Get real-life notifications

FOR most people, looking for a suitable house to buy or rent is usually a daunting task. Even finding a good restaurant to dine out or a lounge to relax after a long day has shown to be a mission.

Considering the dull processes individuals have to encounter, 28-year old Wilson Sezuni created T3kno live, a free app aimed at assisting users to locate restaurants, boutiques, sports bars and houses to buy.

Sezuni, who has an honours degree in business information systems from the International University of Management, said the app idea came to mind in October 2017, and he created it during May 2018.

Speaking to , the budding entrepreneur explained that the mobile application has real-time notifications which will serve as a directory, updating society of specials, as well as new products or services established.

“Another reason behind the app was for those times when one would like to eat out, but at the same time need a place which caters for children. Frustration hits when you arrive at a specific establishment, only to find that it does not offer a good environment for them, thus resulting in looking for another destination while time is passing by. So, knowing where to go and what to expect is a key factor on the app,” he said.

The app not only helps its users locate a certain spot, but users may also be able to read through the menu of specific restaurants, with pictures of what to expect when the meal is served. After choosing a meal, users can make a reservation on the app, and be served upon arrival.

“This can be for both locals and tourists, as one would like to find out where best to eat out, and which place is nearest to them. This is because asking strangers is very risky as they may end up following you, with a high chance of robbing you. However, with the app, you simply log in, see available places, see what they have while in your comfort zone, and even make reservations without the need to drive around town. Users will be able to find the app helpful and safe,” Sezuni enthused.

He added that users will know exactly what places they are going to, and where exactly such are located, what the restaurant menus look like, and the exact prices.

“This will allow you to plan already from home while you are in your comfort zone. It applies to boutiques, sports lounges and houses to look out for in the market,” he reiterated.

As further motivation for creating T3kno live, he stressed that most people today spend a good amount of time accessing mobile apps on internet-connected devices, with studies showing that mobile users spend 90% of their time in apps, as opposed to browsing the mobile web.

“I’ve always believed that technology can play a strong role in helping everyone improve himself or herself. We are all about being notified. Thus, the way you receive your WhatsApp messages would be the same way you will receive notifications on any changes made on T3kno live. This includes certain specials offered at a restaurant; houses on the market; clearance sales in our local boutiques; or special events taking place at sports lounges.”

Sezuni said amongst the challenges he faced when creating the app were things such as obtaining good quality food images from the menu. “At the beginning, everything was a challenge, and we improvised, we tried a lot. Initially, one of the biggest issues was getting the attention of big brands and marketing managers. We did not have a track record or a product yet, but we had the courage to dare, and to try every route.”

He added that those who have children would now be able to easily see if the merchant has a children’s section accommodating them by noticing from the preview of images and detailed info.

“Seeing all the images and prices of the products or services on the app will give customers confidence to walk into the store and start spending, while all the planning was made in the comfort of their homes.

“Log onto the app, and see new notifications on the homepage. Other than that, you may continue scouting through the app to find where to eat out, what type of house to look out for, where to buy the best products at the best prices, or see where to find a lounge area with good crowds and great atmosphere,” he continued.

Users can download the app on Play Store, and create an account.

Fenni Kantalelo, who uses the app said: “With using the app, it actually made me realise there is an existence of biltong salad that I didn’t know could be created. Even better, I can see how it looks on the app without trying to imagine how it could have looked by reading on the menu at the restaurant itself. And this is eight minutes away from my work. The location finder on the app is accurate.”

Peter Kayse, who loves the night life, chipped in: “Getting updates on the app of special disk jockeys performing at nice lounges like the Corner Pub and Grill is awesome for me. I now even know there is great music and a vibe to expect this Sunday, and better yet, I can get the exact location of the place. The app is really a time-saver.”