We continue to explore the world of mobile technology and share our experiences with our Pushing Buttons video series. View the latest video about IntoNow — a mobile application that encourages users to engage with their friends by checking-in to TV shows. Using the same technology as Shazam, IntoNow can identify the TV show right down to the episode. We tested IntoNow for a promotion with PepsiMax and Major League Baseball. Some things worked, and some definitely didn’t. Watch the video and let us know what you think!

Square is simply a credit card reader, paired with an application, in order to accept credit cards from your iPhone or iPad.  The perks?  It’s free.  It’s easy to use. There are no contracts required.  Oh yeah, did we mention it was free?  Our friend Esther tried it out at the local Etsy Fair to sell her amazing jewelry line.  Check out what we thought of the app, or if you want more information, visit www.squareup.com.

How should social media users be paid for their endorsements? Mike Orren discusses Blue Calypso, The Huffington Post and producing social media content for cash.

How often do you get your Slurpee fix? Well now, 7-Eleven will reward you for your habit. The Slurpee Mobile Application for your Android or iPhone connects all Slurpee fans through Foursquare, encourages you to collect points with every Slurpee purchase, lets you search for your nearest 7-Eleven store and even tells you which flavors are available that day. Watch our video demonstration, then download it for yourself by visiting www.7-eleven.com for more details. After reviewing the app, we think it’s a compelling way for fans to connect with each other and the brand and have a reason to keep going back for more… just what every big retailer craves.

How many times have you left your credit card with the bartender because it was too crowded at the bar or you just forgot to close out at the end of the night? One of the newest technologies for your phone is the ability to store your credit card information securely on a mobile app. In this episode of Pushing Buttons, we review TabbedOut, the mobile application for your iPhone that allows you to literally “Tab Out” when you’re ready to leave. Tip and all. We think it’s pretty convenient. (Plus, when you close your tab, they provide CabbedOut for easy access to taxi numbers so you can be responsible when you leave the bar.)

TabbedOut is only available in certain locations. To find the partnering bars and restaurants near you, download TabbedOut from the App Store or visit tabbedout.com/locations.

 

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Restaurants launched a GPS enabled mobile rewards program.  Customers can check-in to the restaurants, spin the Wheel of Awesome and get rewards just for being there.  Not a bad deal when you're craving a cheeseburger. 

The app is available on iPhone and Android and visit www.happystarrewards.com for more info.

 

A SCAVENGER HUNT!!! FOR YOUR PHONE!!! A new take on location based check-ins takes the gaming element to a new level. Create a scavenger hunt, or just a trek for your friends to go on. Plus some other cool features including specials and location-based incentives. Watch for yourself.

 

A mix of green screens, 3-D animation, architectural mapping, imagination and lots of dough, promoters of The Tourist grabbed our attention when they produced this 4-D building stunt in December. Check out what you can do with a budget that’s more impressive than the movie itself. We saw the film, it was terrible.