Now here’s a good way to get some attention with an ad: instead of simply having people read the print, let them have some interactive fun. This McDonald’s in Stockholm, Sweden makes use of a game called “Pick n Play” that passers-by can play using their iPhones. Never mind the title though; it’s actually Pong – if Pong used GPS and location-based HTML5 to plug you into the game. Because it uses location-based tech to let you play, you don’t need to download an app for this one. All you need is to enter a URL, and the iPhone’s GPS will do the rest. If you manage to last 30 seconds using the up and down controls on your phone’s browser, you get a free treat from the McDonald’s down the street. [One more clever billboard after the break.]
As promised last month, McDonald’s restaurants have begun dropping their $2.95 Wi-fi charge (yes!), offering the free service to a significant number of their US-based locations. According to the report, 11,500 out of McDonald’s 14,000 locations in the US now offer free Wifi. If you need a quick meal and free internet access, just look for signs of overweight geeks then follow the trail of greasy laptop keyboards and iPhone screens. That means you’re pretty close to one.
McDonald’s has just announced that they’ll be dropping their Wi-fi fees next year, and will be offering the service for free by January 2010. Previously priced at $3 for two hours, McD’s now gives you another reason to stay longer for coffee and cakes other than to wait for your kids tire themselves out at the Playplace. See that, everyone-else-who-still-charges-for-Wifi? Now we all think you’re just being greedy.
