iPad menu app whets thirst for fine liquor

In the initial stage, the hotel paid a start-up fee for the company to customise the tablets with its brand, signature and set up the menus to their specifications.

Going ahead they will pay a monthly software fee. Though the exact amount spent on the technology and facilities was not forthcoming, Mr Perera says the hotel has invested about $100,000 (Sh8.4 million) in the new bar, which also has high-end equipment to keep the liquor, especially champagne, fresh.

The next evolution for restaurants and hospitality is touch screen menus be they iPads or other gadgets that offer customers interactive experience and services.

These devices have been introduced in some high-class outlets in Europe, Australia and the US enabling clients to place their orders from touch screen devices, and even settle their bills using the gadgets.

Technology is changing how different industries do business. The iPad is becoming a tool for day-to-day business as organisations embrace technology to improve service delivery.

Just this week the Judiciary invested in tablets and smartphones for judges to boost efficiency and delivery of justice.

Twenty-eight judges at Milimani Law Courts received the iPad 3 and BlackBerry phones.

The tablets are Internet-enabled and have more than 100 apps, including the Kenya Law Reports, the Blacks Law Dictionary.

pmaina@ke.nationmedia.com