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AI bar system ignores jerks who cut in line for drinks
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those that queue patiently at the bar for their drinks because they recognize their place in the great order of things, and those that elbow their way to the front and jump the queue because they're massive jerks. If you're the latter, I see you, pal. And now, thanks to AI, so does the bartender.
Mastercard app enables credit-card-free bar tabs
One of the most worrying things about going to a bar is the possibility that the credit card you handed over to open your tab with might get skimmed, or worse, stolen. Mastercard has a new digital payment tool that will let you open a bar tab through an app so you don't have to hand your credit card over to the bartender. Instead, showing them a 4-digit number (at least, during our demo) on your phone is all you have to do. You can pay for your orders from the app and leave after you're done, without having to sit around and try to catch the bartender's attention.
Building community through arcades and beer
It's springtime in downtown Phoenix, and Cobra Arcade Bar is open for business. Wednesday afternoon sunlight spills through two massive open windows at the front of the bar, illuminating silver tap handles, neon-splattered paintings from local artists and shiny black booths. Organizers from a nearby business set up shop on the front patio, preparing for a company event. Even in the middle of a weekday, Cobra hums with activity.
Jon Taffer's BarHQ app wants to increase your profits
Jon Taffer took the business of bar consulting to a new level when SpikeTV decided to run the show Bar Rescue, featuring Taffer as the irascible host. Since then he's had season after season of showing the public how sharp he is at turning around even the most hopeless bars (when the owners actually take his advice, anyway). He's now bringing his expertise to owners everywhere thanks to his BarHQ app, which he hopes will raise any bar's revenues 20-30%. I spoke to Mr. Taffer about the app and his approach. Because of his show Bar Rescue, and book, Raise the Bar, Taffer is in demand more than he can actually help. He even has a road show and continues to consult privately for clients, but can't address the myriad requests. Out of the frustration of seeing so many well-meaning bar owners begging for his help, Taffer decided to create something to help. BarHQ was the answer, and it is free (on iPad and iPhone). Taffer's goal is to help raise revenues up to 30%, which is very often what is needed to push an establishment back in the black and operating at a sustainable rate. How does BarHQ work? A bar owner or manager sets up the app, which includes taking a brief quiz on what type of bar you are and what sort of things you do. The survey is quite short, and afterwards you create a login and get a unique code for your business. That code is used for every employee who will be using the app (the app is iOS and Android compatible, but obviously employees need smartphones to use it). Your settings, communications, schedules, etc. are all synced through a cloud service (which is also free). Once the initial setup is done, BarHQ works in three key areas: Sales, Marketing and Scheduling. For sales, you input your sales each day and track trends. Individual employees can do this as well. Ultimately this can give you an idea what promotions are working. I found the input fairly easy to use, although being able to import raw data from other systems would likely be helpful. You can also track guest count and sales per hour, both vital stats in the bar/restaurant game. For marketing, the app provides a slightly clunky but usable customized promo tool, but I found it was easier to go into the "sponsored" promotions (promotions list) and see what these entail. BarHQ provides a few examples, like Treasure Chest (where patrons are given keys to a chest with prizes, and at the end of the night one person opens it) or Nickel Beer, where you sell custom mugs for nickel beers. While I was told these would generate PDF marketing materials, unfortunately I didn't find a way to generate these. What is included is an automated way to post these promotions to your social media, which is honestly a godsend for most harried small bar owners. It does seem there is room for growth in this part of the app, and I'm figuring Taffer will build this out over time. He noted that he's built a facility in Las Vegas to continue making content for the app, and that includes training and marketing materials. Finally there's employee management, and that studio in Vegas will be the scene of ongoing training films Taffer is producing for this app. You'll eventually be able to train employees on demand, having them earn badges and rewards for training (like a "Whiskey Master" badge