Odeon Cinema implements ChargeBox lockers to support phoneless movie screening
Odeon is trialling phoneless movie screenings. Film goers often get frustrated with others in the cinema using/looking at their phones during a film. In a darkened cinema, the light from a single mobile device stands out like a sore thumb and is distracting for other moviegoers, who, let's face it, have paid good money to sit back, relax and enjoy the film.
Odeon says that 47% of Brits go to the cinema to relax but don't fully switch off when watching a film with 1 in 4 admitting they look at theirs phones during the show.
Odeon Cinema implements 60 ChargeBox lockers
The trial is taking place at Odeon's Greenwich cinema in December 2019 where the chain has installed 60 phone charging lockers provided by ChargeBox. Moviegoers get 30 minutes of free charging whilst their phones are locked away during the film.
See the full story featured on:
Unlocking the customer experience in the store of the future
The Coronavirus pandemic brought unprecedented pressures to the retail sector. When it was already struggling with crippling business rates, Brexit uncertainty, and price wars from online challengers, COVID arrived and closed down most traditional High Street retail sectors almost overnight.
In just 12 months, retailers, from major brands to small independents, have had to adapt their business models and look for new ways to attract consumers and improve the physical experience.
A Blagger’s guide to fast charge – 10 questions answered.
If you’ve upgraded your iPhone in the last 2-3 years from Apple or bought a high-end Samsung or Google phone then the chances are it has the latest USB Fast charging standard included in the hardware. But what is fast charging and why should you care?
What is Fast Charging?
The technical name is USB 3.1 Power Delivery. The people friendly term is “Fast Charge” and makes it possible to charge devices at up to 100W. It means that you can charge your phone 2-4 times faster now. You’d expect to get 50% charge in 30 minutes.
So, if I’m stuck at an airport and think I’ll run out of battery before I need to get my electronic boarding pass out, I could get 10% battery in about 5 minutes?
Yes! But then no, because public places have yet to cotton on to this.
Do I need any specific equipment for fast charge?
Fast charge requires 3 components – a compatible phone/tablet/laptop or other device, a charger that supports USB Fast charge, and a compatible cable. The cable will have USB-C at least on the charger end, and either USB-C or Apple Lightning on the device end. The latest iPhone 11 Pro comes with these components. For public charging solutions you will need a Fast charge system or a USB-C socket branded as Fast charge and using your own cable.
So, can devices with Micro-USB use Fast Charge?
No, only devices with USB-C or Apple devices since 2017 with Lightning can use Fast Charge.
Isn’t wireless charging quick and better?
Wireless requires your phone to be placed precisely to get the best performance. Fast charge is still 2-4 times faster than this method and is more reliable. Wireless is better than nothing, and fine for overnight charging, but not ideal for public charging.
Is Fast charge safe?
All modern devices control the power input to suit the devices battery characteristics. Manufacturer testing ensures the device takes the right amount of power at different battery charge levels to maximise the safe charge rate while maintaining long-term battery health. You will notice when phones go beyond 80-90% charge, they charge much more slowly as this is when the phone will deliberately slow down the charge rate.
Is fast charge just on phones?
Many tablets (including all newly available iPad models) support a higher level of fast charging. iPads may use up to 30W, which is 3 times faster than the old base charger in the box, or 1.5 times faster than the charger that ships with iPad Pro. Lots of laptops also support fast charging using USB-C cables too.
I don’t have one of the big brand handsets but I thought I had a fast charge already.
You might do if it’s a less well-known Chinese brands, but it’s more than likely not using the international standard set by the USB Implementers Forum. That means you will not benefit from public fast charging systems, and the proprietary nature of the technology means it might not hit all the safety standards.
So where could I charge my phone in a hurry when I’m out and about?
Look for USB-C plug points and charging stations with fast charge installed. Public spaces like shopping centres and airports have special charging stations but few have adopted this technology. They will need to start investing in it soon because there will be demand from the public. If you find the charging facilities don’t cater for it then ask for it. In the meantime, all ChargeBox public charging solutions provide optimised USB charging at up to 10W per cable which will typically exceed most other public charging solutions.
