New York (AirGuide - Travel Technology News North America) Jun 19, 2011
Smartphone sales help shore up Best Buy's profits Best Buy reported a smaller profit decline in its fiscal first quarter than economists had forecast, largely due to an increase in demand for smartphones and tablet computers, the company said. Higher sales of the gadgets helped offset slower sales of televisions and other consumer electronics. The big-box retailer also reiterated its plans to add more stand-alone Best Buy Mobile stores in the U.S., double online revenues and reduce the size of its stores. Jun 15, 2011
3M 3M unveils TV powered via Ethernet connection. 3M has come up with a TV that's powered by Ethernet connection rather than the standard electrical outlet. The company says that Ethernet connections are relatively easy to install, and according to this report, they are more versatile: A single cable would be sufficient for power and Internet access for TVs of the future using such a system. Jun 17, 2011
Air China Air China Limited is now offering online check-in service in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. The recent launch in Air ChinaOs gateways in North America brings to 21 the total number of international cities with web check-in service. Air China has offered online check-in service in more than 60 domestic cities in China for more than two years. International passengers traveling via New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver can log on within three to 24 hours before departure on Air ChinaOs official website, www.airchina.us (www.airchina.ca for Vancouver passengers) to check in online. Air China is the exclusive national flag carrier of the PeopleOs Republic of China. It is the only airline that provides daily nonstop flights to Beijing from Los Angeles. In addition to its Vancouver gateway, Air China also operates daily nonstop flights to Beijing from New York and San Francisco. Jun 14, 2011
Amazon Spammers churn out bogus books for Amazon's online bookstore. Amazon's online Kindle bookstore, according to this report, is being clogged with nontraditional, bogus books that can be quickly published with easily available software and then sold alongside real e-books. One product, called Autopilot Kindle Cash, attracts would-be spammers with claims that they can publish 10 to 20 new Kindle books a day without writing a word. Jun 17, 2011
Amazon Survey: Dell falls short on customer service, Amazon among best. Amazon is No. 1 for average hold time on a call and No. 5 for average response time for an e-mail among the nation's top 10 online retailers, according to a customer-service survey. Barnes & Noble and Dell drew poor ratings. Jun 14, 2011
American Airlines, Samsung American Airlines to provide tablets to some passengers. American Airlines and Samsung have announced that passengers seated in the airline's premium cabins on certain international flights have access to a new Galaxy Tab 10.1 from Samsung. Later this year, the tablets will start to replace the airline's in-flight entertainment system. "American is the first North American airline to offer a branded tablet onboard its aircraft," said Virasb Vahidi, chief commercial officer at American Airlines. Jun 14, 2011
Apple Apple store's concepts can help travel agencies. Richard Turen suggests that travel agents follow Apple's retail-store concept in their offices to enhance customers' experience. Personnel should be friendly -- and not boring, he writes. Jun 15, 2011
Apple Nomura: Samsung, Apple will soon surpass Nokia globally. The Nomura banking and securities firm says Samsung and Apple will soon topple Nokia, which has spent 14 years as the leader in global smartphone share. The Finnish cellphone maker, according to industry observers, might need help from new partner Microsoft to prevent its credit rating from sinking into junk-bond territory. Jun 14, 2011
Apple Apple is sued by iCloud Communications over product name. ICloud Communications filed a lawsuit against Apple shortly after the latter announced that it will roll out a cloud-based service called iCloud. Apple acquired the iCloud name and trademark from Sweden's Xcerion this year, and iCloud Communications reportedly doesn't hold a registered trademark on the name. Jun 13, 2011
Azamara Club Cruises Azamara Club Cruises has relaunched its website at www.AzamaraClubCruises.com. The company said the site offers a Omore intuitive navigationO as well as new graphics, rich videos and destination photography. Edie Bornstein, vice president of sales and marketing for Azamara, said the website is mobile-optimized, so it can be accessed from a smartphone or iPad. The site opens with an interactive globe, which can be spinned by the visitor, who selects the region or port they want to explore. Visitors also can search for a cruise by destination, departure port, month of travel and length of voyage. The new website is integrated with the Azamara booking system reservations can be made online. The website features a navigation menu at the top of the homepage with four headers -- Destinations, Plan Your Voyage, Life Onboard and Community. Along the bottom of the homepage are sliding panels that highlight news, special offers and promotions, and other information. For more information, call 877-999-9553 or visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.com. Travel agents can visit www.CruisingPower.com. Jun 13, 2011
Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises is offering a one-day sale June 21 on almost every sailing from Oct. 1 through April 30, 2013. Guests who book on June 21 put down a deposit reduced by half and will receive up to USD150 onboard credit. Celebrity Xpedition itineraries and chartered sailings are excluded from this promotion. For more information, visit www.cruisingpower.com/public/promotions/promotionDisplay.html?f=celebrity/multi_dest/special_offers/11024250_CEL_SummerSL_1Day_Promo.pdf. Jun 19, 2011
