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Hilton hotels to let you use your iPhone as your hotel key from next year

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Queuing up at a hotel check-in desk is often the last thing you want to do after a long flight. Starting next year, you’ll be able to bypass the front desk altogether in Hilton hotels, your iPhone serving as as your hotel room key.

We’ve seen the same thing in smaller hotel groups, but Hilton’s adoption of the technology moves it very much into the mainstream. The group told the WSJ that it will begin introducing the new door locks next year, and expects to complete the global roll-out by the end of 2016.

The Hilton app already allows you to check-in electronically, but currently you still need to collect your room key from the front desk – which kind of defeats the object. With the new system, iPhone check-in will send a key code to your phone which can then be used to unlock your door.

Bluetooth-controlled door locks for home are also expected to be a big thing this year, with products on the way from Okidokeys and August.

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Comments

  1. PMZanetti - 10 years ago

    But what about Android? LOL. I thought Android was so big and popular. Why are there no Android initiatives like this, or like iBeacons? Why are there no Shamescum Galaxy tablets in the cockpits of airliners?

    Oh wait, that’s right. Because the Android ecosystem is an illusion. There are more Androids in drawers than there are in the pockets.

  2. driverbenji - 10 years ago

    iOS is much more secure than Android. Personally, I wouldn’t trust a door lock deadbolt to an android mobile device.

    • PMZanetti - 10 years ago

      I know, I wouldn’t trust my EMAIL on an Android device, let alone a door lock.

    • Jassi Sikand - 10 years ago

      It’s actually not – and I’m an iPhone user. There are more open exploits in iOS than in Android – it’s just that Android’s exploits are bigger than iOS’s and since there are more users, more profitable. It’s still using BT, so it doesn’t really matter what device uses it

  3. herb02135go - 10 years ago

    This will be great. This way, anyone who hacks your phone can find out where you are staying and when you are there.

    And the real goal- bombard you with ads.
    I’m sure this will rollout on Android shortly.

    • PMZanetti - 10 years ago

      Isn’t that already a forgone conclusion with people’s Facebook/social media behavior. “So-and-so just checked in at the hilton in parsippany.” “Hey check me out in my fancy hotel suit selfie!”

      • herb02135go - 10 years ago

        The reason Android has been omitted from this article is because this website is an Apple cheerleader.
        I can’t find any reputable media saying it’s an iPhone – only plan.

    • WaveMedia (@WaveMedia) - 10 years ago

      They can do that right now by stealing your wallet with the keycard in it and reservation details… which is far easier to do than hack someones iPhone.

  4. silkiekey - 9 years ago

    I love these bluetooth locks! They are so convenient!

  5. Ronnie Howard - 9 years ago

    I am an installer for a well known lock manufacture. we just completed installing the system at a beta site in Seattle WA. right now it is mac only but the android program is being written and should be up and running soon

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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