Country 2.0 on the TouchTunes jukeboxes

The music team at TouchTunes UK are constantly striving to provide the best music selection for jukebox users. This means that the biggest tracks around are programmed weekly and also that current music trends are prominently highlighted on the jukeboxes, ensuring customers are browsing and playing what is on offer.

Reflecting the hottest music trend around, recently added to the front end of TouchTunes jukeboxes, is the ‘Country 2.0’ playlist. The tracks reflect the hugely popular new wave of Country music that is taking the music world by storm. A whole new generation of artists have reinvigorated the genre, modernising the sound to appeal to music fans who may not have traditionally been drawn to songs about truck stops, lost love and late nights in bar rooms.

Country 2.0 features the likes of the hugely popular Chris Stapleton with ‘Tennessee Whiskey’, one of the most popular tracks on the jukeboxes. Also featured are artists who are not traditionally seen as Country but are putting their spurs on to join the trend, like Beyonce with ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’. Rising stars such as Shaboozey and Dasha also sit alongside firm favourites like Luke Combs.

The genre shows no sign of losing momentum and with the likes of Lana Del Rey planning a Country album release this year, Country 2.0 will have a saddle load of new tracks to add, keeping customers coming back for more.

TEMPO – Keeping TouchTunes Jukes Running Smoothly from Anywhere

TouchTunes is introducing a number of improvements to its popular TEMPO remote management tool for its jukeboxes.

“TEMPO is a massively important tool for operators as it enables them to efficiently run their TouchTunes jukebox estate. This can be done remotely, on their phone, tablet or PC/laptop, thus cutting down on service calls, fuel and time. It is just another way in which we are trying to improve the return on investment with our service,” says Carl Adams TouchTunes Technical and Customer Services Manager.

TEMPO already allows operators to manage their music remotely, giving them access to profile music on individual sites to accommodate an appropriate audience. It also lets them schedule the times for background music and change the time delays. Importantly, it can allow operators to filter and remove tracks – this can be necessary at short notice.

Other advantages of TEMPO include the capability to remotely change the price of play. TEMPO also gives operators an overview of the revenue on site locations allowing for a breakdown by income sources such as cash, card, or app transactions. Additionally, it provides real-time information on the last collection, allowing operators to reset books with each collection occurrence. A popular feature of TEMPO is the summary of paid plays, free plays and background music. Operators can literally see the whole of their TouchTunes jukebox estate via TEMPO, allowing them to compare and optimise performance.

Finally, TEMPO is invaluable to operators by issuing timely alerts for various potential issues. For instance, it can provide notifications for concerns such as coin acceptor blockages. It will also advise if there is a hard drive fault or if the temperature of the unit is too high. Operators will be advised if the door is opened – which is a valuable tool against fraud. Finally, TEMPO will also issue additional support and contact information for billing and technical support to save time and money.

“We have put a lot of work into the functionality of TEMPO to ensure that it is as useful as possible to operators and we have taken on board many customer requests to ensure that as many tasks as possible can be carried out remotely,” adds Carl. “However, we do realise that operators are very busy and may not realise the true extent of what they can manage via TEMPO so we welcome any opportunity to offer training either remotely or at our customers’ locations to highlight the benefits and show how easily they can manage their estate and set up their jukeboxes using TEMPO. In addition, we have some new developments and features coming soon which will further benefit operators which we are happy to explain.”

TouchTunes explain the surge in App-Based Payments

TouchTunes explain the surge in App-Based Payments as the TouchTunes APP sees transformational growth over the last 12 months. With the introduction of Apple and Google Pay to the TouchTunes App payment platform revenues during the back end of 2023 and into 2024 are unparalleled.

A 24-Month Analysis in the UK

Over the past two years, the United Kingdom has witnessed a significant surge in the adoption of app-based payments. As consumers increasingly embrace digital alternatives to traditional payment methods, such as cash and cards, understanding the factors driving this trend and its implications for retail leisure businesses and consumers is essential.

This article aims to help analyse the rise of app-based payments in the UK over the last 24 months, exploring key drivers, trends, and future projections.

