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iPhone Replaces Hotel Room Keys in New Pilot Program
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I like this. Last year I destroyed two of my hotel card keys with my iPad Mini because of the magnets in it. 
I was lucky that I was with someone else, otherwise it would have been annoying. Try getting locked out of your hotel room at 3AM.
Would gladly use my iPod Touch instead of having to ask for new cards every time they stop working.
I was lucky that I was with someone else, otherwise it would have been annoying. Try getting locked out of your hotel room at 3AM. Would gladly use my iPod Touch instead of having to ask for new cards every time they stop working.
Been There. Done that. Wouldn't have helped!
If youve ever locked yourself out of your hotel room in your underwear, no technology makes getting back in any easier... or less embarrassing.
I like this. Last year I destroyed two of my hotel card keys with my iPad Mini because of the magnets in it.
Would gladly use my iPod Touch instead of having to ask for new cards every time they stop working.
It's quite strange that their cards would be designed so poorly... Credit cards are known to require incredibly powerful magnets (far more than an iPad mini) to have any effect on the data. There was a MythBusters episode about it.
Credit cards aren't designed to be erased and re-written. Hotel key cards are so it doesn't take nearly as powerful of a magnet to wipe one.
I was a frequent flier/stayer for 10 years (several hundred trips); while this might be *nice* it's hardly serving a real need.
For those of you who don't travel or do it infrequently:
Check in: Walk up to desk, exchange pleasantries, exchange info/payment info, get swipe card for room. Takes about 15 - 20 seconds if you're on top of things, maybe a minute otherwise. Typically there's no line.
Check out: Look at the paper bill that they've slid under your door at 4AM, make sure it's right (it will be) and keep it because that's what your expense report needs, and walk out.
That's it.
Now, going to resorts/Las Vegas will be different, but that wasn't mentioned in the article.
So, if it's not really a huge benefit to the customer, it must be a benefit somehow to the hotel. Perhaps they're going to install beacons into rooms, workout facilities, the restaurant and bars and track you as you move inside the hotel.
For those of you who don't travel or do it infrequently:
Check in: Walk up to desk, exchange pleasantries, exchange info/payment info, get swipe card for room. Takes about 15 - 20 seconds if you're on top of things, maybe a minute otherwise. Typically there's no line.
Check out: Look at the paper bill that they've slid under your door at 4AM, make sure it's right (it will be) and keep it because that's what your expense report needs, and walk out.
That's it.
Now, going to resorts/Las Vegas will be different, but that wasn't mentioned in the article.
So, if it's not really a huge benefit to the customer, it must be a benefit somehow to the hotel. Perhaps they're going to install beacons into rooms, workout facilities, the restaurant and bars and track you as you move inside the hotel.
I'm travelling. A LOT. One benefit would be to not have to have a room key. The phone (which you always carry) will be the key.
If i'm at a beach hotel, I leave my phone in the room because I don't want it laying out or hidden in 80+ degree weather, with sand, and possible water nearby. I also don't want it stolen when I go into the ocean.
I also see this being a security issue with people walking around with BT scanners, then breaking into your room and stealing stuff.
If they are going to do this, then at least have them enter a 4 digit pin or use the finger sensor to authenticate this.
I also see this being a security issue with people walking around with BT scanners, then breaking into your room and stealing stuff.
If they are going to do this, then at least have them enter a 4 digit pin or use the finger sensor to authenticate this.
Ah, c'mon. Don't be such a Luddite. Lots of tasks were done one way in the past but new technology made things more efficient and caused them to be done another way. Isn't that how life and society progresses?
Specifically to your points:
1) I would think any company offering phones as a key would be cognizant of security issues and legal liability. Also this kind of keyless tech has been available in cars for a few years now with no huge issues I know of. The difference here is that the user uses a phone rather than a FOB.
2) When I'm at the beach or pool I have my phone with me. In fact the only time I don't have my phone around is when I'm in the shower. I see plenty of phones at the beach and pool, just not IN them. But also I doubt the phone as key will be mandatory, just and option.