Cheapflights.ca Cheapflights.ca Celebrates Gay Pride Around the World. Celebrated each year in June, Gay and Lesbian Pride Month is revered around the world. Cheapflights.ca, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, joins in the celebrations with its list of Top 10 Destinations to Celebrate Gay Rights paying tribute to cities, states and countries where monumental strides in LGBT rights have taken place. Wonderful considerations for your next getaway, these gay-friendly spots act simultaneously as historical landmarks and present-day vacation destinations. Gay and Lesbian Pride Month originated in the U.S. as a way to commemorate the June 1969 Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village, which sparked the modern LGBT liberation movement in the U.S. However, the gay rights movement is a very global effort. Our complete list of Top 10 Destinations to Celebrate Gay Rights includes the following six US destinations: New York City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Hawaii and Massachusetts. www.cheapflights.ca/travel-tips/top-10-destinations-to-celebrate-gay-rights/. Jun 15, 2011
Cheapflights.com Cheapflights.com Supports Gay & Lesbian Pride Month. In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, Cheapflights.com, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, pays tribute to cities, states and countries where monumental strides in LGBT rights have taken place. While many cities host pride events in June to mark this annual celebration, the destinations on Cheapflights.com's list of Top 10 Destinations to Celebrate Gay Rights are spots that are not only great gay-friendly getaways and hubs for Pride celebrations but are major historical landmarks from the ongoing rights movement. For those looking to take in some of the upcoming festivities for Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, below are five destinations featured in Cheapflights.com's list of Top 10 Destinations to Celebrate Gay Rights with celebrations taking place over the next couple of months. [yen] New York City, US - The Stonewall Riots in New York's Greenwich Village incited the first gay rights movement in the United States in 1969. When police raided a local gay bar that summer, compelled activists around the downtown neighborhood and beyond fought back. Organizations in New York and nationwide formed, and -- to honor the one-year anniversary of the riot -- activists marched from downtown to Central Park in the first-ever gay pride march in the country. Today Greenwich Village, or 'The Village,' offers restaurants, theaters and a thriving art scene cultivated by the liberated men and women who were called to action more than 40 years ago. Search and compare cheap flights to New York to check out New York City Pride Week from June 18 - 26. [yen] Minneapolis, US - Even though the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear their case, Jack Baker and James Michael McConnell stopped at nothing to be married in the state of Minnesota in the 1970s. After the court's ruling, the two men applied for a marriage license in a different county and in 1971 were married before a Methodist minister in Minneapolis. Though unrecognized by many, including the IRS, the couple is a symbol -- and reference for lawyers -- of the fight for marriage equality. And how far Minneapolis has come; The Advocate named it the gayest city in America in 2011. Search and compare cheap flights to Minneapolis to check out the Twin Cities Pride 2011 on June 25 and 26. [yen] San Francisco, US - For decades members of LGBT community have flocked to San Francisco seeking equality and a chance to belong. It was Harvey Milk in the 1970s who encouraged a generation of men and women to mobilize and fight for civil rights and changes in legislation. The first openly gay man elected to office in California, Milk was a beacon for a younger generation and a martyr for homosexuals nationwide. San Francisco mourned after his assassination in 1978, and continues to revere Milk as an icon for the city and the gay rights movement. Search and compare cheap flights to San Francisco to check out SF Pride 2011 on June 25 and 26. [yen] Toronto, Canada - Canada is by far the gay-friendliest country in all of the Americas, having offered civil marriage and legislative rights to members of the LGBT community for years. But equality did not always come so easy for our neighbors to the north. The 1981 bathhouse raid in Toronto enraged so many people in the liberal city that thousands took to the streets to protest the injustice. The city's come a long way since; it was recently picked to host WorldPride, an international celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, in 2014. Search and compare cheap flights to Toronto to check out Toronto Pride Week -- one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world from June 24 - July 3. [yen] Netherlands - The Dutch have it so good. The bicycle is a legitimate mode of transportation; the government doles out vakantiegeld, or vacation money, annually for citizens to use on extended summer travel; and -- of course -- marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples abound. Renowned for being the first country to legalize gay marriage in 2001, the left-leaning Netherlands was voted the largest supporter of same-sex marriage in 2006 by the European Union and is a premier destination for LGBT travelers and residents alike. Search and compare cheap flights to Amsterdam to check out Amsterdam Pride from July 30 - August 7. Athens, Greece; Los Angeles, California; Tel Aviv, Israel; Hawaii and Massachusetts round out the list of gay-friendly and historic spots and make wonderful considerations for your next vacation away. For further details on these destinations and the complete list, visit http://news.cheapflights.com/2011/06/top-10-destinations-to-celebrate-gay-rights/.
