Mobile application aims to connect digital signs, iPhones

CHICAGO — Akoo International Inc. announced its m-Venue application — optimized for Apple's iPhone Safari browser and Microsoft Windows Mobile devices such as the Motorola Q — that lets consumers use their mobile phones as wireless "remote controls" to activate in-store entertainment and marketing, on demand, at participating locations where they shop, eat, socialize, and play.

Mobile users can search, select, and activate songs, music videos, memorable sports moments, pre-approved user-generated content and additional programming for shared public performance over standard audio/video systems. m-Venue's library features more than two million pieces of content directly licensed from major content providers, such as Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company. Users can also discover, ID, and "tag" music for subsequent purchase on leading online music services, such as iTunes; earn, bank, and redeem loyalty and rewards points from the convenience of their handset; and interact with digital signage networks and mobile marketing.

Simultaneously, every m-Venue interaction unobtrusively captures consumer usage and behavioral data. This allows retailers to deliver highly-targeted marketing messages, mobile coupons, or loyalty and rewards incentives immediately back to consumer mobile devices, not only while customers use the network at the point-of-sale, but after they leave participating locations, as well.

m-Venue was successfully pilot tested by franchisees of a global quick-service restaurant chain in September 2006, as well as in sports bars and café/eateries, where owner/operators reported increased transaction counts, revenue lift, and margin contribution. Akoo said it will begin deploying m-Venue with national restaurant chains, leading beverage brands and major retailers by year-end 2007.