All ChargeBox Solutions have the option to include Fast Charge for your visitors.
ChargeBox launches new national outdoor media concept to capitalise on the 768m annual shopping visits made to the UK’s largest shopping centres
ChargeBox, the out-of-home mobile device charging specialist, has today launched a new concept in sponsored outdoor advertising for brands that want to reach the millions of people visiting the UK’s largest and busiest shopping centres.
The launch comes as the company announces that ChargeBox has charged over 37 million devices world-wide, keeping people connected at major retail outlets, transport hubs, sporting events, festivals, exhibitions and more.
As part of a one-year sponsorship deal, companies will be able to exclusively wrap 126 ‘lock and leave’ ChargeBox mobile device charging stations in 41 of the UK’s largest and busiest shopping centres with their brand, product or service.
The free-to-use ChargeBox stations at the selected shopping centres have already delivered more than 11 million charges. With an average charge lasting 21 minutes, ChargeBox has added at least an extra 3.85 million hours of customer dwell time across the centres.
The stations are permanently located at centres owned by Westfield, British Land, CBRE, Hammerson, Intu and Land Securities and offer a perfect way to blend advertising and sponsorship in a way not seen before. ChargeBox units can be wrapped to a brand’s exact requirements and customised so that shoppers see tailor-made messaging on the vinyl wraps. The wraps can be changed as necessary, so they are seasonal or tie in with other major promotions or product launches the brand is running.
The digital screens on the units can also be used to promote offers and display promotions or QR codes and can be updated as often as the brand likes, with the option to capture information with simple research questions.
This unique concept gives brands an opportunity to combine the benefits of digital outdoor media with a way to deliver experiential marketing in a very unique way, explains Justin Stark, Director, at ChargeBox: “Studies at Intu Lakeside* show that 76% of shoppers admit that they feel anxious if they can’t use their phone and that for 61% of them the option to have access to a ‘lock and leave’ ChargeBox influences their decision to visit the centre.
“What’s more for 94% of Intu shoppers, using the charging service enhances their shopping experience. 56% will spend more time and money at the centre as a result of using the ChargeBox stations, over a third buy more, and almost a fifth will spend time eating and drinking in the shopping centre.”
“Now brands can exclusively associate themselves with an established well-loved service, and be recognised as the brand that is delivering the ‘feel-good’ feeling that comes from our free charging service. It makes their brand engaging and useful to shoppers in a way that other advertising and sponsorship deals can’t. Plus, they can further leverage their investment by running promotions on the ChargeBox screens that are relevant to the types of shoppers visiting the centre throughout the day or week.”
Justin adds that the opportunity with ChargeBox could grow further across their other other sectors, which include transport, healthcare and education: “It’s a unique opportunity for a brand to effectively own public charging in the UK.”
Take a look at our dedicated retail sponsorship offer.
Apple is raising security levels with iOS 12
iPhone users with iOS12 or later may see messages prompting them to unlock their phones when plugging into ChargeBox charging stations.
Since the San Bernardino shooting in 2015, and the ensuing legal battle with Apple, there is a constant tug-of-war between the California tech giant and governments around the world about encryption and security.
The Governments try to compel Apple to create special software or loopholes that would allow them to access data on a locked iPhone in cases where they see it for the greater good of the public. Apple, on the other hand, is adamant not to compromise on its customer’s privacy.
In the meantime, there are third party suppliers of hacking devices that allow law enforcement to circumvent iOS encryptions and access things like lists of phone calls, emails or contacts.
The exact inner workings of such hacking devices are not publicly known, but Apple tries to curb their use nevertheless with changes in their security protocol.
When a phone is plugged into any form of USB device with a potential data connection, you will receive the following message: “Unlock iPhone to use accessories”. Before the phone is unlocked, no data transfer whatsoever is allowed. From an individual’s privacy perspective, this is a great move, and here at ChargeBox, we certainly applaud this development.
