iPhone Replaces Hotel Room Keys in New Pilot Program

[ericinboston]

You've fallen into the trap that most tech pundits fell into when the iPhone was released... The iPhone isn't a phone. It's a pocket-sized computer that happens to be able to make phone calls.

Oh, I have not fallen into that trap...I've preached this since the day the iPhone was released.

My point is that this "thing" (we call here an iPhone but other vendors make smartphones too) is becoming the giant basket of "I can do everything"...and it really shouldn't. We can all pick and choose what we want our smartphone to do but it seems a bit troublesome to let an open technology like BT 4.0 and/or iPhone apps control the door mechanism to my hotel room (especially while out of country and I am easily noticed as a foreigner. I really don't feel like being robbed or mugged because someone else's device was able to scan/hack my door for 11 seconds.

 

[osofast240sx]

Oh, I have not fallen into that trap...I've preached this since the day the iPhone was released.

My point is that this "thing" (we call here an iPhone but other vendors make smartphones too) is becoming the giant basket of "I can do everything"...and it really shouldn't. We can all pick and choose what we want our smartphone to do but it seems a bit troublesome to let an open technology like BT 4.0 and/or iPhone apps control the door mechanism to my hotel room (especially while out of country and I am easily noticed as a foreigner. I really don't feel like being robbed or mugged because someone else's device was able to scan/hack my door for 11 seconds.

Those key cards can be hacked just as easily

 

[B4U]

When will these developers realize this is not actually a great idea of having the phone to unlock stuffs?

Isn't Apple the best example of losing their phone when the iPhone 4 was left at the bar?

Lose the phone = lose your ride, lose your hotel room, lose your belongings in the room...
hm...

 

[LagunaSol]

I really don't feel like being robbed or mugged because someone else's device was able to scan/hack my door for 11 seconds.

Use the deadbolt.

 

[osofast240sx]

When will these developers realize this is not actually a great idea of having the phone to unlock stuffs?

Isn't Apple the best example of losing their phone when the iPhone 4 was left at the bar?

Lose the phone = lose your ride, lose your hotel room, lose your belongings in the room...
hm...

It's not that serious these features are meant to aid not replace.

 

[ericinboston]

As a frequent traveler, I appreciate not having to stand in line to check in/out...

I have to say, until very recently, I have been a huge frequent traveler for both work and pleasure...flying 2+ times a month across the USA, staying at hotels 4+ times a month...since 1999...about 15 years. And I rarely (super rarely) even used any of those Gold Member-type lines open for frequent travelers.

Out of the literally hundreds of hotel stays, I've probably waited in line longer than 5 minutes 5 times. I've mostly stayed at Hilton, Marriott, and similar quality brand hotels. There is no wait unless possibly it's a resort and a ton of people show up at 4pm because that's when the 2 flights to the island come in.

There is no checkout unless you have a problem with your bill...which 9 out of 10 times is just easier to call on your room phone and get is squared away in 2-3 minutes.

But regardless of the wonderful technology, we're still going to have to stand in SOME kind of line to confirm our stay, room selection, upgrade choices, billing method, etc. It's not like you're just going to walk from the curb, your phone pings 4 seconds later that you that you're all set, and you walk into the elevator and go to your room.


Anyway...I just wanted to chime in about my lack-of-standing-in-line for the past 15 years.

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Use the deadbolt.

when I'm not there?

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Those key cards can be hacked just as easily

Yes...by a super significantly fewer set of humans compared to all the hackers out there with their smartphone or iDevice. They are typically hacked by insiders such as hotel employees who steal a device or "borrow" it for a few days and give to their hacker friend....then the hacker needs to buy/obtain the cards themselves. There is soooo much more work to hacking a card reader than there is programming a phone/BT 4.0 device to start scanning the doors.

It's not the system...it's how AVAILABLE the system is to hackers in the first place to hack. Card reader systems are NOT available to Joe Hacker. But iOS is...and so are the iDevices...and so is BT 4.0.

 

[linuxcooldude]

It's not the system...it's how AVAILABLE the system is to hackers in the first place to hack. Card reader systems are NOT available to Joe Hacker. But iOS is...and so are the iDevices...and so is BT 4.0.

Probably anyone can buy a card reader/encoder. These locks probably use at least 128 bit encryption which is the minimum required for government standards. Which probably does not rely on Bluetooth for this but a public key infrastructure built into the app itself.

I have a KEVO bluetooth lock which is quite secure that I have a few family members who have eKeys.

 

[a.gomez]

From Google.

Version	Codename	API	Distribution
2.2	Froyo	8	1.3%
2.3.3 -
2.3.7	Gingerbread	10	21.2%
3.2	Honeycomb	13	0.1%
4.0.3 -
4.0.4	Ice Cream Sandwich	15	16.9%
4.1.x	Jelly Bean	16	35.9%
4.2.x	17	15.4%
4.3	18	7.8%
4.4	KitKat	19	1.4%

Only 9.2% of Android users are on 4.3 or higher.

Considering such a small minority of Android users are using up-to-date devices + this being a MacRumors site. I think it's A-OK to exclude Android.

