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Guestroom 2010 Has No Phone
June 17, 2008

The 2008 incarnation of HITEC's Guestroom 2010 (they promise to give it a more futuristic name by the end of the show) was unveiled this morning. And it was missing something: the phone.

No PBX systems. Not even the vaunted VOIP we keep hearing so much about.

The absent phone was no oversight. In fact, an antique intercom was there in its place, symbolizing that a communications device of some sort will have to be there to let guests talk to the front desk, but that exactly what that device will end up being isn't yet clear.

Next to the intercom was a mobile phone--telecommunications will exist in the future, it's just that it will be provided by the guest, for the guest. Hotels will provide mobile phone chargers, if Guestroom 2010 is any indication, such as the incredibly cool Wildcharger pad made by WildCharge.

I'm a sucker for technology that is cleverly simple, so I especially loved Guestroom 2010's sliding closet door that generates energy as it is opened. The act of moving the door generates just enough electricity to power the closet light for about 20 seconds. That's pretty cool, although if you're as indecisive about what to wear as my girlfriend is, you may get a sore wrist from opening and closing the door repeatedly.

MSNBC's Rob Lovitt has a nice consumer-focused wrapup of this year's room here. Incidentally, the picture shown on that page is actually from last year's show. Then again, I forgot my digital camera USB uplink back in Illinois, so it's not like I can criticize.

The denizens of HotelChatter are weighing in on Guestroom 2010 in the comments section of that blog, and judging by the frequent invocation of the word "fugly," they're not too eager for the future to arrive.

Posted by Adam Kirby on June 17, 2008 | Comments (1)