In today’s world, the majority of automotive technology is focused on making vehicles safer. However, many automakers are also incorporating convenience-based technology as well. Many drivers spend a significant amount of time in their vehicles, either for work or for pleasure. As a result, they have become increasingly interested in innovative automotive technology. Previously, the best technology features were only reserved for high-end luxury models. Additionally, they were often only offered as add-on options. However, in recent years, several automakers started to make technology features standard on their vehicles. This is because they saw consumers demand more value for the money. Consumers today expect features such as navigation, voice activation, and safety features powered by technology. Here are some of the most exciting car technologies to come out in recent years, along with which manufacturers are implementing these technologies. Active Window Displays In our highly technological world, distractions are abundant. This is especially true when driving. Countless accidents have occurred due to distracted driving. As a result, most states have laws on the books regarding texting and driving, and even eating and driving. Additionally, with the advent of navigation technology, people are often distracted by their GPS systems as well. This is where active window displays come in. The formal name for active window displays is Head Up Display technology (HUD). It was introduced roughly 20 years ago, though it has only recently gained exposure. Rather than housing navigational interfaces on a physical LED or LCD display, the same information is projected onto the windshield, where it is virtually transparent. The purpose of the Head Up Display technology is mainly to improve safety. HUD keeps the driver’s head in an upright position looking straight ahead, presenting translucent images that do not block the driver's line of vision. More sophisticated HUD systems work extremely well with navigation technologies. Some even highlight upcoming turns, making it almost impossible to get lost, even in unfamiliar territory. HUD technology is still relatively new. However, industry insiders estimated that by 2020, the technology will have evolved to display very vibrant images on the car’s windshield. Some carmakers are even ahead of the curve - Audi, Mercedes, and GM have all begun to incorporate HUD technology into their vehicles. Others - like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Hyundai - are expected to follow suit. Car-to-Car Communication Another impressive technology feature for vehicles is car-to-car communication. The major benefit of car-to-car communication is its warning system, which can help drivers avoid car accidents. This technology works by having vehicles send out signals with information such as vehicle position, brake status, and speed. This information is then shared with surrounding vehicles. This information is received by other cars on the road, which can appropriately respond with a little to no driver intervention. The 2017 Cadillac CTS is one model that has integrated car-to-car communication. Cadillac’s version, called vehicle-to-vehicle communication (or V2V), utilizes technology similar to Wi-Fi in order to share data such as driving conditions, sudden braking, and nearby accidents. The automaker asserts that using V2V will help drivers be more aware. It will also improve traffic flow by avoiding slowdowns and reducing the number of collisions. Making Travel Plans Right from Your Car Recently, automaker Chevrolet teamed up with travel giant Priceline in order to integrate hotel booking technology into its vehicles. The booking service will utilize Chevrolet’s OnStar system in order to access the Priceline website directly.
Vehicle operators will be able to book hotels using two separate options. The first option allows customers to access a live agent simply by pressing the OnStar button. Once connected, the agent can conduct a search on behalf of the customer while asking about preferences and adding options. Alternately, the customer can also access the Priceline app directly without having to speak to a representative. Using this option, the driver will be instantly presented with Priceline’s entire hotel inventory and given the ability to book right from the vehicle. Chevrolet didn’t integrate this feature just because they thought it would be cool. The partnership with Priceline comes after a great deal of feedback from customers, who showed interest in gathering travel information while on the road. Car manufacturers are stepping up to the plate by integrating more technology features into their vehicles. Additionally, they are also teaming up with other companies to bring consumers an unparalleled experience within their own vehicles. From booking travel reservations to avoiding delays while traveling, today’s in-car technologies are making travel more pleasurable for many consumers. Consumer travelers have long been a priority among those in the travel industry, while corporate travelers have been forced to either fend for themselves or coordinate travel details through their companies’ travel departments. The latter option kept corporate travelers in the dark without much control over the way their plans were handled, which airlines they flew on, or even where they should pick up their rental cars. A survey conducted by MMGY Global indicated that about 69 percent of business travelers are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. This is much different than in the past, when the majority of business travelers utilized a corporate travel department for all of their business travel needs. There was a clear demand for a platform that employees could easily access on their own. Recently, the travel industry has begun to recognize the need for more personalized travel services for business travelers. Up until then, corporate travelers had been all but ignored. However, the same people who travel for work have become accustomed to a much more robust experience when booking leisure travel. Companies looking to expand their customer base have gotten the memo and have begun tapping into the corporate travel market. Digital BookingBusy professionals are rarely stationary and are likely to conduct a majority of their business on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Given the tech-driven nature of corporate professionals’ jobs, digital booking is in high demand. Frequent business travelers value real-time updates, standalone travel apps, and social media integration. Ensuring that travel details are easily accessible without having to go through antiquated corporate channels not only saves time, but also gives corporate travelers a high level of control over their travel itineraries. This way, should their plans need to be adjusted based on clients’ needs, they can make changes almost instantaneously without the typical formalities. Corporate Travel Platforms Up until recently, many companies used Concur for their corporate travel needs. While the