We just published a new version of the Android app (5.5.2) to the market which will fix the problem some were having with custom logos appearing online but not on the phone.
I also wanted to take a moment to call out 2 new enhancements to the app which people have been asking for.
Special Characters some gyms use special characters in the barcode itself, particularly the # sign. Also sometimes cards will have * or ; embedded in the barcode. You can now scan these cards in and the app will display a barcode which matches the card.
Unique Cards cards no longer have to be unique by barcode. If you want to use the same number for multilple programs that is now possible
Thanks all for your continued support and keep the feedback coming.
UPDATE 3/23/2012 4pm CST The widget bug went a little deeper than we thought. If you use the widget please update to the latest market release which is 5.5.1. Thank you for your patience!
Last night we released version 5.5 of our Android app in the Android Market, errrr Google Play Apps.
If you have the widget installed and are using a previous version there’s good news and bad news. Good news is that we fixed the widget so that the cards are sorted alphabetically. Bad news is that when you update the app the widget becomes invalid and you get a force close message.
The fix is simple, remove and re-add the widget to your home screen & it will work again. Also, the app only crashes upon completion of the update. The app itself will open and operate normally.
Sorry about this. We’re looking for a way to gracefully handle the widget code update, but in the mean time we wanted to get this out there.
Sheetz is refueling their MySheetz card with some high octane innovation. In an ongoing commitment to providing convenience to customers, Sheetz is making offers easier to access and redeem. Now MySheetz card holders using Key Ring will receive exclusive digital coupons that can be redeemed with the use of their card at over 400 Sheetz locations.
Key Ring is working with Sheetz to send targeted offers and coupons to thousands of MySheetz cardholders. The Key Ring Business Platform gives them the option to do so on a one-to-one basis or via mass distribution. In a simple process, Key Ring provides a tool for Sheetz to market directly to their customers on both an on-going and ad hoc basis. Mobile marketing and loyalty card associated coupons merge the convenience customers expect from Sheetz with the flexibility the Sheetz team needs to effectively engage with their on-the-go customers.
Fresh from the oven, CiCi’s Pizza has unveiled the Mobile Pizza Perks program for 85 locations in select markets. The quick service pizza chain best known for its buffet of fresh salads, made from scratch pizzas and delicious deserts has partnered with Key Ring to bring a new option to its Pizza Perks members. Customers can enroll into the Mobile Pizza Perks club to get the latest and greatest CiCi’s perks and receive VIP insights straight to their phones.
Key Ring users in the following markets can become Mobile Pizza Perks members today:
•Houston, TX
•Chicago, IL
•Denver, CO
•Colorado Springs, CO
•San Diego, CA
•Select markets in Indiana and Ohio
If you want to understand the true value that a product and service offers, simply ask their customer. ABC News interviewed a Key Ring user at a grocery store and she shared her experience with using our app/platform.
Key Ring is in a unique position in that we have two customers – consumers and retailers. Our goal has always been to connect the two together in way that makes sense for both parties. In my opinion this video does a great job showcasing a real world example of how Key Ring is being used to connect retailers and consumers together in a meaningful way. Like most press we receive, we had no idea this was coming out, but I wanted to share this as testament of value Key Ring is bringing to the marketplace. Hopefully you enjoyed it and are as excited about the future of mobile commerce as we are!
Something in the app which we felt needed an upgrade was the “Store Locator” which is used to show all of a programs store locations on a map. We’ve been working on this and we’re happy to announce some good progress. iPhone and Android versions of the app now have native maps, directions, and store dialer for the following programs (no app update required)
CVS ExtraCare
Best Buy
Rite-Aid
Petco
Staples
PetSmart
Dick’s Sporting Goods
On the Border
la Madeleine
Food Lion
Stop&Shop
Michaels
Express
Firestone
Yankee Candle
Sports Authority
Here are a couple of shots of the improved interface
Note that we’ll be continuing to add more stores over time as the data becomes available to us.
Just wanted to say thanks to the folks at Parade magazine for recommending Key Ring in last weekends edition! Welcome new users, we’re happy to have ya!
If you’ve never been to Gold’s Gym, now’s your chance to check it out for free! In select markets you can enroll in the Gold’s Gym program and you’ll instantly receive a free 7-day pass. You can enroll via the Key Ring app or online here. Now’s the time to burn those extra calories before heading into the holidays!
We’re happy to announce that you can now enroll in the Wireless Zone loyalty program through the Key Ring app or online here. Wireless Zone operates more than 450 locations across the U.S. and specializes in cellular/wireless phones, GPS navigation, wireless accessories, Verizon FIOS High Speed Fiber Optic Network, Wireless Data Devices and pre-paid cellular services.
Once enrolled you’ll instantly receive an offer for 25% off ANY cell phone case. Enjoy
Do you like scalability challenges, working with large data sets, and automating web infrastructure? Join us!
Key Ring is a fast-growing, Dallas, TX based startup revolutionizing traditional loyalty and marketing programs through mobile technology. We help millions of users save time and money through our smartphone app, and we help hundreds of companies attract loyal customers, analyze customer data, and simplify their shopping experience through our business software. We are funded by a top-tier VC firm and are looking for long-term co-workers with a passion for playing with the latest technologies.
At Key Ring, you’ll completely own our server infrastructure as well as our automation and on-demand scaling systems. We’re looking for self-driven, highly technical experts in the Dev Ops field who have worked with Amazon Web Services in a fast-paced production environment. If this sounds like you, let’s talk!
Requirements:
Extensive production experience with Amazon Web Services
Understands and implements automation, queueing, and on-demand infrastructure with AWS
Heavily focused on monitoring and uptime
Has working knowledge of a traditional web stack and good scripting abilities (bonus for Ruby/Rails or Python)
Familiar with MySQL or other SQL databases (PostgreSQL, etc)
You’ll be joining a small, close-knit group of like-minded developers and entrepreneurs. Salary and compensation will be competitive, including meaningful ownership stake.
Send us your resume and any of your projects we can reference here.
