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Giant Touchscreens Coming To NYC Phone Booths

Posted by Soulskill on from the clark-kent-can-play-angry-birds-while-he-changes dept.

An anonymous reader writes "New York City is planning an upgrade to its aging pay-phone infrastructure. A pilot program will next month install 32-inch touchscreens in 250 phone booths throughout the city. The screens will display "local neighborhood information, including lists of nearby restaurants, store sales in the area, traffic updates, landmark information and safety alerts — in multiple languages.' They will facilitate the 311 service, and also allow people to file complaints or request city information. The good news is that these screens won't cost the taxpayers anything. The bad news is that they will be supported by advertising. The plan is to eventually support Skype calls and email, and to integrate Wi-Fi hotspots."

5 of 124 comments (clear)

  1. Stealing and breaking? by CoderExpert · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Considering the high cost of 32" touch screens, and their almost non-existing serviceability (once you break it, it's gone), is this really such a good idea? It will probably just lead to stealing and breaking, especially during night time. The pay phones itself aren't that expensive, and consists of several parts that you can fix (and they are bulky). These touch screens are.

    Besides, even if "tax payers don't need to pay for them and they will be supported by advertising", they will have to eat the costs initially. Advertising will just recoup the cost in the long run, IF it's successful project.

    1. Re:Stealing and breaking? by pankkake · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Even with normal use I doubt they will last long. Or stay clean.

      --
      Kill all hipsters.
  2. Re:why do you even have phone booths? by CharlyFoxtrot · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Obviously since they will use the touchscreen to display information they are trying to morph them into "information kiosks" which also provide a public payphone. Doesn't sound like an awful idea, especially in a city that attracts as many tourists as N.Y.

    --
    If all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error.
  3. Cool by roc97007 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I expect the next Hipster fad to be a genuine touch screen stolen from a NYC phone booth.

    --
    Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
  4. Another "I'm entitled" kiddie by kiwimate · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The good news is that these screens won't cost the taxpayers anything. The bad news is that they will be supported by advertising.

    So how else would you suggest they be paid for? Fairy dust and happy thoughts? Tell me just why this is bad news...