interface served its purpose, it was typically restricted to certain individuals within a company. If a traveler had issues or questions pertaining to their itinerary, accommodations, or anything else, they had to go through someone else to find answers. Recently, Concur acquired Hipmunk, a metadata-focused website, with the goal of creating a better corporate user experience fueled by innovative technology. In keeping with this same idea, American Express recently acquired the booking platform KDS. American Express hopes this move will help create a richer user experience for its corporate travel partners. Through a dedicated platform for corporate bookings, employees can adhere to various company travel policies automatically, since policies and procedures are built right into the software. For instance, if an employee attempts to book an unauthorized trip or exceeds budgetary restrictions, the travel platform would automatically prevent him or her from continuing. TripActions Offers Helpful ToolsOne such platform is TripActions, which offers a variety of helpful corporate travel booking tools, including a global inventory of flights, rental vehicles, as well as hotel accommodations. TripActions promises to deliver a flawless and modern Internet-based travel booking experience for corporate executives. While the majority of the booking process is self-directed, TripActions also offers high-level support to help travelers should they encounter any issues in the process. Much like leisure travel booking sites, TripActions also offers exclusive deals, corporate discounts, and even a savings dashboard that gives travelers an inside look at the latest savings in real-time. For finance or travel administrators, TripActions also helps to monitor business travel expenses while allowing business partners to enjoy a stress-free method of booking. For companies that still utilize travel managers, TripActions allows these users to view corporate travel at a glance and to keep track of corporate bookings without having to personally book each trip. Business travelers also can take advantage of TripActions’ rewards points, high-tech booking technology, as well as dedicated customer support should they need it. Catering to Corporate TravelersCorporate travel has come a long way in recent decades, and it is expected to become even more streamlined as time goes on. What many travel platforms are finding is that business travelers expect the same level of service they experience when booking their leisure travel, and several companies want to meet their needs. Corporate travelers place a high premium on being able to customize every trip they take, even if it’s for work.
Travel companies understand that if a business traveler has a positive experience with their booking platform, this represents a prime opportunity for repeat business. The scenario presents a win-win situation for both the traveler, who will earn valuable miles and points, as well as the travel booking companies that will earn lucrative and repeat corporate business. Travel tech continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and 2017 is poised to be an exciting year for tourists and industry insiders alike. Explore some of the most highly anticipated travel tech conferences scheduled for 2017 and discover what each has to offer. HDI 2017 Conference & ExpoThe HDI 2017 Conference & Expo, which is scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, from May 9-12, is designed for tech support professionals, from entry-level to CEO. Tech support is an increasingly critical component of the travel industry, especially since a great deal of travel transactions are completed online. The HDI Conference & Expo will help professionals understand how important their roles are, as well as address common barriers. According to information on the HDI Conference & Expo website, professionals at all levels will find value in its offerings. The program will include topics such as improving productivity, networking, the latest innovations in customer experience management, and desktop support, as well as a host of other interesting topics. A conference pass includes access to four keynote speakers, networking activities, break-out sessions, breakfast briefings, and in-depth sessions. Food and beverages are included. The HDI Conference & Expo will offer pricing ranging from the Super Saver level to standard pricing, with earlier booking subject to deeper discounts. Travel Tech EuropeThe Travel Tech Europe conference, one the largest travel conferences in the world, will be held February 22-23, 2017 in London. This two-day event will be packed with exhibitors who will highlight new travel industry opportunities and bring brand awareness to a variety of up-and-coming travel partners. For those in the travel accommodations sector, the Travel Technology Europe is not to be missed, as experts will offer valuable insights, and a variety of leading technologies will be on display. The experts will hold in-depth sessions that will show travel industry insiders how to increase revenue and expand their businesses. Travel Tech Europe is expected to draw over 6,000 attendees, and although it will only last for two days, it will include various showcases as well as more than 30 suppliers who specialize in hotel accommodations and in-room marketing technology. Additionally, IT professionals will have the opportunity to further their industry knowledge and to network with others via social events. Travel Tech ConOne of the most exciting travel conferences for this upcoming year will be Travel Tech Con, which will be held in San Francisco. Travel Tech Con is specifically geared toward travel industry startups, and the coordinators pride themselves on remaining community-focused and dedicated to technological innovation within the travel industry. Travel Tech Con is an independent conference dedicated to educating and inspiring the entire travel tech community and open doors for startups trying to break into the industry. Much like previous Travel Tech Con events, there will be a pitch competition in which finalists will be selected to win prizes as well as funding. Travel Tech Con will also feature live Twitter streaming of the conference events, regular Facebook updates, and a variety of authoritative speakers from the travel tech industry. Aside from Travel Tech Con, organizers also work year-round to promote travel startups through its Travel Tech Hub. The service provides a way to connect worldwide startup partners in the travel industry, giving startup founders access to mentorship, funding, tips on successful pitching, as well as networking opportunities. Why Attend Travel Tech Conferences?Aside from being fun and informative, there are several reasons to attend trade shows and conferences. For those in the travel business, understanding what’s on the horizon is key to pleasing current and potential customers. Travel tech shows allow participants to discover what innovations competitors are working on as well as to see how their company measures up against others in the industry.
