As Apple Watch fever takes hold, this is a roundup of news and announcements dedicated to applications for the device from tourism and hospitality for April 23 and 24, 2015.
Babbel charting language learning territory with wearable device
- Babbel has integrated the Foursquare API as part of its Apple Watch app so users can collect and learn relevant vocabulary while travelling. Nearby locations such as the airport, a cafe or supermarket are shown with words specific to that location. The app also includes a gamification element with users completing categories and learning new vocabulary of the chosen language.
Wallaby helps users max rewards from their wrists
- Wallaby is allowing Apple Watch users to make the most of loyalty points, rewards and miles by providing them with real time recommendations on the best card to use for payments so they can collect the most rewards. The app show nearby shops so travellers can earn the most points and alerts them if a particular card has a special offer.
HotelQuickly claims first for Apac region
- Last-minute hotel booking application HotelQuickly has released an app for Apple Watch enabling users to manage current bookings, access hotel details and locate properties on a map with directions where they are. A 'Handoff' features also enables users to continue browsing hotels on their phone from where they left off on the watch.
Marriott International chimes in with Apple Watch
- As part of its bid to let travellers interact as much as possible during trips, Marriott has unveiled an app for Apple Watch. The service is targeted at Marriott Rewards program members who can now use the watch to access Marriott’s mobile app for check-in and checkout, room ready alerts, booking and review of reservations and hotel directions.
Timely travel tips from
Expedia- Personalised alerts and data are among promises of the Expedia service for Apple Watch. The app also provides the most relevant information on hotels via the Glances feature and enables access to forthcoming trip itineraries.
TheTrainline keeps time with wearable app
- Users of theTrainline mobile app can now check live train times, platform information and access mobile ticketing straight from their wrist following the launch of a service for Apple Watch. The app uses the device's Glance feature to serve up information, which also includes ticket collection codes and journey times and maps.
Top10.com throws hand in for Apple Watch development
- Last-minute hotel booking startup Top10 is bringing personalised recommendations to the wrist via its service for Apple Watch. The company says it has "reimagined" its mobile app to bring bite-sized info to users. The service allows users to browse images, view the top hotels nearest them and bookmark properties.
JiTT (Just in Time Tourist) enables city discovery from the wrist
- JiTT says its one of the first guide apps on Apple Watch with the launch of its new service. The Portugal-based startup says its app frees travellers from having to hold their smartphones in their hands.
Helsinki Airport makes mobile app available on the fruity wearable
- The airport application provides passengers with real-time flight updates and gate information. Developed by Finland-based Futurice, the watch service is designed to guide passengers through the airport with additional information including shortest security queue, terminal details and information on what's nearby.
Komoot makes time for the outdoors
- Outdoor tours app wants to provide inspiration at the flick of a wrist through its service for Apple Watch. The app can deliver personalised hiking and tour recommendations using its Smart Tours functionality which can adapt to a user's location.
FlightStats brings flight tracking to wrist device
- Flight data specialist FlightStats is providing a quick view of a traveller's most current and relevant information using the Apple Watch Glances feature. It is also providing a list of all saved flights.
TripCase now strapped to Apple Watch
- Sabre's TripCase users can now access trip information via the app's new service for the Apple device. Flight status information as well as the most relevant hotel bookings are available on top of maps and services such as restaurants nearby. Analysis of 30 million trips managed on TripCase in 2014 shows changes to 70% of those with air segments within 72 hours of departure. Of those, 69% were schedule changes and delays and the company hopes it is this type of real-time updates that will prove useful via the worn device.
Further reading on travel and Apple Watch:
Polarsteps will track travel statistics right from the Apple Watch
Just in time: Booking.com brings Now to Apple Watch
ClearTrip onto Apple Watch, easyJet has a mobile host, HotelTonight adds rate tracking, and more...
SOS Alert to the travel industry! Tap the brakes on your Apple Watch investments