2013 Archives

Instant translation with seamless back-and-forth communication in any language is the holy grail and wearables should theoretically enable it. The Word Lens app for Google Glass is the first useful step towards it.

If their rooms were full and occupied, then hotels wouldn't be participating in these Cyber Week deals. Where there is need, there is a deal.

Airline first class is evolving, but to say it is on the way out is an over-statement. Fold-out maps and print guidebooks? Down, teetering, but not out.

Uber's savvy promotion of UberX is an exercise in marketing and up-selling. Passengers would have to pay the fare if it exceeds $30, and if frustrated with so many people trying for the freebies, than passengers are urged to try Uber's higher-fare services.

Corporate responsibility is mostly a lot of hype, but these sustainable initiatives from Hertz make good business sense. For most of them, like this waterless car wash initiative, Hertz reduces its costs, helps the environment, and could engender goodwill from customers and potential customers.

This complaining from hotels is like the movie "Groundhog Day." How many times are we going to hear the same refrain? The OTAs are going to be a vital distribution channel for hotels for years to come, although smart hotels will make adjustments and seek to reduce their dependence on Expedia and Booking.com.

Dennis Rodman may be fairly safe visiting North Korea, but for other Americans getting out of there after going on a tour may be a bit chancy, as this latest incident shows.

Mobiata's decision was based on consumer confusion and in-house execution. The company made the decision to focus on a single app -- and to do it well.

Not much of a shocker, such is the state of the legacy magazine business these days.

The OC probably isn't thrilled that inbound Mexico tourism has become so important to its business, but it does speak to its growth potential for in- and out-bound international flights.