I guess they do not agree - seeing how the Hotel and the WSJ spent the time and money not to exclude that 9.2% of users.

yes it is MacRumors - why you should also read the WSJ article it links to.

 

[BruiserB]

This is dumb, who the hell wants to install a hotel's app on their phone to open the damn door?

Not me.

Not really any different than having your airline's app on your phone to check in and get your boarding pass on your phone.

I would love this if I could just check in with the phone, get my room number and go straight to the room without dealing with anyone at the front desk!

I'm guessing this would be in addition to, not a full replacement for current room card key technology....much as you can still get a paper boarding pass at the airport if you don't use your phone. But it would simplify things for the frequent traveller who doesn't want to deal with one more thing to carry and remember. If you intend to not have your phone with you the whole time, just stop by the desk and ask for a conventional key as well.

 

[JoeRito]

This is ultra cool! Phones will be the next "universal remote!"

 

[osofast240sx]

This is dumb, who the hell wants to install a hotel's app on their phone to open the damn door?

Not me.

It's clear you do not have a iPhone or you do not use passbook. By using passbook you do not need to go into the App

 

[Menel]

It's clear you do not have a iPhone or you do not use passbook. By using passbook you do not need to go into the App

It's clear you didn't read even the MacRumors summary. Passbook wouldn't be used here, the article is not about 2D barcodes, the hotel didn't install imagers in every door.

Ideally, they implement iBeacon API. Your iPhone sees the iBeacon as you approach at 50m out. Pings the app, background data API, authenticates you. Lock opens door if you are within 5m.

 

[DrManhattan]

Soon we will each have a chip in our body that will replace this program, where this world will be like the movie "Demolition Man".

I would be first in line for an implanted chip so I don't have to carry a wallet or keys around.

 

[osofast240sx]

It's clear you didn't read even the MacRumors summary. Passbook wouldn't be used here, the article is not about 2D barcodes, the hotel didn't install imagers in every door.

Ideally, they implement iBeacon API. Your iPhone sees the iBeacon as you approach at 50m out. Pings the app, background data API, authenticates you. Lock opens door if you are within 5m.

But I Have stayed at Starwood and it uses passbook just like my Starbucks app my Delta app my American airlines app my JetBlue app.

 

[Menel]

But I Have stayed at Starwood and it uses passbook just like my Starbucks app my Delta app my American airlines app my JetBlue app.

For checkin? Ok... Not being discussed here.

Thats different than roomkey. Besides, the summary and article both specificslly call out Bluetooth4.0 and NOT 2D barcode.

 

[3282868]

As an SPG Platinum member for a while now, I wondered if this was coming given the significant updates to the app (esp. the newly implemented "Passbook" features).

However, as a W Hotel patron since 2000, I would rather Starwood improve their deteriorating "W Hotel" brand. It's not the same as it was when first launched, and they've pushed it out too quickly internationally at the sacrifice of what made it a [then] unique experience.

 

[velocityg4]

I'm thinking it would still be easier and more convenient to use a regular key.

 

[gotluck]

Sheesh, people on here really hate NFC

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This is ultra cool! Phones will be the next "universal remote!"

this is already the case with phones that have an IR blaster

 

[osofast240sx]

Sheesh, people on here really hate NFC

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this is already the case with phones that have an IR blaster

We don't hate it it's just not necessary, there are so many better options out there

do you really want another radio in your iPhone to soak up some more battery

 

[gotluck]

We don't hate it it's just not necessary, there are so many better options out there

do you really want another radio in your iPhone to soak up some more battery

Yes, the battery use is negligible IMO. I would not complain about the inclusion of NFC.

 

[B4U]

It's not that serious these features are meant to aid not replace.

But, if you forgot your phone somewhere, someone can just pick it up and unlock everything of yours. That is where I am kind of not comfortable about...

On the other hand, if they need us to put in the password on the phone to activate the unlock feature, then what is the point of having this other than combining all the other keys?

 

[robertcoogan]

Another app...

Great. I have to install (another) app on my iPhone (let's just add to the clutter on that tiny screen). Just to get preferred treatment.

Never has the bargain bin looked so good.

 

[osofast240sx]

But, if you forgot your phone somewhere, someone can just pick it up and unlock everything of yours. That is where I am kind of not comfortable about...

On the other hand, if they need us to put in the password on the phone to activate the unlock feature, then what is the point of having this other than combining all the other keys?

This is where the more advanced touch ID is implemented.

 

[jicon]

I'd like this stuff to work...

But it seems like a rather pricey, and difficult technology at this time.

I went around with a realtor around town the other month, with devices that talk to lock boxes by bluetooth, or IR, and just a painful experience waiting minutes on end trying to get a lockbox open.

I saw a Kevo at Home Depot... $220, and the reviews aren't all that kind. Similar sorts of issues with responsiveness. That isn't a step in the right direction.

http://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-925-C...1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390890656&sr=8-1&keywords=kevo

 

[NMSUballa]

I don't see the problem with the plastic cards in the first place. I'm sure I will have to pay in a higher room rate so the company can change their system and it won't make it anymore convenient for me.