However, this brings a new set of issues for customers of our public charging stations. ChargeBox very much values every user’s privacy. We are fully compliant with the new GDPR guidelines and would never attempt to take personal data of any phone plugged into one of our stations. However, to ensure the best USB optimized charging experience, there is some standardized data transfer between devices and our charging hubs, negotiating charging capabilities and speeds. You can see more on our privacy policy page which is here.
This means, anyone using our charging stations that has iOS 12 or newer installed, will be prompted with a message that could wrongfully raise privacy and/or security concerns. You will receive a charge irrespective of whether you unlock or not, but it will help us to serve you better, especially in the rare event of any challenges you have such as losing your key.
Rest assured, we have only ever cared about optimally charging your phone, and always will!
How smart technology is key to improving the passenger experience within airports
Worldwide airports are always looking at ways to improve the passenger experience, and it is clear that introducing smart technology is a way of achieving this. Travellers are becoming increasingly reliant on their devices to guide them through their journey. They are not only using their devices to pass the time but also for mobile ticket, live travel updates, mobile payments and mobility platforms such as Uber.
In a recent article by the Financial Times "Airports fight back against online turbulence", it reported that Singapore's Changi's Terminal 4 building is embracing smart technology to improve passenger experience but also help drive revenues.
Over the past 5 years, ChargeBox have been working with one of the world's busiest airports, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, to provide free mobile device charging to their passengers. With 49 stations installed and over 2.5 million charges delivered since installation, Paris Aéroport is heavily invested in improvising the passenger experience.
"Our customers appreciate the simplicity of using ChargeBox, thanks to the presence of the smart lock and the instructions which are universally intuitive." - Marketing & Services Manager, Paris Aéroport.
Research has shown that having a low battery increases anxiety levels, leaving travellers feeling dissatisfied. Edward Arkwright, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Groupe Aéroports de Paris stated that "The worse situation for retail is a worse passenger experience...if we improve customer experience, we will improve all economic models."
In the ChargeBox Return on Investment Study, it was shown that people who used ChargeBox spend on average £35 more than those who didn't and 92% of users felt positively/very positively towards the brand.
Providing charging services alongside smart technology is vital to alleviating the stress that comes with travelling, it enhances the overall customer experience and powers the travellers engagement.
Who said the high street is dead?
High street stores have always faced certain challenges, but the current retail climate has seen some of the best known brands disappear from the high street altogether. In this changing marketplace it is the innovative and forward thinking retailers that are continuing to thrive in these difficult times.
In today's digital world consumers are visiting stores less, and shopping online more. So what can the high street do to entice customers back through their doors? While there isn't just one solution, we at ChargeBox believe that providing a positive customer experience is key for retailers to differentiate themselves from their competition.
The Digital High Street 2020 Report released in 2015, states that "because consumers have compelling digital options, physical stores are making their locations interactive and engaging in order to attract footfall and justify costs of stores operations."
As the market leaders in public device charging, we've always known how impactful providing a charging service can be for retailers. We recently commissioned an independent study in conjunction with a major British department store to measure this impact on customer behaviour.
The findings not only demonstrated that shoppers who used a ChargeBox stayed nearly half an hour longer but also saw the average spend of a user increase by £35. Offering charging services clearly enhances the customer experience, but also provides a measurable ROI for the retailer.
Smart retailers are realising that it's no longer just about the products they offer, but more importantly it's about the entire shopping experience. These additional services are the key to retaining their loyal customers, and gaining new ones.
"At Fenwick we are focused on providing outstanding customer experience and a great in-store experience. Providing free charging via our ChargeBoxes is one way we deliver this."
Whilst figures indicate a decline in the retail sector, having a physical store presence is still vital for large retail brands and it's clear that retailers must adapt and evolve in order to thrive. Providing a positive in-store customer experience in this fast moving digital age will drive footfall, brand loyalty and ensure the survival of the high street.
Improving the passenger experience with ChargeBox
Technology is becoming a necessary part of our transport experiences. The smart phone allows passengers to check train times, purchase and store tickets and continue to engage on social media.
Providing a mobile phone charging infrastructure is a necessity when expecting customers to use their devices for the above. We know that just providing power sockets is no longer enough.