upon viewing a video and taking a quiz). Until then there's a simple list of tips (all good), a how to on using the app, and a scheduler. I think the scheduler is quite powerful for smallish bars. You input your weekly schedule, and employees do the same on their devices. All of this is shown in the manager's scheduler, but employees can do things like blast a request out to pick up a shift, or request a change and a manager can easily see who might cover it. Those sorts of intra-team communications are a pain otherwise. Speaking of communications, there's also a message system built into the app. It's no Slack, but pre-shift messages are specifically called out, a testament to Taffer's expertise. I wasn't able to test this, but it's one way to ensure all employees who use the app are getting those messages. Taffer's BarHQ is sponsored in that there are some ads at the bottom, but none ever overtake the interface or really get in the way. I did find a few quirks and bugs in the app, although nothing particularly show-stopping besides "Clone Week" in the Scheduler, which forced me to fully close the app and start my week over. Also, a lot of the tools in the app are hidden in the upper left "hamburger" menu, something designers are realizing isn't a great user experience. The design is still leagues above most industry apps, but that's not a high bar to rise above. BarHQ, for a first version, is an ambitious start to what will likely become a powerful tool for small bars. More importantly, Taffer's expertise and willingness to continue to build this app out should not be underestimated -- there's even a Q&A section in the app. Far too many bars simply suffer from a lack of the basics, and BarHQ aims to help them with promotions and social media, sales tracking and employee management. Having seen quite a few episodes of Bar Rescue, I can admit that very few failing bars do well in any of those areas. I'm hopeful that BarHQ delivers on its promise for bar owners, but since it's free there's really very little to lose by seeing if it works for you.
The Daily Grind: Where did all the MMO bars go?
No, not those bars. The fun kind of bars. Massively reader Serrenity recently posted a provocative comment lamenting the loss of gathering places in MMORPGs: "Why aren't there many bars in games anymore? There's virtually no communal space. In capital cities everything has a numbers-related function -- learn to craft, spend money, repair your gear, auction, etc. [...] Everything is purely functional in games, without any 'flavor,' to the point of being the digital equivalent of getting socks for Christmas." And Serrenity is right. Many MMOs don't have bars or taverns or cantinas anymore, and those that do usually fail to imbue them with a purpose, but it wasn't always that way, so why and how did it happen? Where did all the bars go, and do we need them back? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Ozz takes the guesswork out of mixing cocktails
It takes time to hone your cocktail craft. Thanks to Ozz, the learning curve isn't quite so steep. The device visually guides pouring and mixing so that you don't have to worry about eyeballing the notches on a shot glass. A companion app for iPhone and Android sorts recipes and ingredients lists, allowing you to fine-tune proportions to fit your taste. Once you've settled on a beverage, the geometric Ozz base lights LEDs around the rim of a glass to let you know when you've added enough of that particular ingredient. Load sensors and lights are guided by that smartphone via Bluetooth, and after a marathon martini session, a built-in micro-USB jack handles charging. Ready to opt in? Early Kickstarter backers can secure one for €69 ($87), but those who hold out will have to fork over €99 ($125). Of course, if you choose to make that Old Fashioned with Old Crow and cheap bitters, you'll still end up with a shitty drink.
Monsieur robotic bartender pours libations at home for $1,499 (hands-on)
A night out at the local watering hole can be a pain sometimes, having to elbow your way through crowds and struggle to catch the bartender's eye, all for a tasty beverage. If only we could leave all the hard work to a machine. Fortunately, Monsieur, the "robotic bartender" that we first met at TechCrunch Distrupt a few weeks ago, is back to deliver a Jetsonian experience to those who thirst for more than tech. It's certainly not the first of its kind, but the delivery method employed here is of a subtler sort, downplaying the anthropomorphic angle and hiding away the mechanism inside a streamlined casing. The home-bound version is significantly more compact (and less expensive) than the enterprise edition seen above, and it should be making its way to consumers soon. Grab a glass and join us after the break to see what's in store.
The Daily Grind: Which game has the best taverns?
