BT has launched its location-based service BT MyPlace on a six-month trial. The service, which is claimed to be the first free, personal information service, will provide BT Wi-Fi network users information on their favourite food joints, shops and other businesses in central London and the West End.
Users have to register their preferences and interests to get recommendations through the service, which will be funded through advertisements. The service combines location, personalisation data and convergence to deliver relevant information and advertising to the users.
Consumers on the move can receive information under six key service areas — ‘Find my nearest’, Live & Work, Explore, Enjoy, Entertain and Get Around. Under the Special Offers service, users are alerted about promotional offers in and around London.
Chris Bruce, general manager at BT Openzone, said: “Unlike a classic city guide, BT MyPlace is personalised to your interests and location. Because it is delivered over the BT Openzone outdoor Wi-Fi network it also offers a faster and more reliable internet service that can be accessed on thousands of devices.”
Designed by BT, the service will be developed and maintained by io global, a provider of mobile digital media services. Peter Gandy, vice president of broadband services at io global, said: “There has long been talk about personalised location-based services, but nothing has actually been available until now. BT MyPlace is a great example of how our technology can help people quickly find what they want using the device of their choice.”
MyPlace is supported by Westminster City Council and partners Intel and Cisco. Content partners include Discovery Audio, audible.co.uk, Kodak Gallery, London Pass, LOVEtheatre.com, Time Out and Top Table.