"We have worked with ChargeBox for a number of years now and have always been impressed by their service and support. The products are very popular with our customers and look great in our environment. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to other businesses."
Edinburgh Bus Station
Over the years, ChargeBox have worked with multiple clients within the travel sector but back in August last year we installed 4 of our Charging Tables to a major British Train Station. Since installation the charging solutions have provided over 235,000 charges to their passengers.
With travel hubs continuing to find new ways to innovate and enhance the passenger experience, it is becoming more apparent than ever that offering free charging will improve the overall passenger experience within the station.
How can ChargeBox improve your in-store customer experience?
The in-store customer experience is vital to sustaining a strong presence on the high street and retailers are always looking at ways to improve this.
As online sales continue to grow, attracting visitors back to the high street stores is a constant priority for the retail sector and having charging solutions is a way of changing their behaviours.
In John Lewis' 2017 retail report, they talk about "shopping journeys [being] a mix [of] online and physical experiences" and how "customer service remains the glue that holds the entire experience together."
ChargeBox has 12 years experience in offering public charging and we understand the importance of providing a charging service to consumers in todays digitally driven world.
Over the years we've built some fantastic relationships with leading retailers such as John Lewis, TKMaxx and H&M. Year on year they continue to see the benefit of having an in-store charging service.
"At John Lewis we've always been passionate about providing our customers with the very best service, and offering free charging in our shops is one of our ways of enhancing customer experience."
Receiving positive feedback from our clients is always great, but we wanted to prove that what was being said was true.
Back in August 2017, ChargeBox commissioned an independent study to measure the benefits gained from free charging. The results were outstanding!
We found that having charging services not only increased dwell time, but also had a positive impact on basket size, spend, footfall and customer satisfaction.
"At Fenwick we are focused on providing outstanding customer service and a great in-store shopping experience...A charged battery enables them to stay connected with loved ones and allows them to enjoy an omni-channel shopping experience."
ChargeBox are aware that each retailer have their own objectives and bespoke in-store aesthetics, so we have designed a range of solutions, both lockable and open, that fit any requirement or environment.
With our wealth of knowledge and expertise, ChargeBox make sure that we can provide a solution to match whatever brief is provided by our clients, with customer experience being at the forefront of our minds.
ChargeBox Return on Investment study (August 2017) – Ink Research Limited
ChargeBox commissioned an independent study in conjunction with a leading British department store to measure the benefits gained from free charging.
What effect does free charging in a retail environment have on customer behaviour?
- Does it make customers dwell longer?
- Do they spend more?
- Does it increase footfall?
- Does it improve the customer experience?
- Does it positively impact customer satisfaction?
These are the many questions that we have been asked by retailers since we launched our first free charging stations in Westfield Stratford back in 2012. Of course, at ChargeBox, we have always believed that the answer is Yes to all of these questions. However, we were finding that more often than not providing amazing usage statistics alone were not enough to convince clients that the tangible and intangible benefits of offering a free charging service outweighed the associated costs. After all, how do you put a value on customer experience?
Ink Research Limited spent 3 days in-store and during this time they interviewed 214 shoppers of which 81 were ChargeBox users and 133 were non-users. Not only did the results confirm our beliefs, but they exceeded our expectations.
For a copy of the highlights of the ROI Report click here or for a full copy of the Ink Research report contact a member of the Sales Team on the below information.
+44 (0)20 3588 1060
Introducing the world’s first fast-charge public charging solutions (September 2017)
ChargeBox are pleased to announce that all of our family of products are now available to order with fast-charging support.
What does this mean? With the introduction of the USB 3.1 Power Delivery specification to our technology, our open solutions can deliver 25-30% charge in the space of 10-15 minutes, whilst our locker solutions can deliver 50-70% charge in around 30 minutes to those devices that support fast-charging. Apple's latest devices, including iPhone 8, iPhone X (as well as newer iPads) and many other Android devices are capable of receiving fast-charge based on agreed industry standards.
We believe the launch of fast-charging will significantly change the landscape for public charging solutions, and once again ChargeBox are at the forefront of public charging technology, giving our users and clients the very best charging experience.
To read the full press release, click here