1. Growth of App-Based Payments

The use of mobile payment apps has experienced exponential growth in the UK, fuelled by several factors:

  1. Convenience: Mobile payment apps offer unparalleled convenience, allowing users to make transactions anytime, anywhere, using their smartphones.
  2. Contactless Technology: The widespread adoption of contactless payment technology has paved the way for seamless mobile payments, eliminating the need for physical cards or cash.
  3. Pandemic Acceleration: The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the adoption of app-based payments, as consumers sought safer and more hygienic payment methods to minimize physical contact.
  4. Innovation and Competition: The proliferation of mobile payment apps from various providers, including banks, fintech companies, and tech giants, has intensified competition and spurred innovation in the sector.

2. Key Players and Platforms

Several key players dominate the app-based payments landscape in the UK:

  1. Apple Pay: Apple’s mobile payment platform, Apple Pay, has gained widespread acceptance among iPhone users and merchants, offering a seamless and secure payment experience.
  2. Google Pay: Google’s payment platform, Google Pay, provides Android users with a convenient way to make contactless payments using their smartphones.
  3. Fintech Apps: Fintech companies such as Revolut, Monzo, and Starling Bank offer mobile banking apps with integrated payment functionalities, appealing to the rising number of tech-savvy consumers seeking digital-first banking solutions.
  4. Retailer Apps: Major retailers and brands, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Tesco, have developed their own mobile payment apps, allowing customers to make purchases and earn rewards directly from their smartphones. This is an area that TouchTunes have now developed to help grow their customers revenues through the use of this technology.

3. Consumer Adoption and Behaviour

Consumer and retail customer adoption of app-based payments in the UK has surged, which is driven by several factors:

  1. Demographic Shift: Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, are leading the charge in adopting app-based payment solutions, drawn to the convenience and tech-savvy features offered by mobile apps.
  2. Security and Trust: Despite initial concerns about security, consumers have grown increasingly confident in the safety and reliability of app-based payment platforms, thanks to robust encryption and authentication measures.
  3. Multifunctionality: The integration of additional features, such as loyalty programs, rewards, and budgeting tools, into mobile payment apps has enhanced their appeal to consumers, offering added value beyond basic payment functionality.

4. The Future Outlook and Implications

Looking ahead, the rise of app-based payments is expected to continue driven by ongoing technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and regulatory developments:

  1. Continued Innovation: Mobile payment providers will continue to innovate and expand their offerings, introducing new features and services to enhance the user experience and differentiate their platforms.
  2. Regulatory Landscape: Regulatory developments, such as Open Banking initiatives and PSD2 regulations, will shape the competitive landscape and foster greater interoperability and collaboration within the payment’s ecosystem.
  3. Consumer Education: As app-based payments become increasingly prevalent, efforts to educate consumers about their benefits, security features, and usage best practices will be essential to ensure widespread adoption and acceptance.

Conclusion

The rise of app-based payments in the UK over the last 24 months represents a transformative shift in the way consumers transact and interact with financial services. As mobile payment apps continue to gain momentum, businesses and financial institutions must adapt to meet evolving consumer expectations and seize opportunities for innovation and growth in the digital payments landscape. By embracing technological advancements, fostering trust and security, and prioritizing customer-centricity, stakeholders can harness the full potential of app-based payments to drive financial inclusion, convenience, and prosperity for all.

If your business would like to explore using the TouchTunes APP as a payment means for your customers, then get in touch we are keen to grow this part of our business work ing with our customers to grow their businesses.

Enquire now with this link.

TouchTunes explain why a music round in a PUB QUIZ is so important

In the lively atmosphere of a social club or Pub where laughter, camaraderie, and competition intertwine, pub quizzes stand as a cherished tradition. The quintessential component of these quizzes is the music round, where melodies and rhythms fill the air, sparking the excitement and nostalgia among participants as they know the tune but do they know the artist.

This article delves into the significance of incorporating a music round in pub quizzes, exploring its 4 multifaceted benefits beyond mere entertainment.

