N. Reading, MA — Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), the British firm best known for its world-standard high-end loudspeakers, has announced a partnership with Singapore-headquartered DOCOMO interTouch, one of the world’s largest technology providers for the hospitality industry.
DOCOMO interTouch will work with B&W on integrating its Zeppelin product with a hotel in-room IP set-top box, resulting in a converged solution that will allow guests to control Zeppelin through the DOCOMO interTouch IP-set-top box and remote control. “Such convergence of technology will provide guests with a seamless experience when using entertainment devices in the guest room,” said DOCOMO interTouch CTO Gregory Rutledge. “This further enhances the overall guest experience.”
This relationship signifies the first fully interactive Zeppelin installation at the stunning Chicago Elysian Hotel, where all 188 rooms enjoy custom-interactive B&W Zeppelins as the Elysian brand’s exclusive audio solution.
Considering its brief time working within the hospitality industry, B&W has managed to make a big splash in the category by providing this high-end in-room entertainment solution for seven of the world’s most unique and luxurious hotel properties. More than 600 specialized models of the iconic Zeppelin iPod Speaker System have been placed at these exclusive properties.
“This is an exciting time for our brand,” added Bowers & Wilkins director of new business development, Tyler Fairchild. “DOCOMO interTouch’s excellence in providing comprehensive solutions to hotels, coupled with Zeppelin’s iconic design and best-in-class audio reproduction will effectively reinvent the guestroom entertainment experience. We are honored to unveil this solution together with DOCOMO interTouch under the roof of such a distinctive new brand like Elysian. “
The B&W/DOCOMO interTouch partnership will focus on delivering turnkey, integrated Zeppelin solutions, including fully interactive access to video-on-demand and other host-provided video and audio resources. Properties will be able to elect customized solutions, including in-room volume management and VOD access.
“We are delighted to be working with B&W within the hospitality sphere,” said DOCOMO interTouch’s VP of sales – the Americas, Arne C. Riemers. “The Chicago Elysian is a shining example of what the quality this partnership represents; we look forward to a strong and valuable relationship with B&W in enhancing the guest experience in many more hotels and properties in the future.”