Jun 14, 2011
Choice Hotels This summer, Choice Hotels is giving away a free night at over 1,500 Choice hotels. Stay two nights between May 19 and Aug. 11, 2011, and receive enough Choice Privileges points to redeem for a free night at over 1,500 hotels. Early booking receive an additional 20 percent discount. After a second stay between May 19 and Aug. 11, guests receive enough Choice Privileges points to redeem for a free night at more than 1,500 hotels. Stays at MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn locations must be a minimum of two consecutive nights. Elite Platinum and Elite Diamond members can book through any channel. There is a maximum of two free nights per member. For reservations or more information, call 800-4CHOICE or visit www.choicehotels.com. Jun 14, 2011
Definitive Technology Definitive to begin shipping new soundbar series in July. Definitive Technology is sharing details about its upcoming five-channel XTR-SSA5 and three-channel XTR-SSA3 passive soundbars. The ultrathin devices, which are designed for on-wall/on-shelf display, will retail for $999 and $799, respectively. The company will begin shipping the products next month. Jun 16, 2011
Electronic Arts EA says Origin will be a platform-agnostic service. Electronic Arts last week introduced its Origin service, a PC-based offering that allows gamers to download their favorite titles. According to EA General Manager and Senior Vice President Chip Lange, Origin, whose mobile version will debut on devices from Apple, will be a platform-agnostic service that will roll out on Android-based gadgets in the future. Jun 13, 2011
Electronic Arts New gaming feature allows users to share info with passers-by. An unexpectedly popular feature in the new Nintendo 3DS called StreetPass gives the machines a social networking function that enables users to share profile information and game data when they are in close proximity. Electronic Arts says it wants to incorporate the feature into its upcoming "The Sims 3 Pets." Jun 15, 2011
Expedia Egencia Releases 2011 Corporate Travel Global Benchmarking Study and Travel Manager Research. Hotel Average Daily Rates (ADRs) In the first quarter of 2011, hotel ADRs increased in most major business destinations, reversing the downward trends from the previous year. The increase in ADRs can be attributed to the return of corporate demand, reduced scale of new supply, and improved occupancy. In contrast, the meetings & incentive business has yet to recover in several markets, and high fuel prices have cut into some discretionary income. Jun 15, 2011
Expedia Egencia Releases 2011 Corporate Travel Global Benchmarking Study and Travel Manager Research. Focusing on top domestic and international business destinations in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Egencia analyzed industry trends, supplier data and capacity implications in Q1 2011. Additionally, Egencia surveyed nearly 350 travel buyers globally regarding travel program expectations, policies and challenges. The study reveals that average ticket prices (ATPs) for air travel have, on average, increased in North America, decreased in Asia Pacific and increased or decreased in Europe based on destination. Average daily rates (ADRs) for hotel stays have increased in the majority of business destinations, reversing previous trends. Increased ATPs can be largely attributed to rising fuel costs, tightly managed capacity and increased demand in some points of sale. Similarly, ADRs have increased in the majority of business destinations due to an increase in demand, reduction in new supply and improved occupancy rates. Average Ticket Prices (ATPs) North America - As a result of increased cost pressures in Q1 2011, ATPs have increased for most routes departing from North America. These increases can be largely attributed to higher fuel prices, tighter management of capacity, strong demand on major corporate routes, and continued airline consolidation. For travel within North America, ATPs have increased by an average of 13 percent. ATPs for destinations in Europe are up one percent, and down four percent for Asia. Europe - ATPs for European destinations decreased by an estimated four percent YoY, while ATPs to North American destinations increased by eight percent YoY. Increased ATPs can be attributed to rising fuel prices (although the fuel price in Euros hasn't risen as much as the fuel price in USD due to currency fluctuations), tightly managed capacity by airlines, and airline consolidation and alliances. Decreased ATPs can be attributed to overall financial vulnerability of the Euro-zone, increased competition from low cost carriers, increased competition with high speed rail, and slowing demand. APAC - Asia-Pacific represents a mixed air pricing landscape, varying on a market-by-market basis. However, as a whole APAC is averaging a decrease in overall ATPs. Prices for Intra-APAC destinations have decreased by an average of two percent YoY, with prices for North American destinations down by an average of one percent YoY. Decreased ATPs can be attributed to increased competition in the local markets, increased capacity on the majority of routes, and the domestic and international pricing battle for Australia. Increased ATPs can be attributed to the mixed capacity environment for APAC destinations, increased fuel costs, potential of joint-ventures on trans-Pacific routes, and increased demand into India and China. Further insights into Egencia's 2011 Benchmarking study and Travel Manager survey are available upon request. Research Methodology - Forecast and projections are based on the statistical analysis of the past and present industry trends, macroeconomic factors, market research and vendors' capacity forecasts for 2011. Smith Travel Research (STR) and OAG filings were leveraged for a market-level analysis of both Lodging and Air capacity. ARC, STR and Expedia Internal Data were used for market-level analysis of pricing. Jun 15, 2011
Expedia Egencia Releases 2011 Corporate Travel Global Benchmarking Study and Travel Manager Research. Car Rental Rates Per Day (RPD) - In the United States rates per day (RPD) have fallen on average by five percent YoY in Q1 of 2011, and are now back to rates seen in 2008. The decreased RPD can be attributed to the improving supply situation in the marketplace, as financing restrictions become less stringent for vendors. Additionally, larger companies have increased their fleets in anticipation of further industry consolidation. Jun 15, 2011
Google Google debuts features aimed at speeding mobile search. Google unveiled features Tuesday aimed at making searches from desktop computers and mobile devices easier and faster, including a tool called Instant Pages that allows certain pages to pop up almost instantaneously. Search traffic from mobile devices has grown exponentially in the past two years, the company said. Jun 15, 2011