1. Engagement and Participation:
A music round amplifies engagement levels among the participants. Music possesses a universal appeal, transcending age, background, and culture. Its inherent emotive power captivates individuals, drawing them into the quiz with enthusiasm. Unlike traditional question formats, the music round offers a dynamic experience, stimulating both auditory and cognitive faculties. This heightened engagement fosters a sense of involvement, encouraging active participation and fostering a vibrant quiz atmosphere.

 

2. Cultural and Generational Connection:
Music serves as a time capsule, preserving moments, emotions, and societal trends within its melodies. By featuring a diverse array of musical genres and eras in the quiz, the music round cultivates a connection between generations and cultures. Participants, regardless of their age or musical preferences, find common ground in sharing memories associated with songs. It helps to bond the team together, whether it’s a timeless classic or a contemporary hit, each musical selection acts as a bridge, facilitating intergenerational dialogue and mutual understanding. In this way, the music round transcends the boundaries of trivia, enriching the pub quiz experience with cultural significance.

 

3. Memory Stimulation and Bonding
As melodies play, individuals are tasked with recalling song titles, artists, or even specific lyrics from memory. This mental exercise not only sharpens cognitive faculties but also enhances memory retention through associative learning. The diversity of musical styles encountered in the round promotes cultural literacy and broadens participants’ musical horizons. By engaging in this mental workout, individuals derive cognitive benefits while expanding their repertoire of musical knowledge.
The music round, with its nostalgic melodies and shared musical experiences, serves as a catalyst for social bonding. As participants sing along to familiar tunes or engage in friendly banter over song interpretations, barriers dissolve, and connections deepen. Furthermore, collaborative efforts in deciphering song titles or artists foster teamwork and mutual support among participants. Through the music round, pub quizzes transcend their role as mere recreational activities, evolving into platforms for building meaningful social connections.

 

4. Entertainment and Atmosphere:
Last but not least, the music round contributes to the overall entertainment value and ambiance of the pub quiz. The lively energy generated by upbeat tunes or the introspective mood evoked by soulful ballads enhances the atmosphere, creating a memorable experience for participants. Music injects an element of spontaneity and excitement into the quiz, keeping participants eagerly anticipating each song selection. Whether it’s a moment of collective celebration after correctly identifying a beloved anthem or a shared chuckle at the familiarity of a catchy jingle, the music round elevates the quiz from a mere intellectual exercise to a truly enjoyable social event.

 

The music round is an indispensable component of pub quizzes, enriching the experience in myriad ways. From fostering engagement on many levels, its importance extends far beyond entertainment. As melodies resonate through the pub, they weave a tapestry of memories, emotions, and shared experiences, uniting participants in a harmonious celebration of music and camaraderie. The inclusion of a music round not only enhances the allure of pub quizzes but also reinforces their role as vibrant hubs of social interaction and intellectual stimulation.

 

The TOP 10 Music Quiz Questions in the UK are:

  1. Which British rock band released the iconic album “The Dark Side of the Moon” in 1973? – Answer: Pink Floyd
  2. Who is the lead vocalist of the British band Arctic Monkeys? – Answer: Alex Turner
  3. Which British singer-songwriter released the album “21” in 2011, featuring hits like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You”? – Answer: Adele
  4. What is the name of the British singer who gained fame after winning the second season of The X Factor in 2005? – Answer: Leona Lewis
  5. In what year did The Beatles release their debut studio album “Please Please Me”? – Answer: 1963
  6. What is the title of the official UK Singles Chart number one hit by Band Aid released in 1984? – Answer: “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
  7. Who composed the famous symphony known as “Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125,” commonly referred to as the “Ode to Joy”? – Answer: Ludwig van Beethoven
  8. Which British singer-songwriter released the hit album “Back to Black” in 2006? – Answer: Amy Winehouse
  9. What is the name of the original lead singer of the British band Queen? – Answer: Freddie Mercury
  10. Which British band released the album “Sargent. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in 1967? – Answer: The Beatles

 

These questions cover a range of genres and eras, offering a well-rounded challenge for participants in a UK music quiz. Feel free to adjust the difficulty level or topics based on the audience’s interests and knowledge level.