Free-Time Machines to Show Smartphone Use
To mark the launch of the first 4G LTE Windows Phones at AT&T, including the Nokia Lumia 900, Microsoft has set up Free-Time Machines (FTMs) to show how smartphones help people complete everyday tasks. It was announced today, April 9.
Windows Phone created FTMs to work like ATMs, but rather than issuing cash to consumers, they will dispense “free time” in the form of free grocery delivery, cleaning and dog-walking services, access to onsite personal concierges, or new Windows Phones to select prize winners.
Meanwhile, Nokia joined hands with Nicki Minaj to celebrate the launch of its Windows Phone-based Nokia Lumia 900. (Read: Nokia Blends Tech with Glamor to Launch Lumia)
“For the first time, artful engineering and design is merging with AT&T’s 4G LTE network, resulting in a smartphone that can help people get everyday tasks done faster,” said Terry Myerson, corporate vice president, Windows Phone, Microsoft.
In places like New York’s Bryant Park, San Francisco’s Union Square and Chicago’s Pioneer Court, FTMs will be set up.
In New York, Kourtney Kardashian will free up one lucky winner’s time by providing access to her hair stylist, makeup artist, car service and a personal shopper from Kardashian’s clothing boutique, DASH.
In San Francisco, San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis will make a special appearance to give one time-pressed winner some extra help for the day.
And Chicago-based chef Stephanie Izard will serve up free time and tasty food to one Chicago FTM user.
In addition, FTMs will be staffed by Free-Time Engineers, on-call, on-site, time-saving concierges, who will take on winners’ time-intensive tasks, such as standing in line for burgers and shakes in Manhattan, delivering lunch to an office in Chicago or holding a place in line for a cable car in San Francisco.
On sale now exclusively at AT&T, the new Nokia Lumia 900, $99.99 (U.S.) comes with Windows Phone experience. It is available in cyan blue and a matte black, as well as in a high-gloss white version, which will go on sale April 22.
Photo courtesy: Microsoft
