This is a roundup of product news and announcements for travel DEVICES in tourism and hospitality for November 2014.
Thursday 27 November 2014:
Ryanair equips crews with electronic flight bags
- Pilots across the carrier's entire fleet of 300 Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be begin using iPad tablet devices instead of paper manuals. The first in a series of tools on the device will be an Onboard Performance Tool (take-off calculations and flight manuals), followed in the months to come by electronic charts and load sheets. Ryanair says each plane will not be 15kgs lighter as a result.
Friday 21 November 2014:Friends of Friends Travel is crowdfunding on Seedrs
- FOF Travel, which Tnooz has profiled, is a tool that helps people get the most out of their social circles, so they can travel the world for free, or as close to free as possible. This month, they have launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs to source the £120,000 for their next round of investment, which they are using to pivot to a slicker mobile-friendly web app. They are giving away 13% of their company.
GuestDriven launches mobile check-in and upgrades
- The hotel mobile software provider has integrated the two services into its existing Express platform. Hotel guests will be able to to check-in up to 24-hours before arrival, upgrade rooms, access a personalized promotions on amenities, check-out and send instant messages to front-desk staff at a property.
Wednesday 19 November 2014:Delta Hotels & Resorts has released a mobile app
- The app works for all 40 of the US chain's properties. The app was created by an Orlando-based tech firm, Intelity, which has created brand apps for two other hospitality brands as well (Hilton’s Conrad and Destinations) and is also working on more for other large global brands.
Monday 10 November 2014:Rotana enables online check-in
- Rotana is enabling guests to check-in online via its website or mobile application at a number of its properties. The service, which also includes a priority check-in desk for key collection, will be extended to all hotels by early 2015. The company is also looking at services via tablet such as check-in and check-out, electronic guest surveys and e-menus.
Turkish Airlines unveils news applications
- Turkish Airlines has worked with Monitise to launch new apps enabling travellers to plan and purchase tickets as well as store boarding passes, check in for flights and access flight status. The apps which work across iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8 and HTML5 devices, also enable travellers to choose seats, order meals and track their bags. The services also work with other smartphone functions enabling users to purchase tickets for others and add flights to calendars.
Thetrainline gets smarter ticketing
- Thetrainline.com has partnered with smart ticketing specialist Ecebs to bring remote ticketing technology to its mobile app. The enhancements enables mobile customers to download their tickets direct to their phone immediately after purchase.
SkyTeam adds functionality to app
- Airline alliance SkyTeam has updated its mobile app with a number of new services and features. SkyTips - a database of airport travel tips from its Facebook community enables travellers to add their own hints while MySkyTeam allows passengers to build up a travel profile with planned flights and preferred airports. Both services are available offline as is Lounge Finder which provides information and location details of SkyTeam's lounges. The app is also now available in simplified Chinese with Spanish to follow shortly.
NB: Send links or releases for travel devices direct to Tnooz
via email.
NB2: Augmented reality image via Shutterstock.