This is a roundup of product news and announcements for travel DEVICES in tourism and hospitality for May 2015.
Thursday 28 May 2015:
GoEuro launches multi-modal app
- The air, train and coach search specialist will make the app available for both Apple and Android devices, giving users access to 160 ground providers and global airlines. The app will initially work in eight countries around Europe and include point-to-point search for 33,000 train stations, coach terminals and airports across the continent.
Friday May 22:3Mundi works with PATH on travel itinerary app
- 3Mundi has worked with PATH Travel an itinerary application for iphone and Apple Watch aimed at busines travellers. Flights, train, hotels and transfer booked via 3Mundi are automatically synchronised with app. The service can also capture bookings made outside the travel management company and bring the information back into the process for reporting.
Thursday May 23Ryanair enhances app
- Ryanair has upgrade the 'My Ryanair' customer registration feature on its app. The budget carrier wants to enable faster and easier booking. 'My Ryanair' enables passengers to create a profile and store payment and passport information. The airline plans further upgrades to the app such as enabling passengers to add family members
Friday May 15:Lufthansa brings flight count down to the wrist
- Lufthansa is using the Apple Watch to remind its Miles & More passengers of flights the day before departure as well as provide updates of the flight status. It also enables users of the airline's iphone and ipad app see how long is left before scheduled boarding time. The plan is to extend the Apple Watch functionality to all passengers at some point.
Hostelworld calls time for app
- Hostelworld is claiming a hostel-booking first with its app for the Apple Watch. The service enables users to view a summary of hostel bookings on the watch’s home screen. Travellers can also access booking details including hostel name, contact details, check-in date and a map of the local area.
Rekky recommends venues via social
- Rekky is aggregating check-ins from various social media services including Instagram, Facebook and Foursquare to provide users with recommendations on the best places to go via an application. It works by getting users to sign in and link all their social media accounts to the app. A Discover feature suggests people to follow while a Lists feature provides information on venues.
Fever hits the UK
- Spain-based recommendations app Fever has come to the UK following its launches in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and New York. The service claims to use artificial intelligence to serve up personalised recommendations of things to do in a city. The app also enables users to purchase event tickets.
Friday May 8:eGoVisa takes pain from visa applications
- eGoVisa says it has put four years development and a seven-figure investment into VisaPort which is designed to reduce visa application stress. The app collates traveller data require for applications in the correct format to comply with authorities across the world. Applications can be submitted electronically or printed off by users. The app also has other travel elements such details of flight and hotel bookings and insurance.
Lyft strikes deal with
Verizon Wireless- Rideshare business Lyft has announced two deals with Verizon Wireless. The Lyft app will be preloaded onto select Verizon devices which run Android, while Lyft drivers who use the Verizon network will get cheaper bills and a range of exclusive offers. Lyft's blog post says that the two initiatives are "just the beginning"
Singapore Airlines unveils Apple Watch apps and more
- Singapore Airlines' ongoing attempts to improve its digital presence has resulted in newly-designed apps for iOS and Android, developed in partnership with Mobile Travel Technologies. It is also the latest airline to launch and Apple Watch app, and an improved Singapore Airlines web site is currently in public beta testing.
NB: Send links or releases related to travel devices directly to Tnooz
via email.
NB2: Travel image via Shutterstock.