I love me a good tavern in an MMO. Taverns are so iconic to fantasy games and literature, being a place where adventures begin, fellowship is begun, and a respite is enjoyed. In MMOs, they're usually wonderfully detailed buildings that are perfect for roleplay, a quick stop to sell some loot, or even the odd quest or two. Pretty much every fantasy MMO has them (and some of the non-fantasy ones as well). I think they make the world feel more lived in; a tavern is pretty much a home-away-from-home for the world-traveled adventurer, after all. Lord of the Rings Online has some of my favorite watering holes in plenty of varieties, especially the newer ones in Rohan. If you're partial to taverns too, which game do you think has the best ones? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Jackery outs Bar and Mini portable battery packs, aims to give power-hungry devices a boost
Mophie's Juice Packs are all the rage when it comes to giving a meaningful power boost to popular slabs like the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S III, but let's not forget others outside that group may need some help, too. Here's where the California-based firm Jackery hopes to come in. The company's just introduced its Bar and Mini external batteries, touting rather portable and peculiar designs as some of the main features present. More importantly, both of the USB-equipped power packs are loaded with 5,600 and 2,600mAh, respectively -- and, according to Jackery, this is enhanced by the peripherals' ability to hold a charge for up to six months, thanks to the company's own "unique power lock technology." Jackery's 5.4-ounce Bar is available starting today for $40, while the more petite Mini (which weighs in at less than three ounces) can be yours for 10 bucks less than its heavier sibling.
The Meebo Bar returns, this time with more Google+
Back in the balmy heat of June Google snapped up (and then largely dismantled) a new property by the name of Meebo. Now, as winter starts to bite, it looks like the one part it was going to keep -- the tool bar -- is back in full Google livery. The discovery comes after a few eagle-eyed users noticed it on TV Guide. The bar itself seems pretty unobtrusive right now, with just some site specific menus on the left hand side, with the expected Google+ sharing options on the right. Overall, though, things look much like before only more... Googly. Don't believe us? Or just want to see what's different? Head over to the more coverage links for a good old before and after.
Capcom invites you to pop a bottle, not a cap, with new bar in Japan
We've all been there -- you just owned C. Viper with Ryu and you think to yourself, "Dang. I could really pick up some drunk chicks with these awesome moves." Capcom just answered that thought with, "Wanna bet?" Capcom has partnered with Pasela, a karaoke-bar chain based in Japan, to open a Capcom-themed entertainment bar in Shinjuku, Tokyo, called Cap Bar. Cap Bar is scheduled to open in January on the first floor of Shinjuku's Pasela Resort and will have game-demo kiosks, merch, and Capcom-themed food and drink menus, as well as serving as the filming location for Capcom's webshow, Hagi Toko. Personally, we can't wait to sip on a "Chun-Li Chugger" and watch the carnage unfold. %Gallery-142395%
MagnetU connects you with similar people in your area, because diversity is overrated
You could make friends the old fashioned way, with casual introductions, eye contact and other intrinsically human social skills; or you could just sit back and let MagnetU do all the heavy lifting for you. The Israeli startup, founded in 2010, has just unveiled what it calls a "proximity networking" device -- a tiny accessory that connects users to other like-minded people within their immediate vicinity. Within this lightweight gadget lies information on a user's "social desires," which can be customized and modified depending on a given situation. If you're at a networking event, for example, you can activate your "business" profile, before switching into the grossly mistitled "social" mode once you walk into a bar. Once activated, the device will automatically scan for other users within your area, comparing your data against theirs. If it finds a match, both misfits will be notified with a text message that provides details on their level of compatibility. At that point, it's up to you to exchange furtive glances and do the whole "Come here often?" Kabuki routine. The tool could also open up new marketing avenues for retailers, though MagnetU plans to begin rolling out its $24 device at college campus events, where more traditional social lubricants are few and far between.
