OtherWorld - the next generation news experiment pilots in Manchester
by Startacus Admin
We have talked about how beacons - specifically iBeacons - can work for museum guides, advertising, home automation, and much more in our article about Internet of Things startups, and again as part of retail innovations to keep an eye on.
Now, OtherWorld - an initiative from startup Like No Other - is testing out a combination of new and old uses for beacons in Manchester city centre. Relevance is the key for OtherWorld, as what better way to engage people than to talk to them about things around them - things they can immediately relate to?
Using Google Eddystone beacons, OtherWorld creates a network of news, history, event notifications, and more, all beamed to a passerby’s phone as they journey through the relevant area. Be notified of an event just round the corner, learn the history of the old building you’re passing, be notified of a security alert or police roadblock nearby - and all of these things will remove themselves from your phone as soon as you leave the relevant area. All the user needs is to have Google Chrome on their phone and Bluetooth enabled.
This Manchester pilot started on 25 July and will run until the end of the year, available in 10 areas of the city centre. For this test, OtherWorld secured content partners such as the NHS, Greater Manchester Police, the city Council, Visit Manchester, People’s History Museum, and the owner of a large number of UK newspapers, Trinity Mirror. All of this was made possible by a grant from Google’s Digital News Initiative.
Other than perhaps the idea of having battery-draining Bluetooth switched on at all times, we can see little reason that this initiative wouldn’t work. It is a simple and engaging way to get people interested in and keep them to date with local news and goings on. We can see it quickly catching on all over the world. Take a watch of their short promo video below...
OtherWorld Manchester
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The InsurTech startup which covers the risk of non payment of invoices...
AO, the UK’s leading online-only household appliance and electrical retailer is looking discover and integrate startups with solutions that will help AO’s customers.
.jpeg)
Technology has transformed how people interact. We are on the cusp of an exciting new era in clinical communication, and a key shift in the empowerment of patients as a stakeholder in healthcare.
Exercise made fun thanks to this location-based strategy game for runners and walkers
The innovative Social Community App that's been created for those living & working with Dyslexia and ADHD...
Shuttout - The community-driven marketplace startup that's adding social value to photographs...
Dent Reality launches it's new AR wayfinding technology for shopping malls, airports, retailers and other venues, using virtual paths and arrows to help users find their way.
Aberdeen based startups and entrepreneurs take note - here's the lowdown on key startup support and help available where you are...
Here are seven kinds of educational courses that can take your abilities as an entrepreneur to the next level.
Here we’ll take a look at six ways you can get the most from your online advertising budget.
Published on: 30th July 2017
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- AO launches Innovation Lab to integrate online retail solutions 17th Apr 2019 AO, the UK’s leading online-only household appliance and electrical retailer is looking discover and integrate startups with solutions that will help AO’s customers.
- EDP searching for startups to join the Starter Acceleration Program 8th Apr 2019 EDP, one of Europe's major electricity operators is currently looking for startups for their new EDP Starter Acceleration Program.
- United Utilities launches Innovation Lab 2.0 21st Mar 2019 Leading UK water and wastewater company United Utilities has launched its second accelerator programme to help innovative businesses grow and develop their solutions through a collaborative approach.
- Northern Ireland startups sought for upSTART 2019 21st Mar 2019 Entries are now open for upSTART, Northern Ireland’s most exciting startup pitch competition which features an all-expenses paid trip to explore the New York tech scene for the winner.
