There’s another technological change swooping into the industry, and it’s arriving in the form of a mini, rectangular device called the Apple Watch.
For those of us that don’t follow new tech as closely as we’re suppose to – the Apple Watch is the first new device to be launched by the Apple brand since 2011.
As the name suggests, the much-anticipated device is a mini, rectangular device that wraps around the wrist like a watch.
But it is so much more.
Think iPhone meets iPad meets fitness tracker meets Justin Timberlake levels of coolness.
Like a watch, it is controlled by a digital crown (the dial also found on the side of regular watches).
It can tell you the time, the weather and all the basics on a regular modern-day time telling device.
And here’s where it gets interesting.
The Apple Watch is capable of taking your vitals such as your heart rate.
Like the iPhone, users are able to send and receive messages as well as make and receive phone calls.
There’s also Internet capabilities and a notifications tool that can tell you a sports score, news update, Facebook message or text message.
And while this is all amazing, you’re probably now wondering, so how does this impact travel?
Well, according to Apple the device is not only a communication and time-telling device it’s also a room key.
That’s right, it has the capability of acting as a key for hotel guests.
Kevin Lynch, Apple’s VP of Technology said Apple Watch users can program their devices to notify them when they’re approaching their hotel.
Upon arrival, the device will then display all the information required for check-in including confirmation number and even room number.
“You can see these are really rich notifications; they have images, they have great typography and rich layout and it not only looks great and reflects the brand and the company, but it also makes it easier for you to understand very quickly and you can act on these.”
Kevin Lynch, Apple Vice President of Technology
Once in the hotel, guests can then make their way to the hotel room and press ‘unlock your door’. Users then wave the watch infront of the room door and it will unlock.
The company is yet to confirm which hotels have been signed up to trial the system.
But that’s not the only cool change coming to travel.
Much like the iPhone and iPad, the Apple Watch will have its very own apps.
Air New Zealand announced today it is the first New Zealand-based company to launch an app for the device when it comes out next month.
The app will allow passengers to check flight information and notifications on the wrist device.
This includes checking for boarding calls, a departure countdown feature and their electronic boarding pass.
Those eligible for lounge access will even be able to order barista made coffee at some of the airline’s lounges straight from their wrist.
Chief Information Officer, Julia Raue said the airline is continuously looking for new ways to enhance the customer experience and keeping up with digital technology ‘plays a key role’.
“Our new Apple Watch app will allow us to provide real time flight updates to our customers in a unique way.”
Julia Raue, Air New Zealand Chief Information Officer
She said the app was developed by the company’s in-house team, who visited the Apple team in California regularly.
Apple has announced the Apple Watch will be available for sale from 24 April to customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US.
No sale date has yet been announced for New Zealand. Air New Zealand expects its updated iPhone and Watch app to be available in line with these release dates.
Uber is also expected to have an app for the new piece of communication tech along American Airlines, Instagram, TripAdvisor and Expedia.