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. Comments are closed.
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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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