All articles tagged with #travel technology
Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 feature live translation, promising to revolutionize travel by enabling seamless communication across languages, though concerns about over-reliance on AI and potential impacts on language learning remain.
Apple is introducing a new feature called "Share Item Location" for its AirTags, allowing users to share the location of their tagged items with airlines to help recover lost luggage. This update, part of an upcoming iOS release, will initially involve partnerships with 15 airlines, including Delta and United. The feature aims to streamline the process of locating and returning mishandled bags, addressing a common frustration among travelers who often know more about their lost luggage's location than the airlines themselves.
Airlines may soon find it easier to track lost luggage as Apple is reportedly testing a new feature in its iOS that allows third-party access to AirTag tracking information. This could enable airport and airline staff to locate bags in real-time, potentially improving recovery rates. The feature, currently in beta, allows users to share item locations via a link, even with non-Apple devices, although the link expires after a week or once the item is recovered. This development comes as airlines continue to struggle with high rates of mishandled baggage post-pandemic.
IHG Hotels & Resorts now allow guests to use AirPlay to stream content from their iPhones directly to the TV at select hotel locations. For those not staying at an IHG property, using dongles like Roku or Fire TV sticks with AirPlay compatibility is an option, but may require removing the hotel TV's control box. Streaming an Android phone to a hotel TV is similar, with some hotels already having built-in Chromecasts, while others may require bringing your own dongle and following similar steps to connect and cast content.
Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport is testing a new self-service screening lane that could revolutionize airport security, allowing passengers to go through security with minimal contact. The lane features multiple sensors and a virtual call with a TSA agent, as well as an all-glass scanner for passengers. While the system is currently being tested and not yet available at other airports, it aims to improve the airport travel experience by reallocating TSA officers to busier aspects of the screening process and providing additional convenience for travelers.
Expedia Group plans to reduce its workforce by 1,500 jobs, approximately 8% of its employees, as part of a restructuring effort. The travel technology company, which operates Expedia.com and owns brands like Vrbo and Hotels.com, expects this move to result in $80-100 million in pre-tax charges and cash expenditures, primarily for employee severance and compensation benefit costs. The company's stock was down nearly 1% during Monday's trading session, but rose by about 0.67% in after-hours trading.
Tourists can now use an AI drone, the HOVERAir X1, to follow them around and take pictures, eliminating the need for a selfie stick. The lightweight device uses AI and gesture control to track and record users, offering modes such as stationary hovering, following, and bird's eye aerial shots. Priced at £419, it provides a hands-free alternative to traditional selfie sticks and is likely to appeal to influencers and travelers seeking professional-quality holiday photos.
Finland has become the first country in the world to introduce digital passports, launching a pilot project in collaboration with Finnair, the Finnish police, and Finavia. The digital passport is a mobile application that allows travelers to store and present their passport information on their smartphones, aiming to make travel faster, smoother, and more secure by reducing the need for physical documents and human interaction. Other countries are also developing or implementing digital passport projects, and digital passports are expected to become more common in the future.
Google Flights is introducing a new feature that leverages historical trend data to help travelers determine the cheapest time to book flights. The insights will inform users whether it's better to book now or wait for lower prices, based on past price trends for their chosen destination and selected dates. The feature complements existing insights on price comparisons and offers price tracking and a price guarantee badge for select itineraries. Google also shared flight booking trends for 2023, revealing that average prices for Christmas flights have been lowest 71 days before departure, and there is no longer a "sweet spot" for U.S. trips to Europe.
Expedia has launched a new ChatGPT-powered trip-planning feature in its mobile app, allowing customers to begin an open-ended conversation with the bot to get recommendations on destinations, sites, accommodations, and transportation. The tool is in the beta testing phase and will be tweaked as the company assesses how well it works and gains feedback from users. Expedia already uses AI and machine learning throughout its platform in myriad ways, including assisting in travel options, booking, pricing, and trip changes.
Expedia has launched a new "conversational trip planning" feature in its iOS app, powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT. The beta testing phase feature allows users to have conversations with the program and get recommendations on where to go, where to stay, what to do and more. Hotels mentioned during the conversation are automatically saved in the app, making it easier for users to start choosing dates, checking availability, and adding on flights, cars or activities. The feature is currently only available in English and for iOS users with an Expedia account.
Expedia has launched a new chatbot tool powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT, allowing users to get recommendations on destinations, hotels, transportation, and activities. The tool is available in the Expedia app and automatically favorites hotels it recommends in the conversation. Expedia's ChatGPT integration is one of many that have launched in the wake of OpenAI's API for third party developers. The feature is currently in beta and is globally available on iOS.
Google has introduced three new features to its search engine to make it easier for users to research hotels, book flights, and discover things to do while on vacation. The most notable feature is the "price guarantee" badge for flights, which means that Google believes the price you see won't get any lower. If the price drops after you book, Google will refund the difference via Google Pay. The company is also introducing a new way for users to browse hotels on mobile and making it easier to find things to do on vacation.