Technology News South Africa

Get mall specials, updates via free smartphone app

A new free smartphone app allows users to view specials, as they enter a shopping mall. The app, developed and launched by South African company DialMedia, runs silently in the background without causing inconvenience or negatively affecting the battery performance.

DialMedia spokesperson and co-owner Philip Bartholomew explains, "On entering a mall, using geo-location, the application alerts the customer to nearby available specials which are tailored specifically to the user. Listings are categorised and ranked to easily find the best specials from their favourite stores and restaurants."

Storeowners in shopping centres regularly update the service and, as they have the flexibility to change deal details daily, consumers will always be up to speed on the latest specials, including sales, discounts, restaurant specials, promotions and events.

He added that the application does not monitor or record the location of the user, but the app is alerted when the user is near a relevant special. Therefore, no information is shared with outside parties (including the service provider).

Bartholomew concluded by saying that other features of the application include saving on mobile bills by getting paid rebates for hearing an audio ad before the user's call connects, another free service from the company.

The app is available at Apple's App Store, BlackBerry's App World and Android Marketplace. For more information, go to www.dialmedia.co.za.

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