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FAQs

Using LeedsCast

What is LeedsCast?
LeedsCast is Europe’s first virtual city guide, and is absolutely free. It is delivered direct to your mobile phone using gogo, an innovative mobile messaging system. LeedsCast is a Java J2ME application which you download to your mobile phone via Bluetooth.

What information will LeedsCast give me?
LeedsCast will give you a range of information including;
• Walking directions around Leeds
• Places of interest
• Local news
• Local public transport and taxi information
• What’s on
• Offers and discounts
• Hotel, restaurant and shop guides

Where can I get it?
There is a number of LeedsCast zones, including: Millennium Square, The Light, Victoria Quarter, Leeds Bus Station, Leeds Train Station, Leeds Visitor Centre, the Central Library, and Oracle restaurant at Brewery Wharf, with more coming soon.

How do I download LeedsCast?
To download the LeedsCast application, you need to be in one of the LeedsCast zones (see above), with your Bluetooth switched on and the ‘visible’ option selected on your phone. You need to agree to accept information from LeedsCast, then follow the download instructions. You are now ready to start using LeedsCast.

What does LeedsCast cost me?
LeedsCast does not cost you anything. Not only is the application free, but it is also free to download LeedsCast. Once on your phone you will not be charged for accessing or using LeedsCast.

How big is the application?
The LeedsCast application is around 400K in size, although this will vary slightly depending on the content at any given time.

What is the download time?
The normal download time is approximately 15-20 seconds.

Is it easy to use the information?
By using the navigation keys on your mobile phone, you can access all the information on LeedsCast. It’s as easy as accessing your contacts, or text message inbox.

Once I’ve downloaded it, will it continue to update its information?
Yes, when you are in a LeedsCast zone.

If I’m not in a zone, can I still access all the information?
If you are not in a LeedsCast zone, you can still access the majority of the information, excluding the walking directions. The LeedsCast application on your phone will only be updated when you are in a LeedsCast zone.

If I refuse the LeedsCast application, what happens?
If you refuse LeedsCast, your handset will be quarantined for 24 hours. After this time, you will again be asked if you wish to download the application. The 24-hour quarantine will apply for the first month after the launch of LeedsCast. After this time, the length of the quarantine will be extended to avoid it becoming annoying.

If I refused the LeedsCast application, can I change my mind and download it?
Within the 24-hour quarantine period, you will not be contacted again and invited to download LeedsCast. However, you can download it via GPRS or browse content via WAP (see ‘Technical’).

If I change my mobile phone, can I move the application to my new phone?
If you have a new handset, you will need to download the LeedsCast application again, by entering a LeedsCast zone and repeating the download process.

Can I send the application via Bluetooth to other mobile phones?
It is not possible to send the application to other phones. LeedsCast must be downloaded onto each handset within a zone.

How do I remove the LeedsCast application from my phone?
LeedsCast is stored on your handset, not your SIM card, and can be deleted easily if you wish. Each handset operates differently, but in most cases you can delete the application by navigating to where it is saved and selecting options/delete. If you are unsure of how to do this, please refer to your handset manual or contact the manufacturer.

 

Who is LeedsCast for?

Is LeedsCast just for tourists?
The information in LeedsCast is designed to be of use to everyone who comes to Leeds city centre, whether they live here, work here, visit occasionally or are a tourist.

Is LeedsCast available in alternative languages?
It is available only in English, but is simple to navigate and should be easily accessible to anyone visiting Leeds.

 

Privacy

What personal details will you be able to collect?
The only information which will be available to LeedsCast is the mobile phone’s Bluetooth ID number. The LeedsCast system uses this number to identify each type of handset and ensure that content is sent at the appropriate screen size and resolution. LeedsCast will not acquire your mobile number, or any other personal information.

 

Technical

Will it work with every mobile phone?
LeedsCast will work with the majority of mobile phones that support Java and MIDP2.0. If your mobile phone does not have Bluetooth, you can download the application via GPRS (see below but one). LeedsCast will not work with PDAs such as Blackberrys since they do not support Java.

How do I turn on Bluetooth on my mobile phone?
For the majority of mobile phones, you turn on the Bluetooth facility by going to menu/settings/connectivity. For information on your specific mobile phone, either see your handset manual or contact your handset manufacturer.

I don’t have Bluetooth on my phone – can I get LeedsCast?
You can download LeedsCast via GPRS or browse content via WAP by visiting www.citycasting.mobi using your handset and clicking on the LeedsCast link.

If I download LeedsCast, am I at risk of viruses?
There is no risk of downloading a virus via content provided by LeedsCast. However, when using Bluetooth, you should exercise caution since there is always a low risk that a third party may seek to exploit the technology. You should also be aware that LeedsCast will never ask you to pair your phone with another device to transfer data.

If I have a technical problem, who do I contact?
Please email enquiries@leedscast.info for support on any technical issues.

 

Background information

Can I give you feedback via LeedsCast?
Feedback on LeedsCast is welcomed and can be provided via email using the address enquiries@leedscast.info. It is not possible to provide feedback directly via the LeedsCast application.

Who is behind LeedsCast?
LeedsCast is a joint project run by Leeds City Council and Marketing Leeds. The technology was created especially for LeedsCast by an agency called england.

How will people find out about LeedsCast?
LeedsCast is promoted on billboards around the city centre, through leaflets and online at www.leedsliveitloveit.com and www.leedscast.info.

If I have a media query, who do I contact?
The LeedsCast PR officer, Emma Hignett, can be reached by calling 0113 234 5600.