Google Google suspends apps tainted with malware. Google recently suspended 10 applications in its Android Market after learning they were infected with malware. One piece of the malware apparently was embedded in applications that purportedly would help users cheat their way to higher levels of the "Angry Birds" game. Jun 14, 2011
Google Chromebooks are scheduled to go on sale Wednesday. The first two laptops running Google's cloud-based Chrome operating system are available for pre-order at Amazon and Best Buy and are set to go on sale Wednesday. The machines, from Samsung and Acer, are low-priced laptops that store all documents and other data in the cloud, meaning they require an Internet connection for access. Jun 13, 2011
Haptics Haptics to bring virtual "feel" to mobile devices. An emerging technology known as haptics could unlock a slew of new capabilities for smartphones and tablets through its ability to add the same tactile sensations that video game players feel. Haptics, for example, could enable users to detect virtual guitar strings. "It's that feel of a switch going on and off that most people are looking for," said Mike Levin, an executive with haptics startup Pacinian. Jun 17, 2011
Hewlett-Packard Hewlett-Packard reportedly is working on NFC-equipped devices. Hewlett-Packard by the end of this year may begin introducing smartphones and tablet computers that feature near-field communications technology that allows consumers to buy merchandise simply by tapping the devices against posters and cash registers, according to this report. HP certainly isn't the only company looking to get into NFC these days: Google and Isis -- a joint venture among wireless carriers AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA -- soon will begin testing NFC-based payment and coupon services in select cities. Jun 13, 2011
HotCloud Mobile HotCloud Mobile, Inc. to Tap Into the Social Media App Market With Patented Technology. HotCloud Mobile, Inc., a vertically integrated wireless telecommunications company that operates three business units: Products; services; and content, announced today that it will be developing patented apps targeted at the "viral" social media space. Mr. David J. Bleeden, CEO of HotCloud Mobile, Inc., commented, "Demand for wireless services is being driven by consumer income and innovative service offerings, and products that are supported by the ubiquity of the Internet and Internet applications. As a result, the wireless products and services industry has been evolving at a rapid rate. We believe HotCloud is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this rapidly growing market." "With over 400,000 historical customers and 2,000 wholesale clients coming on line, our opportunity to expand and add value per customer is tremendous," stated Mr. Bleeden. "The growth of smartphones like Apple's iPhone and Google's Android phones is exponentially expanding the consumers' ability to communicate in real-time from almost anywhere on the planet. Therefore, in addition to our core business of selling mobile phones, and services, we are also planning to aggressively pursue the creation of value-added apps designed for smartphones. The first step in this process was our partnership with MacroSolve." The apps market is growing exponentially. According to a study by Getjar, it could reach $17.5B by 2012. The Company understands that it is not just about 'technology,' but the mobile environment. HotCloud's products include the latest and newest selection of smartphones, including unlocked phones and the largest selection of cell phone accessories available anywhere on the Internet. The Company offers products from manufactures including Apple, Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola, and Samsung. It offers unlocked phones and/or plans through carriers like AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Nextel. Some quick industry statistics: [yen] $250,000,000 in wireless sales generated daily [yen] Over 1.3 billion wireless handsets sold globally each year [yen] More than 25 billion apps expected to be downloaded by 2015 [yen] Cellphone accessories marketplace at $26.5 billion and expected to double by 2015 [yen] Currently 4.5 billion wireless connections; 3.5 billion mobile data connections [yen] Wireless phone insurance market estimated at $6 billion annually [yen] Mobile devices and PDAs outnumber PCs globally Mr. Bleeden continued, "Carriers are requiring data plans with smartphone purchases now. App growth should continue to be exponential as adoption is basically mandated at this point. With apps, the social media space is where the growth will continue to be in our opinion. Think Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. These businesses have been phenomenal successes, and they just seem to keep growing. Groupon is another, and if you take a look at the buzz surrounding its planned IPO, it's obvious that the industry leaders think the growth is just getting started." According to Facebook, there are more than 250 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices. People who use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice as active on Facebook as non-mobile users. There are more than 200 mobile operators in 60 countries working to deploy and promote Facebook mobile products. "Users are more engaged than ever. The apps that we intend to develop will address 'viral' markets where we see opportunity to generate not only an app sale, but also recurring revenue opportunities for the Company," added Mr. Bleeden. Jun 15, 2011
HotelTravel.com HotelTravel.com is slashing its already low rates for an eclectic series of fantastic events in England this summer, spotlighting each with original travel articles backed up by hotel deals available only on HotelTravel.com. HotelTravel.com Chief Information Officer, Olivier Dombey, said: "These late summer events in England highlight the rich diversity of English culture." Jun 16, 2011
IHS iSuppli Study: Tablets have infotainment potential in cars. Tablet computers, which are primarily designed for content consumption rather than content creation, are an ideal choice for rear-seat infotainment in cars, according to a study by IHS iSuppli. The study went on to say, however, that smartphones still are "the preferential platform for car infotainment" because they can be integrated so well with GPS devices and media players. Jun 17, 2011
