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

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. 

Google wants to expand your horizons with Explore button in Maps

Google wants you to be a bit more adventurous the next time you travel or you’re out about town. Google Maps is getting an “Explore” button that shows up at the bottom right corner of the app (perhaps beside the location/compass button). This feature will show you new places to check out in the area. Aside from your location, it also takes the time of day in consideration when recommending places to you (so you won’t get a new bar’s location in the middle of the day).

Explore can also be used when you’re planning a trip to another city or country to find spots worthy of checking out. To get this feature, you would need to be signed in with location reporting and history. You just have to wait a bit for Google to throw the update to you.

 Source: Droid Life