3) Yes, phones run out of juice, but you are at a hotel, staffed by human beings, not left on a deserted island. Haven't you ever locked yourself out of your hotel room or lost your key? You go to the front desk and they help you. I don't think this tech means they won't have a way to get in your room. Maid service, for example, still needs a master "key".
Generally, I think this is a great idea. No check in, no wasted plastic, no lost keys. I think the twist thing is a little hokey, but that's probably for video demo, not real life. Sure, its not perfect. Nothing designed by humans is, but no need to go into Dana Carvey's Gumpy Old Man routine.
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1) Zip lock bags work great.
2) Go to better beaches. I've never feared my phone being stolen.
3) I doubt the iPhone as key will be mandatory, just an option.
And, with NFC, the use could even program it to turn on certain lights in the room upon door unlocking, setting the thermostat, etc.
TBH - unsure if BT could do this, but I have never read that it has this type of capability like NFC is known to do.
TBH - unsure if BT could do this, but I have never read that it has this type of capability like NFC is known to do.
This is going to make that game of guys throwing their room key in the pool (and the girls diving it to see which one they get) a whole lot more serious!
Yeah, yg17 is probably right about this. The cards were pretty flimsy and never touched the iPad directly. I just put them next to the coffee table with the iPad and MacBook Pro.
Okay it's amazing but what if your phone runs out of battery. Do you have a spare back up key or wait in line at the reception to get one. I hope they offer a spare key so in case your phone battery is over you can use it right away, rather than stand in line to get a key.
NFC is not need for these features. NFC is old tech. NFC is not the solution to everything!This has been done already, and implemented far better...
https://www.assaabloy.com/en/com/Products/seos-mobile-access/
This uses NFC and is supported by an infrastructure created by companies already trusted in the secure access and identity industry (HID Global and Assa Abloy).
http://youtu.be/KLEoF8wwAKA
Of course, Apple haven't implemented NFC (as yet) and more than likely won't, which is a shame
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NFC radios are not strong enough, they need to be close to the device
looks like it still needs some work.there are lots of problems, i hope a normal key would be included as well.
No, NFC can't, and is not "known" to do any of those things. It's proximity is too short. Less than 0.2m. It's range is basically limited to stuff your physically touching. And if your physically within fingers length, might as well swipe a card or flip the switch.
Smart thermostats typically use WIFI.
Bluetooth low energy is already used for power outlets and lights.
Zuli https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zuli/zuli-smartplugs
and
Lumen lights http://www.redmondpie.com/lumen-blu...dy-to-take-on-philips-hue-head-to-head-video/
and
Lockitron for door https://lockitron.com/
And there are others in each of these categories. Here's hoping someone buys them and unites them under one umbrella and single app... LOL!
NFC has the strict limitation of replacing digital handheld card, that use activate with your celllphone at a <0.2m distance. Bluetooth 4.0 iBeacons, can authenticate and be used for the same purpose, but also providing controls for all the other functions at 50-100m range.
Pro: It would be nice to be able to use this feature to check into your hotel, obtain your room number, and gain access to your room without ever stopping at the front desk... or even slowing down. Late-night check-ins would be much easier.
Con: As others have noted, I can see many ways in which this would otherwise be inferior to plastic keycards.
Con: As others have noted, I can see many ways in which this would otherwise be inferior to plastic keycards.
I frequently stay at Starwood properties when I vacation. I can't tell you as many times as I keep my room key away from my iPhone and credit cards, I always have to make a trip down to the front desk at some point to get a replacement room key. This would definitely make for a welcomed change once Starwood implements this in more of their locations.
Of course, Apple haven't implemented NFC (as yet) and more than likely won't, which is a shame
Why bother with NFC when you now have Bluetooth LE?
Explain why this is Taylor made for a NFC radio not a Bluetooth radio? In fact it's quite the opposite stress especially if they plan to introduce ibecons you need a radio with a strong range Nfc radios you have to practically touch the device to implement a action.