Equipping the digital guestroom alarm clock radio to function as a speaker phone for Bluetooth-enabled tablets and smartphones is raising the bar on service for mobile dependent travelers — Photo by Hotel Technologies

Rahway, N.J. – Hotel Technologies, the company that put guests' tunes in hotel rooms via the iHome® digital iPhone/iPad/iPod alarm clock radio, is taking in-room electronics to new heights. This month the company known for bringing "the science of feeling at home™" to hotels and guests is releasing a Bluetooth® Alarm Clock Radio with Speakerphone for iPhone, iPad and iPod. This Bluetooth-enabled unit enables guests to stream music across the room (up to 30 feet away) while simultaneously working on their iPad or emailing on their iPhone. When done, guests can dock and charge the device plus answer or end calls while using the unit's speaker for voice communication, as long as the guests' cell phone is Bluetooth-capable.

"By adding a speaker phone to this model, iHome has delivered an awesome extra," said Hotel Technologies National Sales Manager Ely Ashkenazi. "Our goal at Hotel Technologies is to design in-room electronics that delivers a home-like atmosphere to the guestroom and provides added convenience. The HiP50 offers the ultimate in hands-free convenience and communication, enabling guests to relax in their room, enjoy a room service meal, get dressed, work on a presentation, or pack for departure all while talking on the speakerphone."

In a recent Smart Planet article titled: "One-third of US households chuck landlines; now use mobile only," a U.S. government study revealed that a significant percentage of American households now only use mobile phones and have abandoned landlines completely. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the number of American homes with only wireless telephones continues to grow. More than three of every 10 American homes (32%) had only wireless telephones (including cellular telephones, cell phones, or mobile phones) during the first half of 2011—an increase of close to 2 percentage points since the second half of 2010. In addition, nearly one of every six American homes (16%) received all or almost all calls on wireless telephones despite also having a landline telephone.

"This study is significant for U.S. hotels," Ashkenazi said. "If consumers prefer to use their cell phones even when a landline is provided, it is safe to say that hotel guests will also prefer to use their mobile devices to communicate while in the room vs. the guestroom telephone. As more and more travelers are arriving at hotels with mobile devices in hand, Hotel Technologies is positioned to meet their usage demands by developing in-room electronics and entertainment solutions that complement their hotel experience. By enabling travelers to not only dock and charge their iPads/iPhones and iPods but also use the same device for providing hands-free voice communications, we are taking guest service to new levels.

"The HiP50 is the way of the future, and it's available today from Hotel Technologies," he said.

Trusted Technology, Cool Communications

The new iHome HiP50 offers the same easy-to-set Patented Single Day Alarm feature as all iHome for hotel models to prevent unwanted alarms from sounding, along with sure alarm battery back-up to maintain clock setting in case of power failures. Guests can gradually wake to their iPhone, docking iPods, FM radio or buzzer with gently ascending alarm volume. The unit is equipped with iHome's popular high-fidelity stereo sound with Reson8 speaker chambers to deliver astounding clarity, depth and power. Bedtime Beats are also featured. A USB charging port is provided so guests with non-Apple® products can charge their devices.

For more information on Hotel Technologies electronics for hospitality, go to www.hoteltechnologies.com or call, toll-free, (888) 74-HOTEL – (888) 744-6835 – or (732) 574-0117, ext. 3-228.

About Hotel Technologies

Hotel Technologies brings "the science of feeling at home"™ to hotels and their guests. Affiliated with SDI Technologies, a 56-year-old consumer audio electronics company, Hotel Technologies designs, develops, engineers and manufactures state-of-the-art intelligent electronic products and patented technologies for hotels and resorts. Products include easy-to-program branded electronic clock radios that are guest-friendly and inviting to hear. For more information, go towww.hoteltechnologies.com or call, toll-free, (888) 74-HOTEL – (888) 744-6835 – or (732) 574-0117, extension 3-228.

Barb Worcester
+1 440 930 5770