This year’s SXSW conference has played host to a number of exciting innovations in the mobile technology sector. Mobile technology has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. With the advent of QR codes and other data matrix platforms, smart phones have become a vital part of everyday life. With the rate at which this technology is advancing, it should come as no surprise that nine guys on a bus were able to launch a startup in less than 48 hours.
WalkIN is a service that lets smart phone users save their place in lines at restaurants or on other wait lists by scanning a QR code at the door. Restaurants will be able to manage an electronic wait list through use of a simple iOS application, through which they can generate updates via text message to those on the list.
The startup was launched at SXSW as a QR only service. The founders realize that this may be too limiting and are currently looking for ways to expand the service.
The idea was formulated on the StartupBus, a literal bus that transports travelers from San Francisco, California, to Austin, Texas, to attend SXSW. To pass the time, riders work together to develop concepts for cutting edge business models and ways to put emerging technology to practical use.
WalkIN is only a week old now and has already gotten the support of a number of restaurants in New York. The team has been fielding investment offers since the debut of the service at the conference. They are hoping that by this time next year, the service will be a fundamental part of restaurant culture.
