Ex-Cranberries guitarist backs music kiosks
Former Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan is backing a multi-million-euro plan to install hundreds of interactive music kiosks throughout Ireland over the next 12 months.
The Digital Jet Kiosk allows customers to download chart music, videos, ring tones and games onto MP3 players, computers and mobile phones.
The first prototypes of the kiosk have just been completed and a nationwide roll-out will begin in mid-February.
“The machine is built to be as user friendly as possible,” said Niall O’Neill, a software developer who designed the kiosk. “It has touch screen technology and it allows people to download a music video in a few simple steps.”
O’Neill said the machines would be located in supermarkets, retail outlets, colleges and travel stations. “We can tailor a machine to suit any location in terms of content and design,” he said.
Hogan was brought in on the project by the former Cranberries in-house accountant, Alan McEvoy. Other backers include businessman James Doran and music merchandiser David Bell.
“The machine can be updated easily so it will never be dated,” said McEvoy, who acts as financial adviser to several Irish celebrities.
“It allows us to constantly update it with new programmes. We are looking at installing digital books so that people can download a book on their laptop before boarding a flight or a train.”
McEvoy said they were in talks with a number of retail chains and outlets, and they would be showcasing the prototypes over the next six weeks.
The initial plan is to install up to 300 machines over the next 12 months, and then expand the concept further. “We feel it has a lot of potential,” McEvoy said.
Source: Thepost.ie