Android-powered bar bot makes a mean Rob(ot) Roy (video)
iZac doesn't want to hear your sob stories. No, this Arduino-crafted bartender just wants to make cocktails, ordered through a tablet-based drinks menu. The bar patron can then place a glass on the digital scales, and iZac will measure out in the prescribed quantities necessary for the meatsack's choice of poison. The liquids are handled by aquarium pumps and laser-cut pinch valves, with accuracy to within one gram (0.035 ounces). Sadly, the bar bot's repertoire is limited by six bottles, arranged on two turntables. Risky drinkers can plump for the 'I'm Feeling Lucky' option, which creates a randomized drink of three (possibly identical) liquids. See how it all comes together in a loud, appropriately shady-looking bar after the break.
RIM's BlackBerry Packager for Android emerges in leaked video
Well, what do we have here? RIM has just posted a video outlining its new BlackBerry Packager for Android, just a few hours ahead of today's DevCon event. The tool, which received brief mention in RIM's conference schedule, essentially allows Android developers to port their apps to the PlayBook platform by converting their APK files to BAR files. As explained in the clip, developers should first obtain their signature keys from BlackBerry's Developer Zone before undertaking any porting or development. From there, they can check their existing app's compatibility with the PlayBook. If everything checks out, all they'd have to do is simply click "repackage and submit," and the system will automatically sign and package it away. We're expecting to get more details on RIM's new Packager in the very near future, but you can catch a sneak peak in the video, after the break. [Thanks, Ferganer]
San Fran PD looking for security footage at lost iPhone bar
CNET is reporting that the San Francisco Police Department is poking around local bar Cava 22, the same establishment where a prototype iPhone was supposed to have been lost a little while ago. The owner of the bar says that the SFPD came by asking for surveillance videotape of July 21 and 22 (the days the phone was supposedly lost in the bar), and while he's got it and is willing to share, he hasn't heard back from the officers. But there may be more going on here than just a lost iPhone; this is of course the same case where SFPD officers "assisted" Apple in an investigation, going so far as to wait while Apple detectives entered a citizen's home, apparently searching for information related to the lost iPhone. The SFPD is investigating that situation (though the department does admit that the "assistance" took place), and it's possible that this surveillance footage is for that research. At any rate, the case isn't exactly closed. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that we'll ever hear anything else about this one, unless the cops did violate the law in some way by helping Apple's investigation. Even if a lost iPhone was found, Apple wouldn't exactly go yelling it from the rooftops, and the SFPD probably won't be happy to publicize any of their officers' behavior, either. The investigation may still be ongoing, but we'll have to wait and see if and when the public is let in on any of its findings. [via 9to5Mac]
15 Minutes of Fame: The AFK Tavern, where everybody knows your name
From Hollywood celebrities to the guy next door, millions of people have made World of Warcraft a part of their lives. How do you play WoW? We're giving each approach its own 15 Minutes of Fame. So these two WoW players walk into a bar. Only it's not just a bar -- it's also a full restaurant serving hearty but healthy (fresh, locally sourced and frequently organic) fare such as the thick, juicy Iron Dragon Steak ("a full half-pound of flat iron steak grilled in dragon's fire and served with sautéed veggies and a GLaDOS baked potato"). And then they don't go home, because it's more than just a bar and restaurant -- it's also a gaming center hosting everything required to enjoy a night of tabletop, console and online gaming. Yes, this is heaven. Welcome to the AFK Tavern in Everett, Wash., the brainchild of WoW player Kayla Graves. "It was kinda my life's dream," she explains. "I run the place as general manager and design most the menus and almost all the drinks (a few are made by our bartenders), so I take the title of creative director most the time. I also deal with all our social media ... And advertisements. AFK started as my project, but we're big on community input, so we've shaped it that way and let it become more than us. It's pretty cool owning a company like AFK Tavern with my two best friends in the whole world." Sound like the place where everybody knows your name? We thought so, too. Come on in.
