Sonic Drive In Mobile Pay App Revisited

I used the Sonic Drive In Mobile Pay app to pay for my breakfast this morning, after using it last almost a year ago.  I noticed some new touch screen displays for ordering and I thought it would be nice to record a video of them and ordering using the application.

Sonic Mobile Pay Balance
Sonic Mobile Pay Balance

I had some funds left as a balance on the app from my prior uses, and it was more than enough for a breakfast burrito.  I like the Super Sonic Breakfast Burrito, and I love tater tots.

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Sonic Mobile Pay Order
Sonic Mobile Pay Order

It worked great and I’m going to use the Reload function in the app before I make my next visit to Sonic for tater tots or a burger.

Sonic Mobile Pay Reload
Sonic Mobile Pay Reload

You can read the post I made the first time I tried using the Sonic Drive In Mobile Pay app here, and then the second time I used it is described in this blog post.  I recommend this app for those who frequently visit a Sonic location that supports Mobile Pay.  I think the new style displays will work better than the old ones with keypads that were exposed to the elements.

 

Using your phone to get free pizza

Dominos Rewards
Dominos Rewards

There are two steps in using your phone to get free pizza.

Step 1 is to join the customer loyalty program, or rewards program offered by the business which is selling the pizza.  Tell them that you want them to email and/or SMS you information on special offers, and allow them to start tracking your purchases.
Step 2 is to install their mobile app onto your phone or possibly tablet.  When you have earned a free pizza based on past purchases, or when you are offered a special that includes a free pizza, use the app to order.

I’ve claimed my free pizza from Domino’s and it was pretty good.  Their app works OK on my phone and it even supports my Android Wear smart watch.

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Papa Rewards
Papa Rewards

Papa John’s has a rewards program that I’m using, and I will soon claim my free pizza from them.  I recently got a message from them inviting me to download a BETA version of their Android app as a tester, and I did and used it today to order some Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Cheese sticks and some Honey Chipotle Wings.  Both were pretty good BTW.

Papa John's app
Papa John’s app (not the BETA version)

Pizza Hut has an app but as far as I can see doesn’t have a rewards program that’s based on tracking your orders.  They do send you plenty of offers via email when you sign up.  Those offers include a 50% off regular menu price coupon from time to time that you could use to get two pizzas for the price of one without the coupon.  Other times the coupons are for free side items with your purchase.

Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut

I like local Mom and Pop kinds of pizza places too, but if you are going to be ordering from these national chains, why not take advantage of their offers to lower the cost of pizza for yourself?  I use my PC to order more often than my phone, and the rewards programs and coupons will work whether you order on your phone or PC as long as you are logged into your rewards account, and/or enter the correct codes.

Project Fi roaming in Amsterdam and Jamaica

Project Fi Jamaica
Project Fi Jamaica

I used the Project Fi service on my phone and tablet while in Amsterdam (trip reports) and Jamaica (trip report) earlier this year and this is a report about it.  I also used it in Vancouver (trip report) but that report is posted here.  I use an application called Signal Check on my cellphone which can display information about my cellular and WiFi connections.

T-Mobile in ATL airport
T-Mobile in ATL airport

This screen shows that I’m connected to T-Mobile using LTE on a 700 MHz Band 12 connection.  I’m also connected to the WiFi in the Delta SkyClub.  Project Fi uses the T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular networks when you are in the US for primary coverage.  It uses the T-Mobile network and it’s international roaming agreements for coverage outside the US.

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I can’t imagine going on a trip and not having a working cellphone for calls, text messages, and internet access.  I’ve tried to just use WiFi for connectivity when on International trips, and while it can be done in some places, it’s not always convenient.  I’ve also tried adding on extra cost International Roaming packages to my cellphone when I used AT&T, and that was expensive.  I’ve bought a local SIM for cheaper rates, but that requires an unlocked handset and your number changes to something different than what everyone knows as yours, and is trying to call.

T-Mobile LTE in Amsterdam
T-Mobile LTE in Amsterdam

The screen above was when I was in Amsterdam and roaming onto the T-Mobile system with a LTE connection.  I was also connected to the WiFi system in the KLM Airlines Lounge at the airport.

Project Fi just works with my existing phone and number whenever I go to more than 100 countries worldwide.  You get a welcome message like the one above, informing you of the rates.  Data is still just $10 per GB which means it is no more expensive than when I am at home in the US.  In many countries it is noticeably slower but still works well for email and maps.

Fi Roaming in Jamaica
Fi Roaming in Jamaica

The screen above is when I was in Jamaica, and only had a cellular connection.  I was roaming and connected to the Digicel system using HSPA which is a slower method than LTE.

Project Fi can use WiFi data connections for calling, receiving calls, and sending and receiving text messages so it’s still possible to use WiFi for reducing costs and expanding coverage areas.  I have a data only Project Fi SIM installed in one of my tablets, and it had data service while I was in Jamaica and Amsterdam as well.

Fi Roaming in Jamaica
Fi Roaming in Jamaica

If you don’t mind using one of the phones that Project Fi supports, and you don’t use a great deal of data, I think it’s a great solution for the person who travels internationally and wants easy, hassle free service and connectivity.  My phone bill wasn’t $10 more than usual when I was travelling and had some voice calls charged at .20 a minute that would have normally been included in  monthly service.  I don’t talk that much, so your experience might be different.