Government Mobile Apps on Culture, Leisure & Sports
The Government provides more than 100 mobile apps covering different kinds of services, and this feature article highlights some of the mobile apps related to culture, leisure and sports.
Culture & Events
EventHK
This event platform enables users to browse public events organised by the Government or held at Government premises when their mobile devices are connected to the Internet. With daily highlights and event details arranged by category, date and venue, users can easily comb through the app to find events that interest them and bookmaURBTIXrk those events.
My Library
With this portable library, patrons can log in their library accounts to search, reserve and renew library materials, and receive notifications of pick-up notices and due date reminders even when the app is closed. Searching for library materials is further made simple by scanning ISBN barcodes. Patrons can also locate the nearest library via GPS.
Multimedia Information
This app allows users to access the digitised content, including eBooks, images, audio and video materials in the Multimedia Information System of the Hong Kong Public Libraries. Some of the eBooks are downloadable for offline viewing. Users can also view Library Resource Guides, Newsletters and winning works from the Hong Kong Creative Writing Awards and the Children Literature Awards, as well as listen to subject talks organized by public libraries.
URBTIX
URBTIX (Urban Ticketing System) provides convenient and reliable ticketing services for event presenters and members of the public. Customers may buy tickets at URBTIX outlets located in different districts of Hong Kong and newly introduced self-service ticketing kiosks located at specific performance venues and major museums, as well as through Internet, mobile ticketing app and telephone booking services.
“URBTIX” is a brand new mobile app to facilitate ticket buyers to make purchases online using smart phones more conveniently. For ticket buyers who have registered as members, this app will further provide a wide range of personalised functions to enhance their buying experience including bookmark on favourite events, email reminder to attend purchased events, keeping and transfer of e-tickets, use of biometric authentication features such as fingerprint / face ID for member log-in, etc.
My SmartPLAY
SmartPLAY system is a new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system developed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to replace the existing Leisure Link Computerized Booking System, which provides efficient and convenient booking services to meet public expectations, thereby encouraging members of the public to exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle. Members of the public must register as SmartPLAY users to make enquiries about and book sports and recreation facilities, and enrol in sports and recreation programmes through mobile app, the internet and the new smart self-service stations in over 200 leisure venues (including the 18 District Leisure Services Offices) anytime and anywhere.
Environment & Health
Hong Kong Air Quality Health Index
The app provides real time broadcasting of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reported by general and roadside air monitoring stations operated by the Environmental Protection Department. It also gives users health advice for different health risk categories and conditions of people. Users can pre-set current and forecast health risk alerts according to their needs by monitoring station, station type, district, and health risk category.
Waste Less
“Waste Less” provides the location and details of more than 7000 recyclable collection points all over Hong Kong. The “Search” function helps users to locate proper collection points. Users can record their recycling efforts in the “My Recycling Diary” and join the Big Waster to practice correct clean recycling procedures. Users can also share the “Waste Less” contents and message to their friends on various social media.
History
Chinese History – the Flourishing Age
This app showcases Chinese history, starting from the Han Dynasty, by telling the legendary stories of leading Chinese figures and offering a glimpse of the major world events through cartoons and audio clips.
Sports
Enjoy Hiking
On this app, information on various hiking trails is organised by region or route type so that users can choose the most suitable routes according to their interest, physical fitness and experience. Besides detailed maps, a plug-in GPS hiker tracking service will auto-feed the users’ tracking locations through GPS and cellular data network to facilitate rescue operations when necessary.
