Super Bowl week is upon us, as it returns to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The last time the Super Bowl was here back in 2008, the New England Patriots lost to the New York Giants 17-14. Now that the Super Bowl is back in warmer weather, fans will get a chance to get out and explore the area; and, in turn, get a chance to use new technology to make their experience that much greater.
Phoenix, known to locals as “Silicon Desert”, is just an hour flight to Silicon Valley. The area is thriving with startups, and has a growing tech scene. Some of the companies include the world’s number one hosting service, GoDaddy, which just had their Super Bowl ad pulled, tech marketing firm, Infusionsoft, and software firm, Axosoft. With the world’s attention back to the desert, let’s take a look at three tech startups that could enhance the Super Bowl experience for fans in the greater Phoenix area.
1. Storybyte
Storybyte, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based startup, is your way to elegantly inspire, share, and relive great stories. It’s where you can share all of life’s little stories, instead of just one lifelong stream of information. Use pictures to chronologically tell your tales, both as they unfold and from the past. Every story comes to an end, but with Storybyte, they can endure.
For Super Bowl XLIX, this will give fans a new photo app to try out, and could make a huge splash. There will be thousands of people in Arizona this week, many will be out at parties, clubs, and restaurants; and this app will come in handy to share their experiences.
For those going to V.I.P events, they can capture pictures of their favorite sports star or celebrity. On the day of the big game, for those in attendance, the Storybyte app will tell your story of the Super Bowl. There are a number of different photo apps out there, but not many that have a beautiful modern look and give your photos a different feel. This will come in handy for people out there for the week; and they can have a special Super Bowl album that looks good and tells their story.
2. Tip.ly
Another Scottsdale-based startup is Tip.ly. This startup is looking to change the game of peer-to-peer payments. In fact, Tip.ly is the first peer-to-peer payment app that allows people to tip. It’s easy to see this app exploding this week, with everyone coming to town, and staying in hotels and motels, working with the service people.
No more going to the ATM, or having to carry around change, or even carrying too many debit or credit cards. You can pay service professionals or individuals with this app. Imagine arriving to your hotel this week and you’re fumbling around with your wallet, trying to find cash to tip the serviceman. Now, you don’t have to, the person you’re paying just has to have their phone and the process is smooth and simple. It is also secure as no personal information, phone numbers, e-mails, or credits are given out. Look for this app while you’re in the desert this week!
3. Total Transit
Based out of Glendale, Arizona is a startup by the name of Total Transit. For those fortunate enough to be in Arizona this week, you’re going to need transportation around town. There are of course rental cars, Uber, Lyft, taxis, and more. But Total Transit is a local startup that is a bit different, as they provide private transportation, public transportation, and transportation management services.
For customers who download the app and use it for the first time, they will receive 25 percent off their first ride. You can also have peace of mind in knowing the prices won’t go up during the week. Total Transit is having a “Surge Protection Guarantee”, which should last several months; and makes sure there is no spike in price. They also have a rideshare service that is up to 35 percent cheaper than a cab.
Total Transit can provide a good way to get to the big game in style and safely. There will be plenty of people out partying, and you need to remember to drive safe; and don’t drink and drive.
So, if you’re one of the few lucky fans who made the trip to Silicon Desert for Super Bowl XLIX, pull out your phone and take pictures with the Storybyte app, then use Total Transit to get back to the hotel safely. Then to cap off the night, when you’re in your hotel room and order room service, don’t forget to use the Tip.ly app to tip the serviceman.