Photo by Brett Jordan
Restaurants, music venues and cinemas are using them to share visitor information, handle payments, and even offer rewards.
A Wider Shift in Entertainment Preferences
Birmingham’s adoption of apps is a reflection of what’s happening in the wider world. Spotify allows people to search for artists, save albums and build playlists, all on an app.
Netflix lets subscribers browse their catalogue and watch on a number of devices, including mobile. Films or TV shows, like Bridgerton or The Gentlemen, can be downloaded, meaning they can be accessed without an internet connection.
Many online casinos now have dedicated apps that allow people to play the Fishin Frenzy game, or other related slots on the go. By optimising titles for mobile, the experience becomes more flexible and suited to those on the go.
Podcasts are another example. The Apple Podcasts app allows people to download shows and listen to them offline, with automatic device tracking that allows users to swap between devices without losing where they are in a stream.
As apps have quickly become integral to entertainment, it makes perfect sense that local Birmingham businesses are pivoting to embrace them.
Birmingham Businesses are Rapidly Adopting Apps
Apps offer local businesses a way to connect with customers before, during, and after their visit. Independent Birmingham is just one example. The app showcases local businesses and offers discounts at local restaurants and entertainment venues. Those who register with the app, which is £2.99 a month, can claim 50% off, as well as two-for-one offers and freebies at 170 independent locations. Apps help smaller businesses to become part of the mobile ecosystem without directly having to create an app.
The Qino UK Cinema app allows users to track showtimes and movies across independent Birmingham cinemas, while using an interactive map to show people where local establishments are and how to access them.
Utilita Arena Birmingham has a dedicated venue app for events, bringing together arena maps, food options, bag policies, and ticket access. As fast-tracked entry can be provided to those who have AXS Mobile ID enabled, it’s an efficient way to improve the experience for gig-goers while streamlining security.
Vagabond Birmingham, which is located on Colmore Row, has also taken steps to embrace mobile applications. The self-pour wine experience handles payments, lets customers choose and rate wine, and even offers reward points. Examples like this show how the app became part of the experience, rather than a convenient way to access important information or make payments.
The National Express West Midlands’ ticket app helps to streamline nights out in the local area. Birmingham City Council’s parking platform expands the choices that people have when parking in the area. Apps don’t just help locals, as they help people who might not know the local streets, which is a major boost for the Birmingham tourism sector. As apps become more advanced, and as Birmingham is now home to six tracked app-focused startups that are valued at US$95.4 million, this trend is expected to continue.