Japan-based technology firm SoftBank has invested in Handy Japan, a mobile device service provider for hotel guests that offers information on popular tourist destinations and internet access.
Financial details of the deal have not been divulged.
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Developed by Hong Kong-based Tink Labs, Handy service is provided in 650,000 rooms in 4,000 hotels in 82 countries, reported Associated Press.
In July 2017, it was launched in Japan and has been deployed in 1,700 hotels and 240,000 rooms, accounting for around a third of the country’s hotels.
Serving as a rental smartphone that is given as a complimentary service by hotels, the device can link to the internet, contact a hotel’s concierge, and make local and international calls. Furthermore, it offers city guides in several languages.
According to SoftBank, its investment will help develop Internet of Things (IoT) services for mobile devices.
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By GlobalDataSoftBank CEO Ken Miyauchi was quoted by The Japan Times as saying: “Handy has redefined the accommodation experience and the hotel business.”
According to this report, Miyauchi implied that it would be less than 20% interest in handy Japan.
Handy Japan CEO Hironori Katsuse said at a news conference: “We will revolutionise the tourism industry.”
The transaction with SoftBank will speed up innovation in three aspects – hotel internet of things, travel agents and media.
For those hotels that do not have adequate staff, the firms intend to promote implementation of IoT. For instance, Handy smartphones can be used to lock and unlock room doors and control electronics gadgets in a guest room.
The smartphones will enhance travel experience by helping to call for a cab or enabling purchase of online tickets or unifying several payments into one hotel bill.
With regard to media, Handy Japan will help to set up virtual reality headsets in every guest room. This will enable guests to watch sports or even take virtual hotel tour.
