US Company Introduces App That May Replace Tickets

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. in advance / ɪn ædˈvæns / (idiom) – before a time or event in the future
    Example:

    He was able to get a seat because he made a reservation in advance.


  2. queue / kyu / (n) – a line of people
    Example:

    The queue was already long when we arrived.


  3. kick in / kɪk ɪn / (phrasal) – to become activated
    Example:

    The app is programmed to automatically kick in when the phone is turned on.


  4. inaudible / ɪnˈɔ də bəl / (adj) – cannot be heard
    Example:

    The sound of dog whistles are inaudible to humans.


  5. employ / ɛmˈplɔɪ / (v) – to use something
    Example:

    The company employed the latest technology in making its cars.


Article

Read the text below.

An American ticket sales company created a new app that can quickly identify event attendees using sounds.


Ticketmaster launched the app Presence, which is meant to replace traditional paper tickets with digital ones. It uses audio and other digital signals that can be detected by gadgets from a distance, such as the NFC and RFID. The app was built with technology provided by Lisnr /ˈlɪs ə nər/, a company that specializes in data transfer using audio.


Through Presence, the company hopes to deter people who sell fake tickets at events, and those who buy tickets in advance to sell them later on at higher prices. The app is also expected to speed up the admission process in events and therefore cut down queues of attendees.


The app kicks in once users open it on their smartphones and approach an event venue. Then, smartphones transmit the owners’ ticketing data through a special audio called Smart Tones™. These audio signals are inaudible to 90% of people. The data is then received by a scanner in the venue that confirms the users’ identities. Once the identities of the users are confirmed, their smartphones will light up green, which signals that they can be admitted to the event.


In addition to being used for digital tickets, the technology was also used by other companies for other purposes. For instance, London-based start-up Chirp employed the technology for easy data transfer between gadgets. Meanwhile, Google came up with an app called Nearby, which allows devices within 100 feet of each other to connect. The app allows users to send messages or files, play multiplayer games, or receive notifications.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• What do you think are some possible disadvantages of using audio tickets instead of paper tickets?
• Would you personally prefer using digital tickets instead of paper tickets? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• Do you think it is safe to transmit your personal information through an app? Why or why not?
• In what other situations would the technology above be helpful (i.e., for quick identification, data transfer, etc.)? Discuss.