InterContinental Hotels InterContinental Hotels Group announced the continuation of its mobile app strategy with iPhone booking apps for each of its seven brands -- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. These new apps provide customers with the functionality to find and book hotel rooms, check rates and view or cancel reservations. The iPhone apps for each brand follow the highly successful release of the InterContinental Concierge Insider Guides app for iPad in December 2010, the Priority Club Rewards app for Android in July 2010, and the Priority Club Rewards app for iPhone in April 2010. In just over a year, IHG has seen a nearly 1,000 percent increase in room night bookings from mobile devices. In the first five months of 2011, IHG has already surpassed its 2010 total number of room night bookings from mobile devices. Most guests -- 65 percent -- who book through a mobile device are staying at IHG hotels the same night or within one day. To cater to this guest, the new booking apps for each of the seven brands include location aware capabilities to assist guests in booking hotels close to their location and navigating to the property. The IHGOs iPhone apps for each of its hotels brands are now available in English at the iPhone app store. For more information, visit www.ihg.com. Jun 17, 2011
Kayak.com Las Vegas is most-searched destination for summer on Kayak.com. Travel-booking website Kayak.com says that, with planning for the summer season in full swing, Las Vegas has been its most-searched destination for hotels. The most-searched hotel has been the Luxor, followed by the MGM Grand, Excalibur, Circus Circus and Venetian. Observers say it's a sign travelers are seeking out the more budget-friendly hotels. Las Vegas also ranks high as a summer destination on Orbitz.com. Jun 16, 2011
LightSquared Tests show LightSquared's network disrupts GPS signal strength. Deane Bunce of the National PNT Engineering Forum said that LightSquared's proposed mobile broadband network disrupted the signal strength to all global-positioning system devices that were tested, but the severity varied. The new government tests are the latest setback to the company's plans to roll out a new network. Jun 14, 2011
Microsoft Microsoft has a change of heart on Kinect hacking. Microsoft, which originally rebuffed hackers for altering the intended uses of the company's Kinect gaming peripheral, now appears to be embracing the idea. The company has released a Windows 7-compatible test version of the Kinect software as a way of letting third-party developers and researchers see where they can take the hands-free system. Jun 17, 2011
Microsoft Xbox sales were up 39% last month, Microsoft says. Contrary to what's going on in the video game industry as a whole, sales of Microsoft's Xbox 360 rose 39% last month, to 270,000 units, according to the company. An NPD Group report found that overall gaming hardware sales fell 5%, to $228.9 million, and software receipts dipped 19%, to $375.8 million. Jun 14, 2011
Motorola Mobility Motorola set-top streams live TV to connected devices. Motorola Mobility has unleashed a set-top box, Televation, that links with a user's router and a coax hookup to stream live TV programming to in-home connected devices such as smartphones and tablets. Televation converts the signal to MPEG-4 via a CableCard and 1 GHz digital tuner inside the box, which uses an IP network to stream the content around the home. Jun 15, 2011
myscenicdrives.com myscenicdrives.com Launches Fully-Integrated Free Road Trip PlannerSEATTLE, June 14, 2011 . Just in time for this summerOs road trip adventures, myscenicdrives.com has released a fully-integrated road trip planner. The free planner offers the ability to create personalized and detailed itineraries for day trips, weekend getaways or cross-country adventures. Customize trips with an unlimited number of destinations using interactive maps, integrated search and myscenicdrives.comOs ever-growing list of scenic drives and recommended stops. Edit, save and share trips with an easy-to-use interface. Print or export your plan to a wide variety of GPS devices. For multi-day trips, the planner automatically divides your excursion into comfortable daily itineraries and offers the ability to search and book nearby accommodations all through myscenicdrives.com. The latest addition to myscenicdrives.comOs features, the road trip planner makes hitting the road easy and fun again. A different road trip awaits on myscenicdrives.com. Jun 14, 2011
Netflix Analyst: Average family has 10 devices able to stream Netflix. The average family has 10 devices that allow streaming of movies and television shows from Netflix, reflecting the company's move to increase gadgets that are streaming-capable, said analyst Dan Rayburn. Content from Netflix is available on about 250 devices. Jun 15, 2011
Nintendo Nintendo executive distances Wii U from tablets. Nintendo's Wii U gaming system, which will debut in 2012, is not a mobile device and should not be confused with a tablet computer, says Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America. "We were well in development before the ... birth of tablets and, again, to be clear, this is not a tablet," he said. "It is a connected experience to the base console. It talks with the base console. It interacts with other Wii accessories whether that is a Wii Remote Plus or a Wii Balance Board. So it has very different functionality compared to a tablet." Jun 13, 2011
Priceline Priceline has added a hotel bid alert feature to its Winning Bids service. The Winning Bids shows successful Name Your Own Price hotel bids made in the past by other priceline.com customers. Winning Bids show the city, neighborhood, bid amount, estimated percentage savings, and how long ago the bid was made. Now, if you don't see a winning bid that works for you, you can create a personalized Hotel Bid Alert by entering your desired city, neighborhood, hotel star level (or levels) and bid amount. When someone does get that deal, priceline.com will send you an email alert, so you can try yourself. Jun 15, 2011
RadioShack RadioShack adds e-reader Kindle to its shelves. RadioShack is selling Amazon's Kindle at its brick-and-mortar stores. The move adds the electronics retailer to a growing list of merchants that sell the e-reader, including Wal-Mart Stores, Best Buy and Costco Wholesale. Jun 14, 2011
Redbox Redbox rolls out video games in 21,000 kiosks. Redbox today will start offering video games at 21,000 kiosks across the country. The games, which will cost $2 each to rent, will be available for the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms and will include titles such as "Brink," "Call of Duty: Black Ops," "Family Party: 90 Great Games," "Just Dance 2" and "Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game." Jun 17, 2011
Sabre Sabre helps ReviewPro launch social media monitoring tools for hotels. Spanish firm ReviewPro is opening access to its social media monitoring tools to some 12,000 hotels in 60 countries through a partnership with Sabre Hospitality Solutions. The reputation management suite includes a guest satisfaction index for each property, semantic analysis of online reviews and indexing services. Jun 17, 2011