In addition to having the opportunity to meet high-profile individuals, conferences offer attendees the opportunity to sit in on master classes, presentations, and Q&A sessions with travel tech experts. Many conferences even offer professional development opportunities and continuing education credits to enhance or maintain certifications. Networking at travel tech conferences is also a major benefit, and attending one of these conferences can put you in contact with thousands of prominent industry figures. The value of these contacts is immeasurable, and familiarizing yourself with key players fosters connections that cannot be made from the comfort of your office. Technology has infiltrated various aspects of life, but nothing can replace good old-fashioned networking. Tech-savvy travelers are always on the lookout for new gadgets that can make their travels easier or more enjoyable, and drones are rapidly becoming the hot new device to take on vacation due to their portability and ease of use, with newer models being more compact than ever. As drones continue to increase in popularity, they could eventually rival the selfie stick as the go-to item to pack for a trip. Drones are not only becoming more and more popular for tourists, they are also changing how those in the travel industry approach business. In recent years, there has been a surge in the demand for aerial footage, and many media outlets are willing to pay a premium for the shots taken by drones. The main reason for this is that audiences are more engaged with dynamic aerial footage as opposed to standard footage taken on the ground. In terms of tourism, a variety of larger resorts have toyed with the idea of integrating drones into their custom VIP packages for their high-end guests. If these resorts go through with their plans, drones would be made available to guests so they can show off their beachside suites or luxury vacation rentals. In this article, we’ll explore how you can get the most out of taking a drone with you on your next vacation. 1. Know the rules regarding traveling with a drone.With so much involved in getting through security checkpoints in the airport, many people are curious about bringing their drone onboard a plane. Surprisingly, taking a drone with you is a fairly simple process, provided you know the rules ahead of time. Today’s drones are being made more compact than ever before, which allows them to neatly fit into carry-on luggage. When bringing a drone along for your next trip, keep in mind that you’ll need to place any extra batteries in TSA-approved plastic bag. It is also a good idea to research local laws about drone activity at your destination. Despite their popularity, drones are still a new form of technology, and there are still valid concerns surrounding them regarding privacy as well as air safety, and the rules governing their use tend to change frequently. If you are visiting a destination that requires prior drone approval, make sure to secure this approval before you arrive to avoid possible confiscation of your drone. If you’re unsure about the legality of flying a drone at your vacation spot, a good way to find out is to search online for the term “RC fields” followed by the name of your destination. For example, if you are flying to London, you would enter “RC fields London.” You can also view a list of global no-fly zones at www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc?www=v1. 2. Understand how to operate your drone.Before you use a drone, it’s imperative that you understand how to properly fly it, as improper usage could possibly ruin your drone and put others at risk. Getting a new tech device is always exciting, but lacking the skills or knowledge to fly it properly could quickly turn a great vacation into an unpleasant one. Whether you read the owner’s manual or view instructional videos online, thoroughly understanding how to operate your drone will help keep you and those around you safe. For tips on flying drones safely and legally, check out the “Unmanned Aircraft Systems” page on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website. 3. Record amazing photos and videos of your trip.Photographic technology has progressed significantly in the past decade, and a variety of apps and sophisticated cameras are now available to the hobbyist and professional photographer alike. However, drones can outdo even the best photography apps and high-end cameras due to their ability to capture spectacular aerial shots with amazing clarity and quality, giving you access to images that you would not otherwise have access to.
