2017. The year of the dronie
Late last year the “drone selfie” (or dronie as the cool kids
have coined it) caught the world’s attention with The Hover
Camera. A creation by Chinese start-up company, Zero Zero
Robotics. Looking less like a drone and more like a notebook,
it works by being thrown in the air. Controlled by a smart
phone, it hovers, takes a few pictures, and floats back into
its receiver’s hands, folding gracefully into a compact black
book. But that of course, is so very 2016. Next!
The latest dronie-making machine is called The AirSelfie.
A pocket-sized drone that slides into a customised phone
case and charges while it’s parked. Manoeuvred by a
virtual joystick (accessed via an app on both Androids
and iPhones), it’s similar to The Hover Camera because
it will float autonomously, but what really has the tech
community excited, is its ability to fit into the palm of
your hand. Available from March 2017, The AirSelfie is
so small, and so agile, it makes the geriatric selfie stick
look like a cumbersome oaf.
How is the travel industry reacting?
Contrary to what the naysayers suggest, Google cars and
robot hotels are unlikely to dispel the need for mankind.
Granted, one or two drones have caused pandemonium
for a handful of air traffic controllers (hence why you now
need a $5 drone license in the USA) but industry leaders,
including the Marriott and Hilton, regard digital inclu-
sion as a collaboration, not an AI invasion. And it helps
you, the traveller, too. We now live in a world where you
can test drive a hotel prior to booking via virtual real-
ity devices such as Samsung’s Gear VR. A concept that
many hotels, including Marriott, are readily embracing.
Similarly, you can discover a 3D world from the comfort
of your armchair. Ever wondered whether you’re more
of a Rome person, or Paris? Pop on your VR headset and
find out.
Disney’s gone digital
And guess who’s most on-board with digital change?
Mickey Mouse. And if Mick's a fan - a guy, (or rodent)
who has seen at least eight decades of change - shouldn’t
we all be?
Stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and the
MyMagic+ wristband system will allow you to consolidate
payments, gain hands-free room access, complete hotel
check-in and jump on the Magical Express shuttle service.
It can be linked to a credit card for contactless payments
(complete with spending limits) and The FastPass+ service
allows guests to pre-book up to three Disney attractions
every day. Oh and it’s also waterproof. How’s that for
interactive? Well done Mickey, the mouse done good.
Keep it personal
Nobody wants their holiday experience to become imper-
sonal. As travellers, we appreciate the charm found in
cultural interaction; a shared joke; a spot of sarcasm.
Ultimately, consumers still want (and need) human
involvement. But, when an alliance is forged between
machine and man, it can actively enhance the visitor
experience.
The proof lies with Mario.
During a recent business trip to the ITB Convention,
which the dinky cyborg had to abandon his position on
the front desk to attend, all out anarchy ensued. Not
because the Marriott s taff couldn't cope in his absence,
but because scores of guests were left sorely disappointed.
Mario is something of a local celebrity. The all singing, all
dancing robot brings a smile to everybody's face.
PHOTO - INSERT: Mario. Marriott Hotel in Ghent, Belgium
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