Unless you were hiding under a rock this week, you probably heard about Apple’s newest offering to the world of wearables: The Apple Watch. While not an original idea (much to Samsung’s chagrin), Apple has a way with the masses. Although their newest offering is divisive to say the least, it will most likely launch a revolution.
For years we have been talking about the possibilities that wearables will bring to the world of marketing and travel. Well, it seems the future is here my friends. During the launch presentation, Apple demonstrated the seamless integration between travel and tech using Starwood's keyless entry app.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcy0NXNML9U[/embed]
I, for one, am downright professional when it comes to misplacing important things like room keys. I know I am not the only one, and I imagine this technology will be quickly adopted. Not to mention, this environmentally friendly alternative to plastic key cards will likely help a hotel's bottom line. Although there is certainly a use here, Starwood’s service is available on your smartphone, defeating the need for purchasing a smartwatch.
Hospitality brands have already started looking beyond smartwatches to other wearable technology as a way to personalize guest experiences. Travel agency Holidays Please loans guests a pair of Google Glass, making it easier for them to take photos, videos, and check out live information like currency exchange or language translation.Westin Hotels has paired with tech company Lark to take their "Heavenly" sleep system to the next level. The brand now invites guests to don Lark’s wearable technology while they snooze. Westin hopes their new sleep system will allow guests to experience superior sleep using sleep tracking technology and personalized coaching tips.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlsB2GE86yw[/embed]
Guests are taking advantage of wearables for their own use as well. Liquid Image produces a pair of ski goggles that are perfect for any techie. The eyewear kicks personal video up a notch, integrating a camera into the body of the goggle and projecting playback onto the lens itself. Savvy sun worshipers might want to invest in "June". This wristband measures your sun exposure and alerts you when you might need to head inside or apply another coat of sunscreen.
The pervasiveness of technology might seem a bit dystopian to those who value privacy, but it is opening doors in the realm of personalization. Some day in the not too distant future, travelers will be able to breeze through security and arrive at their seats on the plane where a drink they ordered earlier awaits them. Upon arrival at their hotel, they will be able to check in using mobile technology and go straight to their rooms (already possible). When coming indoors from a particularly hot or cold climate, a wearable will be able to communicate with the hotel thermostat, adjusting the temperature to something more comfortable. If the traveler has had a particularly stressful day, wearable technology might even suggest a trip to the spa while simultaneously pulling up an availability calendar of appointment times to choose from.Yes, the possibilities for wearable technology can sound like something out of a science fiction movie. Intimidating? Yes, but remember that radio and telephones were probably a little overwhelming to the early adopters of previous generations.Wearables create the opportunity for you to offer a traveler tailored experiences based on their location, past preferences, or even their mood. It is imperative to remember that new technology will never replace genuine customer service. Wearables should enhance experiences for your guests, not push personal touch to the background. After all, it is called “hospitality” for a reason.
Unless you were hiding under a rock this week, you probably heard about Apple’s newest offering to the world of wearables: The Apple Watch. While not an original idea (much to Samsung’s chagrin), Apple has a way with the masses. Although their newest offering is divisive to say the least, it will most likely launch a revolution.
For years we have been talking about the possibilities that wearables will bring to the world of marketing and travel. Well, it seems the future is here my friends. During the launch presentation, Apple demonstrated the seamless integration between travel and tech using Starwood's keyless entry app.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcy0NXNML9U[/embed]
I, for one, am downright professional when it comes to misplacing important things like room keys. I know I am not the only one, and I imagine this technology will be quickly adopted. Not to mention, this environmentally friendly alternative to plastic key cards will likely help a hotel's bottom line. Although there is certainly a use here, Starwood’s service is available on your smartphone, defeating the need for purchasing a smartwatch.
Hospitality brands have already started looking beyond smartwatches to other wearable technology as a way to personalize guest experiences. Travel agency Holidays Please loans guests a pair of Google Glass, making it easier for them to take photos, videos, and check out live information like currency exchange or language translation.Westin Hotels has paired with tech company Lark to take their "Heavenly" sleep system to the next level. The brand now invites guests to don Lark’s wearable technology while they snooze. Westin hopes their new sleep system will allow guests to experience superior sleep using sleep tracking technology and personalized coaching tips.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlsB2GE86yw[/embed]
Guests are taking advantage of wearables for their own use as well. Liquid Image produces a pair of ski goggles that are perfect for any techie. The eyewear kicks personal video up a notch, integrating a camera into the body of the goggle and projecting playback onto the lens itself. Savvy sun worshipers might want to invest in "June". This wristband measures your sun exposure and alerts you when you might need to head inside or apply another coat of sunscreen.
The pervasiveness of technology might seem a bit dystopian to those who value privacy, but it is opening doors in the realm of personalization. Some day in the not too distant future, travelers will be able to breeze through security and arrive at their seats on the plane where a drink they ordered earlier awaits them. Upon arrival at their hotel, they will be able to check in using mobile technology and go straight to their rooms (already possible). When coming indoors from a particularly hot or cold climate, a wearable will be able to communicate with the hotel thermostat, adjusting the temperature to something more comfortable. If the traveler has had a particularly stressful day, wearable technology might even suggest a trip to the spa while simultaneously pulling up an availability calendar of appointment times to choose from.Yes, the possibilities for wearable technology can sound like something out of a science fiction movie. Intimidating? Yes, but remember that radio and telephones were probably a little overwhelming to the early adopters of previous generations.Wearables create the opportunity for you to offer a traveler tailored experiences based on their location, past preferences, or even their mood. It is imperative to remember that new technology will never replace genuine customer service. Wearables should enhance experiences for your guests, not push personal touch to the background. After all, it is called “hospitality” for a reason.