Drones give photographers the ability to have a bird’s-eye view, which can capture some pretty spectacular scenes typically only seen in movies or professional photography publications. Those who are skilled at using drones for taking photographs often remark on how surreal it is to take such breathtaking pictures and liken it to being able to fly. From finding suitable workout facilities to locating nutritious food near the hotel, many frequent travelers have a hard time staying healthy when they’re away from home. Serious workout enthusiasts may find pared-down hotel gyms inadequate, and this may cause them to forgo their workouts altogether. Finding gyms and healthy food are not the only difficulties associated with travel—it’s also true that frequent traveling can take a mental toll. A recent study reported that business travelers—like those who fly more than once a month—age faster due to repeated jet lag and greater exposure to radiation at high altitudes. Even leisure travelers run into similar problems, thanks to the stress that accompanies waiting in long security lines at the airport, and the general frustration that can sometimes accompany travel. Fortunately, there are ways to combat this stress. From mobile apps to fitness wearables, we’ll explore some of the best technology tools for staying fit and healthy while traveling. Tom Tom Adventurer WatchFitness trackers are extremely popular nowadays, and it seems that nearly everyone has one. From the basic to the super high-tech, there are plenty of options out there, no matter your fitness goals or what features you find important. For frequent travelers who enjoy outdoor sports, the Tom Tom Adventurer Watch may be the fitness tracker of choice. This watch is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and other adventurous pursuits, as well as everyday use at the gym. The Adventurer Watch takes what people have come to love about Tom Tom—its GPS technology—and combines it with an easy-to-use setup. Unlike more complicated fitness trackers and watches, the Tom Tom Adventurer Watch is user-friendly. It comes complete with a built-in music player that holds up to 500 songs, a heart rate monitor, and a set of Bluetooth ear buds. The GPS features of the Tom Tom Adventurer Watch are especially helpful for travelers looking to stay fit, since pre-determined running routes can be loaded onto the watch ahead of time. This is great for travelers who’d like to work out in unfamiliar surroundings without the fear of getting lost. The watch holds a charge for up to 6 hours straight when playing music, and up to 20 hours in everyday mode. Users can also download the Tom Tom MySport app, which keeps track of stats and workouts. The Tom Tom Adventurer Watch retails for $350 and can be purchased on the Tom Tom website and at select retailers. Gymsurfing For travelers who are tired of tiny hotel gyms with ancient equipment, finding a good local gym in an unfamiliar city can be a challenge. The Gymsurfing iPhone and Android app is designed to make this process easier by allowing users to locate nearby gyms. The app displays information about each gym, such as the pricing for day passes, as well as the types of equipment and other amenities available, such as pools and saunas. Users of Gymsurfing can book a day pass to nearby gyms right in the app, and passes range from$5 to $20. Currently, Gymsurfing allows users to find gyms in Toronto, Philadelphia, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, to name a few cities, and there are plans to expand to other locations in the future. HealthyOutFinding healthy food is one of the biggest hurdles to staying fit and feeling good while traveling, but the HealthyOut iPhone app changes that. HealthyOut helps find healthy meals nearby. The app offers a variety of search filter options, which is great for those on special diets. Users can sort results by dietary restrictions and choices such as low sodium, low calorie, low carb, diabetic friendly, and vegan or vegetarian options. There’s even a search filter that omits salads from the results, which is good for those who like to watch what they eat, but are tired of eating salad all the time. HealthyOut is available for the iPhone as a free download in Apple’s App Store for US users only. FitGuideFor those following a dedicated health and fitness regimen, frequent travel can disrupt the process. FitGuide is a web and mobile platform that provides exercise and meal plans that are customized to fit anyone’s schedule—including people who are always on the go. The platform is unique because it uses real fitness professionals to design customized workouts and meal plans based on the user’s lifestyle.
