With 60 percent of consumers being drawn to smartphone-enabled hotels, it’s time to ensure that ALL mobile devices can be charged in rooms, lobbies, event space and restaurants
[Jericho, NY—December 15, 2015] — The holidays are upon us and there is no time like the present to give your hotel guests a gift that will keep on giving throughout the New Year: Mobile Device Charging from Kube Systems. Based on the non-stop volume of visitors to the Kube Systems booth at the recent HX: The Hotel Experience tradeshow in New York, there is no doubt that charging solutions that enable guests to conveniently power several mobile devices simultaneously—in several areas of the hotel—is a must-have amenity for 2016.
Consider these 2015 study findings:
- 60 percent of consumers say they are likely to choose smartphone-enabled hotels
- 63 percent of consumers say they prefer hotels with smartwatch technology to those without
- 63 percent of consumers say they prefer hotels with a tech-enabled lobby
“Whether travelers prefer to charge their phones and wearables in their rooms or in public areas (such as the lobby, meeting rooms, poolside or restaurant and lounge), Kube Systems has a solution to meet this growing demand,” said Dave Weinstein, Kube Systems Vice President. “While at HX, we were inundated with questions from hoteliers concerning mobile device charging compatibility, charging speeds (especially when multiple devices are charging at the same time), wireless options, the charging of wearable technologies like the Apple Watch, and ease of hardware upgrades in the future. Today I am sharing our responses to the most frequently asked questions to put hoteliers minds at ease that our Kubes are feature rich and future proof.”
Kube Systems Answers Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many devices can the KS Clock™ charge at one time?
The KS Clock™ isn’t just another in-room alarm clock with a pretty face and a small footprint. It features an intuitive alarm clock, Bluetooth streaming and the ability to charge up to six mobile devices with an Apple® Lightning, Apple® 30-pin, and Micro-USB flip-out cable, two additional audio-sensing USB ports and optional Qi wireless charging. Likewise, the KS Portable™ (no clock or streaming audio capability) also charges up to six mobile devices with an Apple® Lightning, Apple® 30-pin, and Micro-USB flip-out cable, two additional USB ports and Qi wireless charging.
Q: What is Qi?
A: Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the global standard for wireless charging. It is integrated into smartphones, tablets and automobiles today, with an installed base of more than 50 million units with no cables required. As the leading wireless charging standard, Qi has over 500 products and backing from more than 200 leading companies. Kube Systems is leveraging the Qi technology to enable guests to simply rest their mobile devices on top of the Qi charging pad, located on the top of each Kube. Wireless Qi charging is available on the KS Clock™ and it is standard on the KS Portable™.
Q: How quickly are mobile devices charged from a KS Portable™ and how long does a charge last?
A: Charge speed from each Kube is comparable to those from wall outlets and provides up to nine hours of phone charge time.
Q: What sets the KS Clock™ apart from similar solutions in the market?
What makes the KS Clock™ one of a kind is our mobile Room Programmer launched via an Android App. This tool offers a GUI touchscreen experience, making it easy for hotel staff to program. Engineers can program settings for Daylight Savings Time (automatically adjust +1 or -1 hour during the respective DST switch), Display Brightness (day time / night time LED clock face brightness level), Alarm Tone (one of three alarm tone types can be selected), and Audio Volume (sets the maximum audio playback volume/ volume limiter) with just a touch. In addition, a Bluetooth ID can be assigned to each KS Clock™ giving each Kube a unique room number to prevent unauthorized pairing. The Kube also features a Bluetooth (BT) Clear Cache Interval setting that specifies how long a mobile device will remain in memory. This way a previous guest cannot pair to the new guests KS Clock.
Q: Can guests manipulate device controls?
A: Absolutely not. The KS Room Programmer protects the settings already configured by hotel engineers, therefore, it saves on labor. Engineers don’t have to return to rooms to reset the Kubes. All settings are saved and protected via the battery back up in the unit’s internal memory. Guests will only program the alarm if they decide to use it – and the alarm setting is void after one use.
Q: What happens when the next generation mobile devices comes out? Do I have to switch out to new Kubes?
A: Each Kube comes with replaceable and upgradeable modular cables that keep the KS Clock™ from becoming obsolete. As global charging standards change, the hardware is fully upgradable, making the Kube both future proof and investment proof.
Q: What about new wearable technology? Can Kube Systems charge that too?
A: Yes, simply plug in the USB end of your proprietary wearable cable and KS Clock™ or KS Portable™ will charge it.
Q. Can Kube Systems charge smart watches and other devices?
A: An optional KS Arm™ featuring a built-in Magsafe charger for Apple Watches is currently in development. It is expected to be on the market in early 2016.
Q: How secure are these charging Kubes? Is it easy for guests to take them home?
A: Optional locking points and security cables can be implemented on either the KS Clock™ or the KS Portable™ for added protection.
Q: How do we keep the portable Kubes charged when not in use?
A: KS Portable™ Kubes are sold in sets of five units and come equipped with a Charging Tray.
Q: Are any hotels using the KS Clock™ and KS Portable™ today?
A: In June 2014, Kube Systems became the exclusive provider of mobile device charging for Marriott International. Today more than 130 Marriott hotels are relying on Kube to exceed guests’ expectations, increase satisfaction and drive loyalty.
“The inventive, guest-facing mobile device chargers from Kube Systems are an exceptional amenities that specifically addresses the demands of today’s mobile-dependent travelers,” Weinstein said. “Boosting guest satisfaction – and device battery life – is certainly high on every hotel guest’s wish list in 2016. If your hotel is looking to supplement its mobile strategy in 2016, ring in the new year with a KS Clock™ and KS Portable™.”
For more information on the full line of Kube Systems solutions, visit http://www.KubeSystems.com.
