I'm not alone.

A California company called AnchorFree has launched a service that lets stores of any size (as in small restaurants or major chains) offer free, advertising-supported Wi-Fi to customers on store property.

According to the New York Times, people who are shopping or eating in an AnchorFree location will have to sit through onscreen banner ads or short video spots or both before they can get online and roam the web. So far, companies such as American Express, Circuit City, Clorox, Ford, Kaiser Permanente, McDonald’s, Toyota, and Major League Baseball have all signed up. While I hate commercials, I figure a short video is a small price to pay for being able to get online and check movie listings or Google maps. What do you think?
Source