FitGuide offers its services for free for the first 30 days in order to give participants a chance to see if it works for them. After filling out the initial FitGuide application, participants are connected with a consultant who will assess their needs and abilities as well as scheduling constraints. After this initial assessment, the consultant creates a customized exercise plan and the participant is paired with a nutritional coach to provide accompanying food and meal recommendations. The FitGuide professionals also make sure to include questions about work-life balance, sleep patterns, and other factors that may affect performance. While traveling can disrupt anyone’s best-laid plans for health and fitness, technology is making it easier than ever to stay on track and in shape while away from home. With a little web research, you can find the tech tools that will keep you healthy no matter how much you travel. Recently, technology company Sabre presented its annual Emerging Tech in Travel report, highlighting so-called forthcoming industry megatrends for 2017 and beyond. In addition to looking at all the potentially big trends for the travel industry, the report covers current technology expected to gain traction in throughout the year. From travel automation to increased use of artificial intelligence (AI), there are some exciting things that travelers and industry insiders can expect to see. AutomationThe Internet has revolutionized travel, granting consumers the ability to book travel arrangements without the use of a travel agent. In fact, the number of travel agents has dwindled significantly—down to just over 64,000 agents compared to 132,000 agents in the mid-1990s, before the Internet was accessible to nearly everyone. Many travel agents were put out of work due to this technology, but industry leaders have since looked for ways to adapt and make automation work for them. Today’s travel automation advances are focusing more on artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can help both travelers and travel companies. One of the biggest contenders in terms of travel AI is WayBlazer, which is a recommendation tool used by the travel industry. Powered by proprietary technology, the software provides insight into a traveler’s search engine behavior, allowing companies to hone in on what customers want and present them with a more customized travel experience. Sabre’s prediction for 2017 is that businesses will incorporate more AI and automation to narrow down exactly what information they want to glean from travelers. The goal of automation is to consistently improve processes that already work fairly well, and businesses will need to expand on that in order to gain a competitive edge. Personalized PromotionAnother emerging trend in the travel industry is personalized promotion. Taking a note from AI, personalized promotion looks to increase revenue for hotels by delivering promotions to guests when they are off the premises. For example, hotels could use location beacons to communicate directly to off-site guests’ smartphones or Bluetooth-compatible wearables, alerting them to promotions or events back at the hotel. Beacons present a number of opportunities to make travelers’ lives easier. For instance, using a beacon in an airport could help travelers better locate terminals and baggage claim areas. For airlines, beacons can improve tracking passengers, assisting them in making connecting flights and thus reducing delays. Beacons can also be used to keep track of airline staff locations, as well as the location of resources such as baggage claim carts. This will help place airline staff where they are needed most within the airport. Magnetic positioning (MP) is essentially indoor location technology that uses the physical components of structures to create a magnetic field or fingerprint of that building. This fingerprint is then scanned, saved, and shared to a smartphone, making it easier for travelers to navigate within a space. MP is similar to the turn-by-turn GPS we have become accustomed to while driving, but it will come in handy for tourists when they’re trying to find their way around in unfamiliar buildings. Voice Influenced TravelAs popularity heats up for devices like Amazon’s Echo, voice influenced travel is expected to be big for 2017. Conversational interfaces seek to simulate real conversations between humans, and companies are looking into how they can integrate this technology into their business strategies. Using voice technology can save monetary and human resources while providing customers with faster service.
Conversational interfaces will enable travelers to plan nearly every aspect of their trip by voice alone, from booking to hotel arrangements. In addition, conversational interfaces will allow travelers to do these things from apps they’re already familiar with, rather than having to get comfortable with an entirely new platform. Another likely possibility for 2017 is VoiceXML, which is speech recognition technology that goes beyond smartphones. VoiceXML, already available in a limited number of vehicles, allows users to book hotels right from their cars. Chevrolet has teamed up with Priceline to provide this service in some of its newer models; hotels can be booked either through a Priceline agent or via the installed OnStar system. Travel tech continues to revolutionize the industry, and 2017 is on pace to be one of the most technology-driven years for customers and businesses alike. It will be interesting to see what trends will be introduced and if these have the staying power to be used in the industry for years to come. Artificial intelligence (AI) is much more than what we have seen in movies and television. This sophisticated technology has been used by a variety of industries for decades (often reluctantly). Find out how the travel industry has adapted to the widespread popularity of AI and what it could mean for the future of travel. What is artificial intelligence? Artificial intelligence is a programmatic system designed to analyze and interpret specific types of inputs (in the form of raw data) and provide outputs that resemble intelligent, or at least reasonable, conclusions. AI is sometimes mentioned along with big data or machine learning—both of which are similar concepts. Software that uses artificial intelligence performs complex tasks that previously required human intervention, but at a much faster rate. How does AI relate to travel?Artificial intelligence was once seen as a threat to the travel industry, but in recent years, the industry has begun to embrace this technology. Instead of fighting against technology that once threated to take travel agents’ jobs, industry insiders are recognizing how AI can positively impact their interactions with customers. One of the best uses of artificial intelligence in the travel industry has to do with its ability to predict travel-related occurrences, such as security threats and weather incidents. GeoSure CEO Michael Becker—who is responsible for developing an AI app—asserts that artificial intelligence has the capability to predict security threats in nearly every major city worldwide. He believes this technology will ultimately help travelers feel safer, which will therefore increase travel industry revenue. In addition to predicting security and other threats, artificial intelligence is also used for narrowing down the best travel deals, identifying optimal times to plan a trip, optimizing itineraries, and providing detailed information about popular travel destinations. Who benefits most from AI?Artificial intelligence is somewhat impractical for analyzing patterns of the average traveler (as it is best for identifying more frequent occurrences), but for those who travel a lot, AI could prove to be very valuable. For instance, business travelers typically travel more often than leisure vacationers, and they usually repeat the same set of activities. Additionally, business travelers are less restricted by travel prices, since their presence in a specific destination is not flexible. This means that if a businessperson needs to be in Tokyo next week, there is no time to wait for a price drop. Artificial intelligence can also help to create a high-quality experience, and surveys have consistently shown that is what business travelers value most. What are the challenges?According to critics, artificial intelligence currently poses a threat to travel agents. However, these threats can be minimized if travel companies use AI to their advantage by, for example, identifying customer patterns in order to provide better customer service. Major companies such as Expedia, Google, and Apple have already begun to develop AI systems to better understand customer behavior. These companies understand how detrimental it would be to ignore AI, and they are forging ahead in development to avoid a major industry disruption.
