NYC Building LinkNYC – Provides Free Highspeed Secure WIFI For Everyone

In 2015 New York will begin work on LinkNYC, a project that replaces the aging and seldom used payphone system with futuristic glowing pillars called Links.

These Links will serve as Wi-Fi hubs that provide 24/7 free internet access at gigabit speeds. The connections will be encrypted and should be secure according to the press release: “We encourage you to continue to use end-to-end encryption, such as HTTPS, for any sensitive matters or data. The network will also prevent peer-to-peer security threats by eliminating the ability to communicate device to device.”

As if that wasn’t good enough, the Links also offer free phone calls to anywhere in the U.S., free mobile-device charging, and a touchscreen interface for accessing directions, city services, etc… They also provide easy access to 911 and 311.

Commercial model on the left, Residential model on the right

 

Sounds expensive right? The whole system is ad-supported and will apparently cost tax-payers nothing. So presumably these Links will be bombarding you with ads day and night, but it’s not as if that’s not happening already right? All-in-all it may be a fair trade, assuming the ads are visual only and not overly intrusive. This new platform may prove seriously valuable for local advertisers and marketers.

“LinkNYC is a first-of-its-kind communications network that will bring the fastest available municipal Wi-Fi to millions of New Yorkers and visitors,” according to a press release from CityBridge and LinkNYC.

Up to up to 10,000 Link installtions are planning, though not all may offer free gigabit Wi-Fi.The first Links should be operational by the end of 2015.

 

Images by LinkNYC

These Businesses Are Offering Halloween Discounts TODAY

Lots of businesses outside of the traditional candy and costume purveyors are finding ways to  drive business on Halloween.

Here’s some chains that offering special spooky deals TODAY!

Chipotle – Visit any Chipotle restaurant dressed in costume between 5 p.m. and closing on October 31, and purchase a burrito, burrito bowl, tacos, salad or kids meal for only $3. This year Chipotle’s Boo-rito event is donating proceeds up to $1 million to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, an organization dedicated to sustainable and equitable food.

Starbucks – Look for Green Minty “Franken Frappuccinos” and other grande Frappuccinos for $3 after 2 p.m.

Jamba Juice  – Get a FREE 9.5oz JAMBA KIDS SMOOTHIE for all children ages 8 and younger from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at participating locations.  Limit 4 per party. While supplies last.

Olive Garden – On Oct. 31, KIDS MEALS ARE FREE when paired with an adult entrée. Coupon here

Arby’s – Their special bacontastic campaign is dubbed “trick or meat.” If you say “trick or meat” at the restaurant, you’re entitled to FREE BACON on any item (burgers, milkshake, you name it).

Sbarro – Kids eat free on and during Mall Halloween Festivities.  Bring your kids in costume and they will receive one FREE PIZZA SLICE (cheese or pepperoni) with the purchase of any entree.

Outback Steakhouse – According to their Facebook  page, “ATTENTION: Mom and Dad — Your ghouls, goblins and ghosts eat free on Friday.” Offer is limited to two kids’ meals.

Krispy Kreme – Show up in costume and get a FREE DONUT of your choice.

Baja Fresh – They offer what they call their “UnBOOlieveable Offers”. Specifically, FREE CHURROS with catering orders and FREE KIDS MEALS with the purchase of an adult entrée.

IHOP – From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., children 12 and under can enjoy a FREE “SCARY FACE PANCAKE” . Look like it sports candy corn teeth and Oreo eyes.

Go out and get some grab some cheap spooky grub before it’s too late!

 

 

YouTube Takes Manhattan

A look at YouTube Space New York, the newest version of the production facilities the company has already opened in London, Los Angeles and Tokyo over the last two years.

The space in New York, which is full of tech and video wonders, will bring YouTube in proximity to more traditional creators of media content, along with a huge new pool of talent.

The New York version will also include something called BrandLab, a first for the studios, where brands will have their own space to mingle — and perhaps do business — with video creators. In that sense, YouTube Space will share an island with Madison Avenue — part of an effort to convince mainstream advertisers that while YouTube is a great place to discover a toddler flexing his muscles in the mirror like his father, it also hosts creative output that can rival traditional television in terms of production values and marketing potential.

The Utilities Industry is in Need of a Facelift – Right Talent Can Help

Since the “war for talent” was first declared in the 1990’s, organizations the world over have been attempting to gain a competitive advantage by attracting and retaining top talent. From a plethora of models defining potential, through to complex supply and demand models, no stone has been unturned in the effort to triumph in this unending battle. Utilities throughout the US have a rapidly aging workforce and a burning demand for fresh talent. This figure speaks for itself: some 50% of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next few years.

Unfortunately the utilities industry is not often seen as the enticing, challenging environment that college graduates and more seasoned workers aspire to join. Simply put, the utility “brand” is not strong enough to attract the people the industry needs the most. To revamp their profile and attract a new generation of employees, utilities need to show that the vital, complex service they provide is one befitting the most enthusiastic and talented of individuals.

The Utilities Industry is in Need of a Facelift and the Right Talent Can Help

Marketers Are Urged to Become Fearless

Fearless marketing is becoming the new trend. Marketers are being encouraged to think big and risk failure rather than play it safe. Today’s consumers need to be wowed on an unprecedented level and incredibly ambitious (and risky) advertising tactics are paying off for many.

Smartphone Sniffing Advertising Beacons Shutdown in NYC

Some New York payphones bearing ads managed by Titan360 are outfitted with smartphone-sniffing beacons. The city has ordered the beacons removed. Why did the city shut down the project? Because it hadn’t authorized the sensors to be used this way.

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/10/07/new-york-city-shuts-down-unauthorized-sensors/