Technology, Tablets and Apps, OH MY!

Remember when paying the parking meter was done like this:

 

Park car.
Get out of car.
Get quarters out of pocket.
Forget that quarters are kept in car.  ::Insert frustrated sigh::
Get quarters out of car’s center console.
Look at parking meter and noticed that 1 quarter = only 10 minutes.
Begin pouring quarters, nickels, dimes, (do they take pennies?) into meter.
Walk away with note to self: “I should come back in an hour and add more time.”
Walk away and enjoy whatever beach side restaurant or city attraction you are there for.

Well, now you can leave the quarters at home because it can be done like this: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That sign promotes a free downloadable app that makes the need to carry heavy change a thing of the past.  Answer a few questions including personal information, your location, parking spot number, amount to be paid, and payment information and voila!

 

Now, if I chose to follow the step-by-step directions on the sign, I would have to add about ten more steps to my parking process, including but not limited to: downloading, opening, typing, cursing out loud, pulling credit card information and double checking everything. By that time, in a state like Florida, you could be rained on, twice. I’m not saying it’s not useful; thankfully, a lot of our city websites allow you to sign up online beforehand so that all you have to do is download and sign in when you actually use it. But, when you are in a time crunch and see this option for the first time, this may not be the best solution.

 

Here’s another example. If you haven’t already been to an Applebee’s or Chili’s restaurant, next time you go, you will notice a new device sitting on the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I asked our restaurant server how she felt about the device, she said, “Honestly people haven’t been using them much, I think they need to get used to them. But it does work best when we are really slammed.” I used to be a server, I get it; anything to make your job easier. But, what about servers that are easy going, full of smiles and well informed?  It made me ask myself: If I’m using this device, then what do I need a server for? In fact, if I’m ordering and paying for my food on this, why even tip the server? She’s no longer standing there with her smiling face, asking what I would like, how I would like it, and if I want a side with that. With this device, she has only become a food runner now. Which again, I used to do, and it’s not an easy feat carrying trays all night, especially if you don’t normally work out. Trust me; I’ve dropped a few after a long night. But, overall if that’s all you’re doing, and I don’t need your expertise on anything because of my “smart menu” then I won’t feel like tipping you a full 20%. A lot of the articles I read claim that the management doesn’t see much changing about their servers with the adoption of this digital menu, but I think time will tell.

 

When it comes to technology, you don’t necessarily have to have the coolest new app or device to run efficiently. Will you be cooler? Probably. But that doesn’t mean you won’t run into problems or negative reviews.

 

Have you come across any cool, new apps or devices that are supposed to help you in your day to day routine? Let us know in the comments below.

 

This post was written by Ginger Marks. Ginger is a Social Media Specialist with Media Connect Partners.