What else is going on in the world of travel tech? A round-up of other stories from across the industry...
- Name-change for Inbed.me, switching to WeHostels after feedback from users. The company says the change was made due what it found were "misinterpretations" of the original name. CEO Diega Saez-Gil says the new name was A/B tested and results indicated a 120% increase in the number of new sign-ups for the service. NB:TLabs Showcase - Inbed.me].
- The Louisiana Office of Tourism has unveiled a website for travellers to plan a music-themed holiday and get a taste of sounds from the region. The Louisiana Soundtrack service features audio of different music, event and venue listings and information about the state's music heritage.
- Thetrainline has unveiled a version of its mobile application for Windows Phone 7. Users can access train times, view station information and book tickets as well as save previous journeys for quick booking next time. The app, which has been available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices for some time, has had more than 2.5 million downloads.
- A study from eDigital Research shows 18% of consumers have used a smartphone to purchase travel in the past six months. The research, carried out in partnership with Portaltech Reply with more than 1,000 respondents, compares to 5% for a similar study two years ago. Overall, findings show 64% use mobile to top with 20% shopping via mobile on a monthly basis and 7% shopping daily.
- Nexxus Capital, one of Mexico's largest private equity funds, has taken a 31% stake in PriceTravel, a online travel agency in the country. The investment was made through its so-called Nexxus IV and Nexxus V funds and is the company first foray into travel.