While many in the travel industry can see the inherent value in artificial intelligence technology, it still hasn’t been totally embraced. Travel agents in particular have been burned by the technology in the past (they have not fully recovered from the way the Internet revolutionized booking travel, essentially allowing consumers to cut them out of the process). According to Trisept Solutions CEO John Ische, travel agents need to prepare for change by working hard to communicate with their customer base in order to gain a deeper understanding of what customers want and value, which will inevitably leader to higher sales in the long run. As long as leisure travelers dominate the travel industry, artificial intelligence will still have its limitations. With this in mind, the use of AI on a large scale is still impractical because the data simply isn’t there. Even with the slow progress of AI, many companies in the travel industry are incorporating AI into their operations. Industry Forecast predicts that 2017 will usher in more use of artificial intelligence, particularly in the form of apps, software, and bots that will augment travel agent functions. As it stands now, AI is still new and its full potential has yet to be tapped. It will be interesting to see how far AI can expand beyond simply analyzing the data of business travelers and deliver more personalized experiences for all consumers. Technology and travel seem to go hand in hand, and as time goes on, products and services that make travel easier or more fun continue to enter the market. Some of these are practical in nature, such as those which make getting through airport security lines less of a hassle, while others take popular vacation activities such as photography and provide a thrilling experience. In the following, we explore some recent travel tech innovations that are sure to gain popularity over the next year, ranging from new mobile apps to a program that offers faster airport security clearance. 1. car2goAvailable in nine US cities, as well as several international locations, car2go is an on-demand car rental service. The idea behind car2go is that travelers frequently want to land in a new city and get going without all the hassle and paperwork of going through a traditional car rental company. car2go works by allowing consumers to pick up a car without a reservation and secure a vehicle in as little as 30 minutes before they actually need it. What’s even more convenient is that Car2Go charges by the minute, so travelers only pay for how long they actually use the car. Additionally, car2go is available for locals who need to use a vehicle on a temporary basis. Unlike typical car sharing services, car2go does not charge for fuel, parking, or any additional fees. The service is perfect for those who do not own a vehicle or only need access to one every once in a while. The car2go app, which allows users to view and pre-select available vehicles, is currently available for both the Android and iPhone. 2. SphereFor travelers who value virtual tours and an immersive photography experience, Sphere (formerly TourWrist) is the ideal app. Sphere allows users to create and submit panoramic photos and videos through its app, which can then be viewed by other users for a virtual reality type of experience spanning hundreds of destinations. The Sphere website explains the photography process in depth and even offers a demonstration video to help users understand how to best use the platform. Along with the video demo, there are detailed instructions on how to create the best 360-degree panoramic photos, adjustments for specific lighting conditions, as well as helpful hints that will ensure high-quality photos and videos. Creating an account on the Sphere site is free. In addition, the Sphere app is available as a free download in the Apple App and Google Play Store. The app has more robust features and even offers an option for hands-free recording. 3. KnowDelayIf you’ve ever had your flight delayed or vacation plans ruined by inclement weather, then KnowDelay will come in handy on your next trip. KnowDelay is touted as the best way to predict travel delays related to the weather. Considering the fact that the US Department of Transportation indicated that more than 20 percent of flights arrive late and that over half of these are related to adverse weather events, KnowDelay could help travelers immensely. KnowDelay states that it has successfully been able to predict 90 percent of weather-related flight delays. Using the KnowDelay app, travelers can be notified up to three days in advance of their trip, giving them time to make alternate plans if necessary. Additionally, KnowDelay can track flights and notify travelers of anticipated delays prior to booking, which not only saves money, but also frustration. 4. CLEARAvailable in 17 US cities, CLEAR offers yet another way to move through airport security lines faster. The service guarantees that passengers will get through security in less than 5 minutes. For less than $15 per month, travelers can sign up for CLEAR, giving them a guaranteed method of getting through the airport even more quickly than travelers who are a part of the TSA PreCheck program. CLEAR is sanctioned by the TSA, as well, and CLEAR members are escorted to special lanes at the airport. During their time in these dedicated lanes, passengers have their identities biometrically verified, either by an iris or fingerprint scan. The addition of CLEAR lanes is yet another method for dealing with increasingly busy airports throughout the country. CLEAR does not verify passengers’ identities with typical background checks, but instead checks passport and driver’s