This is a roundup of product news and announcements for travel DEVICES in tourism and hospitality for May 2014.
Wednesday 28 May 2014:
Travelzoo celebrates almost four million app downloads
- The deals publishers says it has seen 2.8 million downloads of its Apple app, and a further one million for Android devices. The company has also released some activity data: one in three of its users use the app more than once a day; UK users browse around 13% longer than their counterparts in the US; and 40% of all traffic to Travelzoo's websites now come via mobile devices.
Tripomatic uses mobile as basis for web redesign
- The trip planning service says the success of its mobile apps has led it to replicate the interface for its main web service, sharing code between the two platforms. Its current apps are downloaded about 200,000 times a month and have helped plan some 300,000 trips over the course of the same period, it claims.
HolidayCottages updates mobile application
- The rental site says the new Apple-hosted application will feature a last-minute breaks section, customer log-in tools including booking confirmation, directions and special offers. The app features almost 2,000 rental cottages around the UK.
Friday 23 May 2014:British Airways refreshes its apps
- The airline has launched a new version of its iOS and Android apps with many new features including -
- Personalised home screen - automatically updates user's next flight details, local time and weather at arrival destination, gate information, check-in details
- User experience improvements such as - easy flight search, manage bookings
- Add flights to calendar
- Lounge Wifi passwords for all of British Airways’ 60 lounges across the world
- Best fares to top destinations
Wednesday 21 May 2014:thetrainline launches mobile services for B2B customers
- thetrainline business customers will now be able to access their bookings (booked via TMC, or a corporate client) by logging in to their business or personal trainline account in the company's iPhone or Android app.
iPass launches cloud–based mobile connectivity service
- iPass has launched a cloud-based "Business Traveller Service 2.0" that enables business travellers with smartphones and tablets to access Wifi at over 2.7 million hotspots in over 120 countries in 3,000 airports, about 2,150 airplanes, 72,000 hotels and public areas worldwide.
Tuesday 20 May 2014:Triposo has done a full overhaul of the user experience.
- After over 7 million downloads, Triposo, a travel app started by ex-Googlers, has put "instant travel inspiration front and center", given that most of its users use it in-destination.
Wednesday 7 May 2014:TripAdvisor's VirtualTourist releases first mobile app
- The app, known as PicPack, is a group photo sharing service for VirtualTourist members and allows users to create photo timelines, tag to specific locations using GPS, import/export to other devices and share on social media.
AirBerlin allows devices during take-off and landing
- The German low cost carrier says passengers can now use personal electronic devices (in flight mode) during take-off, taxiing and landing on most of flights. The relaxing of mobile restrictions will be allowed on all Airbus and Boeing aircraft in the AirBerlin fleet.
North Korea Travel unveils tourist app
- The app. which is being touted as a world first, is available from both Android and Apple devices and features destination information, including food spots and things to do, itinerary tools, map, phrasebook and dictionary, as well as content about the country's history, culture and society.
Monday 5 May 2014:Backpackr launches into busy social app marketplace
- The app launched on Apple devices in late-April and allows budget travellers to connect with other users and share trip ideas. The service, which will soon be available for Android devices, also lets users find out who might be on a similar route and collect "passport stamps" to show off the number of countries visited. The company claims to already have over 1,000 users.
Masabi wins mobile ticketing deal for New York
- The mobile ticketing and payment platform will be used by New York's MTA for its Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Railroad services. Passengers can use their mobile devices to buy tickets and follows Masabi's deals with similar transit areas in Boston and San Diego.
NB: Send links or releases for travel devices direct to Tnooz
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NB2: Travel devices image via Shutterstock.