Article from BTNews 16 MAY 2016
EasyJet thinks on its feet
A prototype “smart shoe” with built-in technology which helps wearers to explore a city without getting lost has been unveiled by easyJet.
The devices, called “Sneakairs”, were demonstrated at the ‘Barcelona Street Project’ event in Barcelona last week. EasyJet says they could be developed for sale on board its aircraft soon.
They connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone app which uses a phone’s GPS and directs the wearer which way to walk by triggering vibrations within the shoe.
EasyJet said the technology means visitors to a city can see the sights without having to refer to maps or their phones for directions.
The airline has made a point of harnessing technology to make travel easier for passengers.
Last year, it introduced Mobile Host on its app to help passengers through the airport, including directions to gates and information on gate numbers and baggage belt locations.
And to coincide with its 20th birthday last November, the airline unveiled a first by demonstrating wearable technology in cabin crew and engineers’ uniforms to improve communication and passenger safety procedures.
Peter Duffy, easyJet’s marketing director, said: “The take-up of our app and Mobile Host technology has shown passengers embrace technology, so why not once they arrive at their destinations?”
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