(Disclosure Blonde 2.0 has cooperated together with Beck’s on this project)

When done properly, a branded iPhone app can achieve brand international exposure for relatively little investment. However, if not done properly, the brand will suffer from bad criticism and the money will go to waste. Take for example – the useless iPhone application made by Taco Bell. This application had the potential to be very cool, giving redeemable  coupons and a location-aware store finder; but instead, the app only calculates the various 79¢, 89¢, 99¢ items on their Value Menu that you can purchase with the spare change in your pocket. Definitely a missed opportunity.

Unlike Taco Bell, Beck’s has recently launched its new iPhone application - Gig Finder – and this app actually places giving value to users in top priority. Users can search for gigs in any location supported by the Last.FM database worldwide, allowing  music fans globally to stay connected to their local live music scene. This app is available for music lovers worldwide and has been localized for the English, German, Italian and Romanian languages. With quick access to information about upcoming gigs showing in the area, Beck’s Gig Finder makes it impossible for any music lover to miss a gig. This application allows users to always be on the know regarding where and when their favorite bands are playing.

The Gig Finder is an all-inclusive application locating local gigs but also providing helpful directions via Google Maps as well as giving the inside scoop on special guest appearances. The app also enables music fans to browse their favorite music artist’s information on the Web, tune-in to their YouTube videos and also share this information with family and friends.

When compared to its competitors, Beck’s is the only free iPhone application out there giving these specific capabilities. A cool feature included that I particularly like empowers music fans to tag gigs as ‘Favorites’ and receive push notifications/reminders about these upcoming shows.  The app is offered in multiple languages – including Italian, German and Romanian.

Below you’ll find a demo video showing exactly how helpful the Gig Finder really is. By creating such a useful app, Beck’s shows users that they care more about giving them value than just creating yet another useless branded app.

Download Gig Finder yourself here to explore the app.