New app allows users to find bargains in the immediate vicinity

GOOD NEWS FOR hard-pressed consumers. A new free iPhone App from voucherpages.iecould save you money.

The app picks up the user’s location and displays the discounts available for goods and services in the immediate vicinity, as well as allowing consumers filter discounts by the type of product or service they require. The discount is redeemed at the till by displaying the relevant mobile voucher.

Voucherpages.ieis an online discount voucher directory business launched in July last year by UCD graduate Ronan Hickey (pictured). The company is based in UCD's Nova Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre in Belfield.

Consumers who don't have an iPhone can still avail of discounts by logging onto voucherpages.ieand either printing the vouchers or sending them via free SMS to their mobile phones. "Voucherpages.ie gives consumers the power to browse offers and our website is experiencing visitor traffic growth of over 50 per cent per month," Hickey says. An Android version of the App is on the way.

Designed to relieve stress of a different kind is an iPhone app from Dublin-based speech-writers.comaimed at those facing the challenge of making a wedding speech. The app has been created by Fred and Niamh Crowe, who together have produced thousands of speeches since they set up the website in 1995 covering everything from change of military command and persuasive toasts to customised poems and eulogies.

The app, which costs €1.59, includes 30 sample speeches containing well-chosen words for the traditional speakers at the happy event such as the best man, groom and father of the bride, but also some bon mots for a variety of other guests who might want to have their say such as the maid of honour, relatives and friends.

The app also includes confidence-building tips, a selection of suita ble Irish toasts and a master of ceremonies guide. An added bonus is that the app allows users to record and review their delivery as they rehearse for the big day.

– OLIVE KEOGH