In this AppDate instalment, SEAN BACHER features Showmax on PS4, SweepSouth, iBeat, admyt ticketless parking, Hot Christmas Menu Recipes and Medici.
Showmax on PS4
Homegrown video-on-demand service Showmax has launched an app for the Sony PlayStation 4. The addition of this new app means that PS4 and PS4 Pro owners in South Africa who have connected their consoles to the Internet can watch on-demand TV shows and movies with no need to buy new equipment.
Each Showmax account allows for viewing different shows on two different devices simultaneously. Showmax’s smartphone and tablet apps also support downloads, meaning that subscribers can start watching on their PS4 and then continue watching even when on the move and not connected to the Internet.
To watch Showmax via the PS4, follow these steps:
• Sign up for Showmax at www.showmax.com.
• Go to the PlayStation Store on the PS4.
• Search for “Showmax”.
• Install the app.
• Sign in to the app using the same email and password you used to sign up for Showmax.
Platform: Sony Playstation 4 and Playstation 4 Pro
Expect to pay: A free download, but with a R99 monthly subscription for Showmax.
Stockists: Visit the PlayStation Store from your Playstation.
SweepSouth
We’ve entered the busiest time of the year, with year-end functions, weddings, engagements, and dinner parties. Needless to say, we now hardly have time to keep our homes or even holiday accommodation spotless. Enter SweepSouth, an online home cleaning platform in the form of a website and mobile app that connects cleaners with homeowners.
Users can manage bookings and payments or book cleaners on a regular or ad-hoc basis that suits them.
The app has created work opportunities for over 3 800 experienced cleaners, with 74% of them being primary breadwinners at home, most of whom were previously unemployed.
Platform: Android, iOS or a computer with an up-to-date Internet browser.
Expect to pay: A free download; cleaners’ rates start at R26 per hour.
Stockists: www.sweepsouth.com
iBeat
Although most companies have dedicated customer service channels that allow users to lodge complaints or compliments, they are hardly ever managed correctly and the customer is, more often than not, ignored. Customers can turn to Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms but here, too, requests are often ignored. Locally developed iBeat aims to better customer service by putting the customer directly in touch with the company. Once the app is downloaded, a user signs in, selects the company or outlet using the phone or tablet’s location, types in a comment, snaps a picture if needed, and submits it. The comment can also be shared to Facebook or Twitter ,allowing others to comment.
Platform: Android and iOS
Expect to pay: Free to use.
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.
admyt ticketless parking
Sandton City and the Nelson Mandela Square have recently signed up with admyt – a ticketless parking and payment solution provider. In order to use the app, one needs to register their car’s number plate and enter a payment method. The next time they arrive at the booms at Sandton City or the Nelson Mandela Square, the plate will be scanned and the booms opened. Once finished shopping, the exit booms will also automatically open and the amount debited from the registered credit or debit card. Bear in mind, however, that the app does not always work. The Sandton City implementation, in particular, is hit and miss, so be ready to take a ticket when the app won’t do it for you.
Platform: Android and iOS
Expect to pay: A free download.
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.
Hot Christmas Menu Recipes
With Christmas just around the corner, deciding what to cook can be a challenge – especially with larger families and each one with a different preference. Hot Christmas Menu Recipes brings a range of different dishes into one easy-to-use application. Users select what they want to cook, based on starters, mains and desserts. Once a dish is selected, a recipe is displayed with all the ingredients needed, along with step-by-step cooking instructions.
Platform: Android and iOS
Expect to pay: A free download.
Stockists: Visit the store linked to your device.
Medici
The Medici app puts users in touch with their circle of doctors – even after hours. Once the app is downloaded, one invites dentists, doctors and even vets to connect with them through the app. Patients and doctors can then contact each other 24/7 via a secure and uncluttered interface. Should you need to, you can add more than one doctor to a chat, much like a group chat on WhatsApp, allowing the doctors to consult each other while keeping you in the loop.
Platform: Android and iOS
Expect to pay: A free download
Stockist: Visit the store linked to your device.