Hilton to replace hotel room keys with smartphone-enabled locks

International mega hotel chain Hilton is looking to automate its check-in process by phasing out hotel room keys. Hilton plans to make its 4,200 properties smartphone-ready by 2016 with a US$550 million plan. They want to replace keys with smartphone-enabled locks that will be opened by codes sent to a guest’s smartphone. This method will also bypass the need for guests to head to the front desk to check-in. Just imagine how convenient this would be once it is up and running.

Source: Gizmodo

Samsung Galaxy S4 reportedly caught fire and melted while owner slept

Another alarming incident involving a smartphone battery igniting and catching fire has surfaced. A Samsung Galaxy S4 reportedly caught fire and melted completely while its owner, Texas teen Ariel Tolfree, slept. Source of the fire is likely being attributed to the a faulty battery. Samsung has responded by requesting to examine the charred remains of the Tolfree's phone, which they will replace together with the ruined beddings that the incendiary phone damaged. This is the latest in a series of fire-related incidents involving the Galaxy S4. A UK user found her smartphone sizzling as it was plugged in for the night and a Hong Kong resident claims ina CNet report that his Galaxy S4 exploded and caught fire in his hands. Hopefully whatever is causing these freak accidents can be sorted out and quickly.

Source: Mashable

Update on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 10:31PM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

According to the Mashable report, "A Samsung spokesperson told Fox that Ariel's phone had a replacement battery instead of the original Samsung component, and said its products are safe. What's more, the S4's user manual warns that covering a phone with bedding can restrict airflow, and cause a fire or explosion, though some consumers are unaware of this risk."

Fitbit now supports Windows Phone platform

Been looking for a fitness tracker that works with your Windows Phone device? Well, now you can use Fitbit with the platform. Fitbit for Windows Phone lets you pair with your device via Bluetooth. It also offers the array of step and sleep tracking capabilities to help you get into shape. The app is available for free download for devices running on Windows Phone 8.1 with the Lumia Cyan update.

Source: Lifehacker Australia

System D begins Kickstarter campaign for emergency water treatment system

Want to complete your emergency kits at home or just need a water purifying system while you’re out roughing it? System D Manufacturing is launching a Kickstarter campaign for its 12V O3 System Mini. Created by a 16-year-old Alaskan inventor, the O3 System works by just putting in five gallons of water and then the system sterilizes the water. You can check out the video above to see how it works.