EasyJet unveils navigation ‘smart’ shoe
EasyJet has developed a ‘smart’ shoe which can help direct tourists find their way around a destination using vibration technology.
Called Sneakairs, the shoes connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, which uses GPS to direct the wearer by emitting small vibrations on the left or right shoe.
Developed with a company called D6, the technology means tourists can follow directions without having to look at a map or at their phone.
An easyJet spokesman said the airline wasn’t aware of any similar products under development.
He said the technology, which is similar to the vibrating mechanism used in mobile phones, was still in the early stages of development but could eventually be sold to customers on board its flights.
EasyJet is already using an app, Mobile Host, which guides passengers at the airport, directing them to the gate and passing on information on gate numbers and luggage belts.
The spokesman said although the Sneakairs weren’t designed to guide customers around the airport, the technology could be applied for that purpose.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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