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McDonald's lets customers use iPads
At a McDonald's restaurant in Virginia Beach, Va., customers are getting more than service with a smile. According to a report in The Virginian Pilot, they are also getting access to a free iPad that they can use to browse the web while they down their burger and fries. The iPad-equipped franchise is located at Lynnhaven Parkway and operated by long-time McDonald's employee Hugh Fard. He told The Virginian Pilot that he decided to install the iPads after hearing about the idea from several French colleagues. A French company supplies the iPads and is responsible for their maintenance as well as replacing them if they are stolen. Four tables are equipped with iPads, which are installed in docks that securely attach the tablet to the table. Customers who get the high-tech seats can easily eat and check Facebook at the same time. "It's a great idea to stay relevant, especially to a new generation," said Fard, "People like to multitask, so why not provide that element for them?" This program to bring high-tech to fast food was initiated by Fard and is not a new company policy. McDonald's is interested in the pilot program, though, and will watch how the program performs over the next few months. I will say this -- it's an interesting idea, but one that will surely test the limits of the iPad's fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. [Via Engadget and CNET]
Verizon opens up FiOS TV test-drive kiosk in new Virginia Beach store
We know -- everyone lacking FiOS just wants Verizon to push it out to more areas, but Verizon's hoping to secure more customers in the locations it's already in. For the second time in a week, we're being treated to a new Verizon store opening, and within is a test-drive kiosk where patrons can see first hand what the outfit's fiber-based programming / high-speed internet services are all about. The newest location is on Virginia Beach Boulevard in Virginia Beach, VA, and hey, even if you're completely uninterested in signing up, why not stop by just to check out the home theater setup and rest your loins in the plush chairs?
Cox adds ten new HD channels in Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach
Well, would you look at that. Nary 48 hours after we heard that Cox Communications was getting set to upgrade its fiber optic network in the Hampton, Virginia area, subscribers in said region are already reaping the benefits. Reportedly, Cox has dished out not one, not two, but ten new high-def options to customers in Hampton Roads / Virginia Beach. Wondering what those newcomers are? Try The CW HD, CNN HD, NHL Network HD, TLC HD, Versus / Golf HD, Animal Plant HD, Science Channel HD, Travel Channel HD, Food Network HD and yes, NFL Network HD as well. Talk about a solid way to start the weekend.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
GamerBUS provides mobile Xbox 360 LAN parties
If you're incensed about wasting your weekend (and part of last week) cruising around in futility trying to locate a Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii, the GamerBUS can provide the ultimate painkiller -- provided you live around the Virginia Beach area, that is. If you've got 63 friends or so, and you're not claustrophobic, you can pack your posse into the 37-foot customized RV and get your game(s) on. Sporting a bevy of comfortable seating options, sixteen Xbox 360 "gamer stations" (pictured after the jump) with their own 23-inch Philips HDTV, and all the CAT5 cable / electricity you could ever need, this redefines the party on wheels. Essentially offering a mobile gaming LAN, the bus operators will gladly wire up a 16-person system-linked round of Halo 2 (or a variety of other titles) while you provide the Cheetos and air fresheners. Although weekday hours boast an understandable discount, weekend rates range from $125 to $150 per hour, depending on how long you occupy the vehicle. Notably, no connection has been drawn between this newfangled gaming service and the Va Beach entrepreneur trickster hitting it big on vulnerable ATMs.[Via Digg]