Samsung Samsung Mobile Seals Landmark Agreement with American Airlines to Provide Galaxy Tab* 10.1 for Premium Class In-Flight Entertainment. Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.1, today announced that American Airlines will offer Galaxy Tab* 10.1 mobile tablets for premium class in-flight entertainment. American Airlines plans to deploy 6,000 of the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 devices onboard select flights beginning later this year. The tablets will replace the airlineOs current personal entertainment device in AmericanOs premium cabins on transcontinental flights between New YorkOs JFK and Los Angeles, JFK and San Francisco, and Miami and Los Angeles served with 767-200 and 767-300 aircraft; international flights to and from Europe and South America served with 767-300 aircraft; and transcontinental flights departing from Boston to Los Angeles served with 757 aircraft. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 combines the Android platform, ultra-slim, lightweight design, a brilliant 10-inch touchscreen and array of applications enhancing the in-flight entertainment experience for travelers onboard American Airlines. Jun 13, 2011
Southwest Airlines How "Airline" got Southwest blogging. Southwest Airlines' involvement in the A&E reality show "Airline" inspired the company to get involved in social media marketing and customer service, says Christi McNeil, a social media specialist with the company. "Airline" taught Southwest the value of surrendering control to tell engaging stories, and that's an insight the company carried forward into its early social media campaigns. "We really tried to take some of those stories ... and share them with our customers," McNeil says. Jun 13, 2011
Sprint Nextel Assurance Wireless to Aid Kentucky Residents Facing Economic Hardship with Free Cell Phone and Wireless Service. Today, Assurance Wireless, a cell phone service from Sprint that provides a free wireless phone and 250 free minutes of wireless voice service monthly to eligible customers, introduces its services to Kentucky residents. The U.S. Census Bureau reported1 that the percentage of Americans living in poverty increased by 14.3 percent in 2009 -- the highest rate of poverty in 15 years. An additional 4 million Americans found themselves in poverty in 2009, bringing the total to 44 million. More than 211,600 Kentucky residents are currently without a job and more than 18.6 percent are living below the federal poverty line. Assurance Wireless gives eligible customers the ability to provide a contact number and return calls to a prospective employer, which, studies show, can improve the chances of securing employment. According to a nationwide survey from Assurance Wireless*, adults with an income of less than $25,000 are as likely to use their mobile phone for employment searches as those with higher incomes. In addition to a voice mail account3 and call waiting, Assurance Wireless provides caller ID and access to 911 in case of emergency. Beyond the free 250 voice minutes, customers can choose from other options to pay for additional minutes, texting, international calling and more at competitive rates. Customers eligible for Assurance Wireless include those who participate in Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program. Supporting documentation is required to prove eligibility. Eligible residents can apply for Assurance Wireless by downloading an application from www.assurancewireless.com or by calling (toll-free) 1-800-395-2171 Jun 16, 2011
Sprint Nextel Lookout Inks Deal With Sprint, Launches Safe Browsing Service. While consumers are trained to look for tell-tale signs of a phishing attack on the desktop, spotting a scam from a mobile e-mail program or browser can be a lot more difficult. ItOs often hard to tell where a link will take you before clicking and there is no Ogreen barO to tell you that a site is indeed who it purports to be. Lookout Mobile Security, a software company that specializes on smartphone security, is announcing on Wednesday its effort to make browsing on mobile devices a little safer. The new Osafe browsingO feature works by checking all links against its cloud-based database, including those within text messages, Facebook and e-mail messages and offering a warning when users click on a link suspected of being a scam. The company began developing the feature as a proof of concept back in February and on Wednesday it is being added as part of LookoutOs premium paid service.
Lookout points to a recent study that shows that mobile users are three times more likely to submit their login information on a mobile device as they are from the desktop, where they are better trained and have better tools to determine which links are safe. Many desktop browsers have their own safe-browsing tools with features similar to those Lookout is bringing to Android. Separately, Lookout is also announcing a deal with Sprint in which its app will be featured from within the Sprint tab of the Android Market as well as within the Sprint Zone app. Jun 15, 2011
Sprint Nextel Sprint Partners with Lookout to Offer Customers Mobile Security Protection. With more than 73.3 million people in the United States1 owning smartphones and using it for business and entertainment, it is crucial for customers to protect the information on their devices from theft, loss, mobile malware, phishing attempts and malicious websites. Sprint announced today that it is partnering with Lookout Mobile Security to give its customers the ability to download an application to help protect the important information stored on their smartphone or tablet. Sprint customers can easily download the Lookout Mobile Security application from the Android Market by clicking on Lookout Mobile Security within Sprint Zone or the Sprint Tab in the Android Market. Customers can find Sprint Zone as an icon on their device2. Lookout offers a free or trial option for consumers that blocks viruses, malware and spyware. In addition to backing up and restoring contacts, the application can pinpoint a lost or stolen phone on a map and emit a loud alarm to pinpoint the deviceOs exact location. Jun 15, 2011
Sprint Nextel New York City, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Atlanta: Sprint programs awarding more than $50,000 to outstanding local non-profits now open for applications. Sprint is now accepting applications for the Sprint Community Champions Program and Sprint Local Giving Program. In total, these programs will award four grants to New York City-area non-profit organizations this year, totaling $57,500. This is the third year Sprint has offered these programs to New York non-profits. Sprint Local Grant Program [ETH] recognizing two New York City non-profit organizations with $25,000 Sprint Foundation grants. Jun 14, 2011
