There are a lot of cool people in Fresno doing cool things. And don’t you feel special when you actually know them personally? I do! Recently, my friends Matt Tymn and Nick Gundry have received local recognition for the way they are using technology to revolutionize the way we connect with our community.
These tech guys have gathered a team of smarties (from Fresno and beyond) to create a platform for proximity-based marketing called One Sense.
Proximity-based marketing is exactly how it sounds – marketing to people based on their location (or proximity) to anyone with a smart phone. They use small devices called beacons that sense when you’re nearby and transmit messages to your phone based on your interests.
Earlier this summer, I was at the LA County Museum of Art, and when I downloaded their app, I got a message saying that the LACMA app uses beacon technology to sense when you’re around certain pieces of art. When you walk by a painting, you get an alert to read about the history of the artist, maybe hear a sound clip of an art critic giving his take on the piece, and links to learn more about other works of art. It was so helpful!
Several months before that, I watched a trend-forecasting video about the next biggest thing in tech: beacons and proximity-based marketing. I’m not even kidding when I tell you that the next week, Nick Gundry told me about One Sense. He and Matt have been in the tech industry for years and years, occasionally even blogging for Techcove. They’ve worked and currently work with some major corporations throughout the country. It’s no surprise that they’re running full-speed ahead, faster than some of their competitors with this technology. From Fresno (woot!).
Their first Fresno ventures are the “[re]Discover” app in partnership with the Downtown Fresno Partnership and the “Campus” app for Fresno State. The “[re]Discover” app will keep you and all Fresno visitors in the know for all the must-see things to do, the best places to eat, and more. The app uses beacons and geo-locations so you get the most relevant information right when you need it, when you’re close enough to make those “where should we eat?” or “what should we do?” decisions.
The “Campus” app for Fresno State was developed after One Sense did their own leg of research with students on campus. They conducted interviews asking students about their biggest concerns during freshman year. Things like not knowing where their counselor’s office was or needing information about textbooks were among the findings. In a nutshell, if new students could get immediate information on whatever they were looking for, simply from their phones as they walk by certain buildings or enter classrooms, it could change their entire campus experience. And that’s how “Campus” was created.
Both apps are set to launch later this year. The company aspires to launch similar apps in other communities, events and campuses. Congrats to Nick and Matt!
Follow One Sense on Twitter, then get the scoop on their new office location for local creatives: Workspace.
In midst of all this, a girl has gotta eat, right? Alisa is loves chatting with chefs behind the scenes and exploring the rich food culture of the Central Valley.
- Try These Cocktails at The Annex Kitchen - February 29, 2016
- Introducing One Sense, the Latest Thing in Tech - October 8, 2015
- I’m New to Fresno. Now What? - August 25, 2015
Leave a Reply