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. 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. |
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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