Sprint Nextel Sprint may be going down a wireless rabbit hole. Two weeks ago, Sprint Nextel Corp. submitted a feisty argument on why the proposed $39 billion purchase of T-Mobile by AT&T Inc. would be bad for the industry and for consumers. In its 300-plus pages submitted to the Federal Communications Commission, Sprint S +1.33% , via two highly paid law firms, argued that the deal will take the wireless industry back Oinexorably toward a 1980s-style duopolyO of twin Bells, resulting in fewer choices and higher prices for consumers. While asking regulators to block the deal, Sprint said the claims AT&T made in its application have Oan Alice in WonderlandO-like quality. Jun 14, 2011
Sprint Nextel American Express rolling out first prepaid card. American Express is rolling out its first prepaid card aimed at the general market on Tuesday as it moves to stake a claim in the growing industry. The announcement marks a notable departure for the company, which is known for catering to a more affluent clientele with its signature green charge cards. Prepaid cards, which are often sold in drugstores and can be reloaded with cash, are usually marketed to low-income consumers who don't have credit cards or checking accounts. But Amex is betting that its newest offering will find appeal among a broader swath of consumers. American Express says its prepaid card pares down the number of fees that users often encounter. The Amex card only charges two fees: 1. To load money on the card at retailers such as Walmart and Walgreens, consumers pay $4.95. There is no fee to transfer money onto the card through a checking or savings account. 2. The other fee is for ATM withdrawals. Cardholders get one free withdrawal a month, and are charged $2 per withdrawal thereafter. The simplified costs are in contrast to the long list of fees that can come with other prepaid cards. Some cards charge a monthly fee, for example, or $1 or more for every transaction. Other cards charge fees to speak with a customer service representative. The Amex prepaid card can be ordered online at no cost. When it becomes available in retail locations later this year, the card will come with a purchase fee of about $5. Jun 13, 2011
TiVo With new set-tops and iPad app, TiVo looks for better cable bonding. Looking to enhance its reputation in the cable provider community, TiVo has announced the introduction of two new set-top options: the Premiere Q quad-tuner gateway device and the Preview, the company's first non-DVR HD unit. TiVo also has enhanced its iPad app for better integration with cable video services. Jun 13, 2011
tradeshownews.com Breaking News From Key Tradeshows and Conferences Available Online At www.tradeshownews.com. As the recognized global leader in event news release distribution, Business Wire hosts dedicated Online Media Centers for hundreds of events worldwide at www.tradeshownews.com . The following is a listing of hyperlinks to Business Wire Online Media Centers for upcoming events between June 13 through August 14, 2011: InfoComm 2011 NRF Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO 2011 CableNET 2011 LICENSING International Expo 2011 NCTA The Cable Show 2011 West & Central Africa Com 2011 International Supercomputing Conference 2011 DIA 2011 Paris Air Show 2011 Twitter Feed - http://twitter.com/#!/BW_ParisAirShow CE Week BroadcastAsia2011 CommunicAsia2011 CEA Line Shows 2011 Twitter Feed - http://twitter.com/#!/BW_CEALineShows 2011 BIO International Convention CONNECTIONS Digital Living Conference & Showcase 2011 2011 SINOCES Cisco Live 2011 Intersolar North America 2011 FOSE 2011 Comic-Con 2011 China Game Developers Conference 2011 Drug Discovery 2011 CompTIA Breakaway 2011 SIGGRAPH 2011 SpeechTEK 2011 CRM Evolution 2011 For a complete listing of past and future event news go to www.tradeshownews.com . For more information on Business WireOs suite of event news release distribution services, click here. Business Wire allows you to create free, custom Web, RSS, and email-based news feeds from hundreds of industry options, dozens of subject categories and thousands of geographic preferences as well as by specific company filters. In addition, subscribers have access to exclusive content to experts, company profiles, email alerts, survey services and other media services. Jun 13, 2011
TravelClick Hotels should maintain, monitor their social media sites. Columnist Caryn Eve Murray says it's important for hotels using social media to market to international guests to be well-informed of such things as those countries' religious holidays, politics and currency values. Allocating funds to maintain social media is also important, says John Hach, TravelClick's senior vice president for global product management. "Someone on property needs to have that as part of their over-arching responsibilities," said Kristi White, also from TravelClick. Jun 13, 2011
Travelmatch Travelmatch: "Checkpoint of the Future" to Ease Airport Stress. Travelmatch Says That the "Checkpoint of the Future"Unveiled by the International Air Transport Association Will Reduce Stress at the Airport. Airport security is set to change dramatically in the next few years thanks to the "Checkpoint of the Future", officially unveiled last week at the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) annual meeting. This next generation check-in system will funnel fliers through a new streamlined security system, this will mean quicker check-ins for most travellers. Online travel provider travelmatch.co.uk says this will make going through security at the airport a much less taxing experience. Each tunnel of the futuristic looking three-lane checkpoint will be fitted with screening technology that will allow passengers to be scanned as they walk through the security without having to remove clothes, jewellery or unpack their belongings. According to IATA, for most travellers security "pat downs" will be a thing of the past as after being scanned they will be able to walk right through to the departure lounge without delay. The new system will also allow travellers to get through security at a much faster pace. Passengers will be asked to present their travel documents after which they will be assigned a passenger "type". They will be then sent down one of three lanes: known traveller, normal and enhanced security. Known travellers, such as pilots and frequent travellers, will have to register and complete background checks with the authorities before they are granted expedited access. Normal, yet still speedy, screening would apply for the majority of travellers who undertake occasional travel, such as holidays to Goa or Cyprus. Some passengers will still have to pass through an additional level of screening in the third tunnel. Jun 14, 2011