license information, and asks a series of passenger-specific questions. Passengers verified by CLEAR do not need to present their identification. They can simply keep their wallets put away, and CLEAR will identify them by their eyes or fingerprints. CLEAR even provides faster verification for passengers who are already enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program. These are just a few of the exciting technological advancements that will inevitably gain greater popularity in the coming years. For 2017, tech trade shows such as World Travel Market’s WTM London trade show and the Consumer Technology Association’s CES 2017 will undoubtedly add to the already fascinating world of travel tech. Although the price of airfare has dropped significantly in recent years, many people still prefer to travel by car. Road trips offers travelers the opportunity to experience a variety of sights and landmarks close-up along the way, rather than to simply view them from a distance. From travel-focused mobile apps to in-car technology, the following explores some of the best travel technology available for you to use on your next road trip. 1. TuneIn Radio For long car rides, listening to music from a preset playlist can become repetitive after a while. TuneIn Radio provides you with access to more than 100,000 international radio stations, so the chances that you will become bored are virtually non-existent. From podcasts to concerts to talk shows, there’s likely something to entertain every traveler in the car. The TuneIn radio mobile app is available for Android, iPhone, Blackberry, and Windows smartphones. 2. GlympseWith the majority of people carrying smartphones nowadays, texting and driving has become a major safety issue. Texting and driving is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal in the majority of states. Glympse solves the problem by automatically sharing your location with friends and family, which is particularly helpful when you are sticking to a group itinerary. In order to maintain your privacy, Glympse only sends your GPS location to pre-selected contacts at regular intervals of your choice. This keeps your attention on the road rather than on updating your travel partners via text. Glympse is a free download available for Android and iPhone devices. 3. In-Vehicle TechnologyWith more than 1 billion vehicles on the road, safety has never been a higher priority. Technology has also increased consumers’ demand for more sophisticated safety and entertainment features integrated into their vehicles. The Open Automotive Alliance brings technology and automakers together in order to provide a safe, easy-to-use in-vehicle experience. Many newer model cars have successfully incorporated technology through mobile apps and interactive touch screens. From Apple CarPlay to automaker-specific built-in apps, these cars now have voice capabilities that can be used for everything from making reservations at a favorite restaurant to accessing complex GPS systems. More auto manufacturers are getting on board with in-car technology, and Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Audi are among the front-runners of this type of technology. For road trips, this technology will not only make your trip more enjoyable, but you will likely find the features extremely useful in terms of trip planning. Many in-car systems allow you to gauge fuel levels, as well as to locate gas stations and lodging, along with a host of other helpful functions. 4. My Scenic DrivesWhile GPS technology continues to evolve, there are still some limitations to most location-based mobile map applications. When taking a road trip, the fastest route isn’t always the most desirable, and many map applications fail to account for those who wish to take the scenic route. That’s where My Scenic Drives comes in. Through My Scenic Drives, you simply enter the zip code of your current location, or you can search by state and the specific landmark you want to see. My Scenic Drive then gives you an optimized route that will put you on the direct path to experience national parks, local attractions, historical sites, and more. My Scenic Drives can be accessed on the web, which enables you to use it on any smartphone, regardless of the operating system. 5. Geo GuesserFor passengers in a car, coming up with ways to stay engaged and entertained can be tricky. Geo Guesser is a mobile game that presents you with Google Street View images of nearby areas, then requires you to guess their location. The images, which could be street signs or famous landmarks, can be played alone or with multiple players. Additionally, the settings can be manipulated to focus on certain geographical areas, cities, or countries. Geo Guesser currently only has a dedicated iPhone mobile app, but it can also be accessed from the mobile web with any smartphone or cellular-connected tablet. These are just a few of the technological advancements that can make your next road trip safer and more enjoyable than ever. It’s important that you get some practice in using these apps prior to setting off on a trip in order to become familiar with the features of each one. This will not only save you time during your trip, but it will also eliminate the frustration of trying to master new technology while on the road and minimize distractions. If you are traveling with other people, you may also want to help them to become familiar with the technology so that they can assist you while you drive. Travel industry professionals recently gathered at one of the world’s largest travel technology trade shows, the Travel Tech Show at World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The show, which