Marriott trials wireless charging in hotel lobbies
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Marriott International is launching a new solution that allows guests to wirelessly charge their electronic devices in hotel lobbies.
The new system, being trialled this month at 29 Marriott Hotels & Resorts properties in the US, will see the introduction of Kube Systems’ portable charging stations in the ‘Greatroom’ lobbies.
Using Qi technology, these wireless devices allow guests to charge their electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, without the need to plug in cables.
The concept was devised following suggestions from travellers on Marriott’s TravelBrilliantly.com website.
“Marriott Hotels is on a journey with our guests to create and roll out traveller-inspired innovations, such as portable charging stations,” said Michael Dail, vice president of marketing at Marriott Hotels. “Through our collaboration with Kube Systems, we’re providing an industry-leading solution to a common traveller worry, and now we’re bringing it to Marriott Hotels across the country.”
According to a Marriott survey, the average US business traveller carries two to three mobile devices. Marriott has already started catering for this trend by expanding the number of power outlets in guest rooms, and making them more accessible.
But Kube Systems’ device negates the need for guests to use cables or adaptors. The portable chargers’ built-in connecters can simultaneously power up to six devices, covering all Apple, Android and Windows models. Guests simply need to rest their smartphones on the portable transmitter.
“Leisure and business travellers have struggled for power on the road as battery technology has not kept pace with the demands of larger screens, faster processors and more app-driven devices,” said Dave Weinstein, vice president of Kube Systems. “A two-year development effort in collaboration with Marriott technologists has resulted in… a truly unique solution to charge virtually every mobile device on the market today, without the need for guests to carry cables or adaptors.”
The wireless charging system is the latest step in Marriott’s Greatroom concept, which is intended to turn the traditional hotel lobby into a space for guests to work and socialise.
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