Addon Spotlight: Customizing PlayerPowerBarAlt
Each week, WoW Insider's Mathew McCurley brings you a fresh look at reader-submitted UIs as well as Addon Spotlight, which focuses on the backbone of the WoW gameplay experience: the user interface. Everything from bags to bars, buttons to DPS meters and beyond -- your addons folder will never be the same. With the Raid Finder coming in patch 4.3, many new players will be storming their way through the halls of Blackwing Descent, the Bastion of Twilight, and the fiery plains of Ragnaros' domain. Cataclysm raid encounters have bestowed upon players a new mechanic that will show up during some of the encounters, most notably Atramedes' sound bar, Cho'gall's corruption bar, feathers on Alysrazor, Rhyolith's turning bar, and the concentration bar on the heroic Majordomo Staghelm fight. This new interface element can function in many different ways based on the fight it is being used, but all fall under the same category: PlayerPowerBarAlt. PlayerPowerBarAlt has been a thorn in many player's sides, especially since the default settings for this raid-centric UI element falls squarely in the wrong place -- usually underneath your action bars, unit frames, or whatever you've put right above the default action bar location. Players have been asking me since Cataclysm's launch how to move and manipulate that bar, so here's a dedicated column to just that topic.
SceneTap app analyzes pubs and clubs in real-time, probably won't score you a Jersey Shore cameo
So, here's the skinny -- when SceneTap launches in a month or so, it'll provide Android and iOS users with a frightening amount of analysis before you hit the town. As the story goes, the startup will be tapping into an infrastructure of cameras spread across an untold quantity of bars. The goal? To provide a real-time snapshot of what the demographics are at any location on any given night. According to the company, demographic information, social commentary and "other comprehensive features" will be shown, all of which will help people decide where they'd like to go. For the privacy freaks, they'll (hopefully) be comforted by the fact that no actual recording is going on, and each person is tracked anonymously. Hailed as a "new type of social network," SceneTap will initially cover 50 clubs, and of course, there's no DUI checkpoint feature for those hoping to do something as impractical as drink and drive afterwards. Head on past the break for the rest of the deets, and be sure to ping the company if you're hoping for a Snooki Sighting push alert in version 2.0.
The Perfect Ten: The secret lives of NPCs
It is fun, I've decided, to overthink things in life. This is especially relevant in MMOs, where we've long since taken absolutely bizarre staples as the accepted status quo. Sure, it's all polite fiction that allows developers to merge necessary game mechanics with a veneer of credibility, but many elements of MMOs simply fall apart when put under the microscope. Case in point, the NPC. Is there a figure in online games that more symbolizes the thin barrier between the server database and user playerbase than the non-player character? NPCs exist to fill the world with warm bodies so that places don't feel empty, yet they also exhibit no more life than a mannequin with a tape recorder strapped to its back. These cardboard cutouts of the MMO scene are either reanimated corpses struggling to remember basic quest-giving instructions, or else they're prisoners of a foul witch who has struck the entire land with a paralyzing spell. So even though it's 2011 and you'd think that NPCs would be showing us more signs of life than swiveling slightly when we approach, I'm happy to jump in and offer my opinion as to the secret life of these figures. What makes them tick? What do they get out of helping -- and prodding -- us into action? Why don't they ever sleep or use the bathroom? Just who are these people we encounter and dismiss every day?
TUAW's Daily App: What Cocktail
What Cocktail is a stylish app with a simple concept: what kind of cocktail do you want to drink, right now? By inputting your mood and location, then shaking (not stirring, of course) the app, you get a drink suggestion with a well designed logo and the recipe to go with it in case you're making your own. Sure, there's not a lot to it, but the design of the app is a great example of form meeting function. If you're at a bar and in a state where you can't choose your own drink, What Cocktail seems like a perfect solution. As of this writing, the app is on sale for US$0.99, so you can go grab it for just a buck. If there's a downside, it's that the drink choices are somewhat limited. Not only will you probably know the drink that comes up, but it might not quite fit the mood you're in. That's to be expected, though; you definitely want something simple to make and order, and if you're ordering drinks selected by an app, you have to know that they won't always be the right thing no matter what. I have one thing to say to that: Cheers! Drink up anyway.* *Of course, always drink responsibly and safely. And stay away from tequila -- that stuff is trouble.
