Hotels have been at the forefront of offering guests ways to interact with innovative technologies for decades. When the popularity of television was starting to peak, many families did not have their own televisions. However, in 1947, The Roosevelt Hilton in New York City became the first hotel in the world to install TVs in guest rooms. Guests were excited to experience the new technology during their stays.
At that time TV was a sought-after amenity – fast forward to now, and many guests don’t even turn them on. Technology has come a long way since then and hotel companies are seeking new ways to stay on the cutting edge of the digital movement. Today, wearable technology is looking like the solution for smoother hotel workflows and better guest experiences.
The use of mobile technology is an obvious solution for on-the-go travelers who can’t be bound to locations by equipment and wires. Smartphones are one of the most popular mobile devices. A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that 64 percent of American adults now own a smartphone – making them a new normal. Smartphones contributed to our country’s increased technology use and dependency. Technology has become a part of who people are today. Devices and services like mobile phones, in-room tablets, and social media have changed the way people interact in their day-to-day lives.