Starwood Launches App for Google Glass

Starwood has launched a new SPG app that is designed for Google Glass.

The new SPG app for Google Glass will enable guests to review their SPG account and immerse themselves in any of Starwood’s nine brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, and Element.

“Travelers are more tech-savvy than ever before, and wearable technology is the newest platform that provides information in an easy to access way to support the needs of our guests and enhance their travel experience,” said Chris Holdren, SVP SPG and Digital for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Our goal is to explore these new technologies and learn from our guests’ interactions with them so we can continue to deliver the best experiences at every point in their journey – from when our guests are dreaming about their next destination to when they walk in our front door and beyond.”

The SPG app for Google Glass was designed and built entirely by Starwood’s internal team of tech experts to assist travelers in each stage of their journey - from imaginative destination exploration to practical logistics planning before, during, and after a visit - all within a quick, easy, and streamlined format valued by on-the-go users of wearable technology. The SPG app for Google Glass also enables booking a stay at any of Starwood’s hotels around the world. In addition to that, the app provides users with critical account information, including number of Starpoints and upcoming and past stays to help travelers make the most of their SPG membership.

SPG app for Google Glass Highlights:

- The SPG app for Google Glass takes advantage of Glass’s unique features, including voice command search and geo location, and is one of the first apps built on the new Glass Developer Kit.

- Members can voice search Starwood’s nearly 1,200 global hotels and resorts by destination, airport code or checking what’s nearby.

- Members can call or get turn-by-turn directions to any hotel and can also explore and share photos of the hotel amenities, rooms, local area, and more.

- Members can access up-to-date account information including Starpoint balance and upcoming stay details.

- Like the SPG smartphone and iPad apps, the SPG app for Google Glass uses state aware technology to display upcoming stays, recognize arrival at a Starwood property, and customize the user experience accordingly.

The release of the SPG app for Google Glass beta product allows the Google Explorer network to give direct feedback to Starwood’s design and development teams, providing deeper insight into how different channels are used and what makes them meaningful to users. This insight, coupled with the in-house tech talent, will allow Starwood to continue enhancing the SPG app for Google Glass and develop other wearable technology products that best respond to the desires of the SPG community.