A new app was recently unveiled in the US and Canada, which will allow beer drinkers at sports stadiums and resorts across the country to order beer through their smartphone, which will then be delivered to their exact location using a combination of QR code and GPS technology. The app, which is available now through both the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play store for Android users, was originally designed to be used at golf courses, but the range has been expanded exponentially for the new iteration of the free app.
The app was originally designed to be used at golf courses, but the range has been expanded exponentially for the new iteration
Jan Lübeck, the lead developer of the project, and one of the most recognised software developers in his native Argentina, said the application's selling point is its ease of use. He explains; “The user just has to point their smartphone at a QR code to access the full menu of the venue, and in a matter of minutes the order will be delivered to his or her precise location.” He adds that “Even if the user is walking across a golf course, the smartphone's GPS will guide the order directly to the customer.” Barcodes can be found fixed to golf carts, stadium seats and resort chairs and umbrellas.
An instructional, animated video, showing how Scan4Beer works
Lübeck is the co-founder of Fyrastudio, a digital production studio that focuses on “The design, development and implementation of digital pieces for the advertising industry.” The studio is one of Argentina's most popular and most awarded, with an enviable client list and partnerships with major players in the advertising industry, including Young & Rubicam, AdMotion, and Wunderman. The QR code technology that was used for the app was produced by RAD Systems LLC, a technology company based in Orlando, Florida, which specialises in using barcode technology to deploy digital content at physical locations.
The technology that was used for the app was produced by RAD Systems LLC, a company which specialises in using barcode technology to deploy digital content at physical locations
Of course, this is far from the first time QR codes have been used in this manner, indeed the use of QR codes in commerce has been on a steady increase over the past few years, especially as the smartphone and tablet market has continued to dominate technology sales. Companies such as 'NetWaiter', for example allow all restaurants connected to their network to use their NetWaiter Management software, which allows customers to order from their phones, meaning waiters and waitresses only need to carry out food, not take orders. It's truly a brave new world!
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from Kidderminster in the UK who is genuinely excited by the idea of ordering beer from his phone. As much as he loves beer, queueing for it is (for often than not) a complete hassle.