took place from November 7-9, featured more than 80 events across 12 travel-related sectors moderated by speakers with expertise in travel technology, the media, and other fields. Speakers represented Facebook, Google, and other top social media companies. Here are some highlights from this informative travel technology show. Social Media and Travel Day one of the Travel Tech Show at WTM featured a session titled “YouTube and the Continuing Rise of Video.” Sponsored by Gosh PR and Traverse, the session featured several notable speakers, including comedy vlogger Laura Bubble; digital influencers Evan Edinger, Hannah Witton, and Ana Maria Nica of Gosh PR; and Simon Matthews, CTO of Gosh Digital, a part of Gosh PR. The speakers discussed how YouTube has revolutionized travel with its unique user base and how the number of people who watch YouTube videos continues to rise 100 percent each year. The speakers also discussed how YouTube can help to propel various occupations, including videography and blogging. Following the presentation, a panel discussion was held that offered participants the chance to ask questions and interact with the speakers. Another session titled “WTM & Travel Perspective: Facebook – The Future of Storytelling,” was organized by travel industry leader Travel Perspective. Mark Frary, the founder of Travel Perspective, was on hand to lead the conversation with attendees, as was Neasa Costin, who serves as EMEA Travel Vertical Lead, Global Marketing Solutions for Facebook. Topics included chatbots and how they assist in booking travel, virtual reality as it relates to travel, and travel companies and how they can take advantage of these new technologies. Continuing on the topic of social media, the Social Media in Tourism Master Class was presented by WTM and Travel Perspective. The master class, which was led by Paula Butler and Meryl Levitz of Visit Philly, focused on how the organization has used social media as one of its main promotional tools for bringing tourists to Pennsylvania. Butler and Levitz touched on their experience in the travel industry and what has been effective so far. The master class also gave participants a peek into what is on the travel horizon for 2017. Travel Trends Moreover, the session “Bots, Automation & Messaging and VR Trends in Tourism,” which was held on the final day of the conference, featured prominent speakers including John Newbold of the 383 project, Nick Hiall of DTTT, Sandro Cuzzolin of Amadeus/Travel Audience, Terri Scriven of Google UK, and Henry Stuart of Visualise. Messaging has become extremely important in travel marketing, and many brands are seizing the opportunity to create rich, interactive messaging experiences for their customers. The speakers discussed how quickly messaging has taken off in 2016 and what can be expected going forward. In addition to the actual Travel Tech Show, WTM presented the WTM Forecast Forum: 2016 Industry Report, a press-only event. During this session, WTM executives discussed their 2016 Industry Report, which included perspectives on the travel industry now and in the future. One of the highlights of the discussion was the Global Trends Report, which briefly mentioned supersonic flights possibly coming back into the marketplace. All supersonic flights, such as the Concorde, were retired from service as of 2003. The retirement was spurred by the 2000 Concorde crash in Paris, as well as the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The report indicated that there are several aeronautical firms diligently working to bring supersonic technology back into the travel industry. Responsible Tourism and Travel Safety Discussion centered on travel safety and responsible tourism were another highlight of the Travel Tech Show at WTM. Spread out over the course of the three days of the conference, the discussions were held in conjunction with WTM World Responsible Tourism Day.
A session titled “Safety, Security and Leisure Travel: Can Technology Such as Robots or Artificial Intelligence Help Make Travel and Tourism Safer in Today’s Challenging Times?” was held on the final day of the conference and featured speakers including Richard Singer, president of Travelzoo Europe, Simon Talling-Smith of SurfAir, and Yeganeh Morakabati, associate professor at Bournemouth University. Singer touched on ways that the use of artificial intelligence and robots could make traveling safer for passengers, and there was also discussion in regards to how customers react to robot integration. There is some concern that this sort of technology could be off-putting to consumers concerned about their safety, while other, more technologically savvy consumers are expected to wholeheartedly embrace this technology. In keeping with the discussion on travel safety and responsible tourism, the 2016 Industry Report detailed how political unrest and terrorist attacks have adversely affected certain formerly popular tourist destinations. Countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Egypt have seen sharp declines in tourism revenue, and it is believed that tourists who fear for their safety are staying away from these locations. These are just a few of the many highlights of the three-day Travel Tech Show at WTM. You can find out more about what occurred at the show by visiting the WTM website at www.wtmlondon.com or by reviewing the World Travel Market 2016 Industry Report. |
AuthorBruce Eaton is the president and chief executive officer of i2 Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a hit discovery and lead optimization technology provider serving clients in the pharmaceutical industry. Categories
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