Travelocity Travelocity Finds Procrastinators May Pay More for Fourth of July Airfare, Should Look to Offset Costs Through Hotel Values. TravelocityOs new Travel Pricing Barometer shows procrastinating may cost travelers who havenOt yet booked Fourth of July weekend air travel. It also highlights which destinations offer the best hotel deals over the holiday weekend in order to offset those rising costs. Four years of historical airfare data (2007 [ETH] 2010) show fares will remain consistent until one week before the holiday weekend (June 23 [ETH] 29 in 2011) when prices have historically jumped 10 percent. Based on the Travel Pricing Barometer, travelers should book their holiday weekend airfare as soon as possible and no later than June 22. Travelers looking for a deal this Fourth of July weekend should keep in mind the average domestic round-trip airfare is $388, up seven percent from the holiday weekend in 2010. OTravelers still shopping can use the average price as a gauge to know if theyOre getting a decent fare,O said Genevieve Shaw Brown, Editorial Director at Travelocity and creator of the Travel Pricing Barometer. She cautions, ODonOt get so fixated on cheap flights that you neglect the other elements of your trip. Though thereOs not much wiggle room in airfare pricing over a holiday weekend, thereOs a lot more opportunity to find hotel deals.O Brown suggests booking vacation packages and using Top Secret Hotels as ways to save over the upcoming holiday weekend. Average Daily Rate (ADR) is $144, up nine percent from 2010. She also points to the abundance of added-value offers such as free nights and room upgrades being offered this summer. Travelocity has over 50,000 added-value offers and rates up to 45 percent off as part of its summer hotel sale. Jun 14, 2011
U.S. Cellular U.S. Cellular Launches First Windows Phone 7 Handset(R). The happiest customers in wireless have one more reason to smile. On June 14, U.S. Cellular (NYSE:USM - News) will expand its device portfolio with the addition of the HTC 7 Pro, the carrier's first Windows 7 smartphone. The handset is available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate along with a data plan purchase. The HTC 7 Pro is ideal for those who want to complete tasks on the go while getting their fill of entertainment too. One glance at the start screen tells you what's going on. Animated live tiles can show pending messages and appointments, news and weather, or game and friend status all refreshed wirelessly via the Web. Users can also easily view, edit, share and sync Office(R) documents thanks to superior integration of familiar Office applications. Texting, e-mailing and social media updates are made easy with the HTC 7 Pro's 3.6-inch tilted touchscreen and slide out QWERTY keyboard. The HTC 7 Pro boasts other cool features like a digital compass, GPS and a 5.0 megapixel autofocus camera with flash. Gaming enthusiasts can score big with the Xbox LIVE(R) integration, while movie and music lovers will appreciate the built-in FM radio and access to NetFlix(R), Zune(R) and thousands of other applications. Several of U.S. Cellular's value-packed national plans are a perfect fit for smartphone users. The $79.99 Primary Plus Plan is the best value in wireless and offers 5GB of data with unlimited text, picture and video messaging. The plan also comes with 450 voice minutes, free incoming calls, free nights and weekends and free mobile-to-mobile calls. A family of four who switches to U.S. Cellular and joins the happiest customers in wireless can save more than $1,000 a year with the company's Premium Plus family plan. The whole family can get the latest smartphones to download apps and keep up with friends, the latest news and favorite social networks. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and all devices are backed by the carrier's high-speed nationwide network. For more information about all of U.S. Cellular's deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook. The HTC 7 Pro is available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. Purchase of a data plan is required, and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply. Jun 13, 2011
VEGAS.com The travel experts at VEGAS.com, the world's number one city travel website with the top Las Vegas Hotels and Las Vegas Shows, and Mexico.com, the full-service site that helps travelers with booking Mexico vacations, have outlined some of this week's exclusive and limited-time only travel deals. Harrah's - 20% Off Your Stay. Book a room marked with the 20% Off Your Stay offer at Harrah's for a minimum of two nights between now and Dec. 29, 2011, for stay dates between now and Dec. 29, 2011, and receive 20% off your stay. As an added bonus, travelers will receive a voucher booklet at check-in containing over 100 pages of offers. Venetian - 10% Off Your Stay. Book a room marked with the 10% Off Your Stay - Nonrefundable Rate offer at Venetian at least 60 days in advance between now and Dec. 29, 2011, for stay dates between now and Dec. 29, 2011, and receive 10% off your stay. Brad Garrett's Comedy Club - Ticket Upgrade Special For a limited time only, save on VIP or general admission seating and receive a free T-shirt with VIP seating tickets when you book select Brad Garrett's Comedy Club tickets on VEGAS.com. Guests save $5 per ticket! Jun 14, 2011
Visit Florida Visit Florida, the stateOs official tourism marketing corporation, announced the review of its advertising and digital service business in the subject matter areas of brand creative, media buying and planning and co-op marketing; digital creative shop, media buying and planning; co-op creation and SEM contractor; website design, hosting and SEO; back-end publishing; digital ad operation, hosting and distribution; digital media sales; web, social, mobile and widget application development; social media; and ecommerce. Interested candidates are encouraged to bid on partial, whole or multiple Invitations to Negotiate, which may be downloaded at www.visitflorida.org/ITN. The deadline for intentions to submit for the digital service ITNs is June 27, 2011, and July 6, 2011 for the advertising ITNs. The deadline for submissions for the digital service ITNs is July 25, 2011, and Aug. 3, 2011 for the advertising ITNs. Additional ITNs in public relations and multicultural consulting will be issued in the near future. In February, Visit Florida announced they had selected Digital DNA Infusion, LLC to develop a needs assessment, and digital media and customer relationship management vendor selection process, as part of a periodic review of existing relationships. The principals at Digital DNA Infusion include David Atkins, who helped found Expedia and is a leader in digital innovation and travel, and John Atkins, who has 15 years of product management experience in the digital media industry. Together with Visit Florida staff, they developed a needs assessment and the digital media ITNs now being released. For more information, visit www.visitflorida.org. Jun 13, 2011
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