Samsonite announces the suitcase that will always tell you where it is

Samsonite has introduced the Track&Go suitcase that is likely to reduce luggage theft by ensuring the suitcase can always be identified, similar to the way prank calls disappeared after caller ID was introduced. 

The suitcase contains a Bluetooth beacon which uses Eddystone Ephemeral Identifiers (EIDs), an open privacy/security protocol by Google. Designed and manufactured by Accent Systems, the beacon enables the Track&Go suitcase. It has to be registered by the owner through the Travlr by Samsonite app, which is available free of charge. The app was launched in September 2015 to offer flight tracking, tips and reminders when travelling. 

The new Track&Go feature will soon be built into the existing app, allowing users to easily check the location of the suitcase within a distance of 70m, and also be notified if it is being moved closer or further away from the user. Should the suitcase go missing, the owner can easily flag it as lost in the app. Once flagged as 'lost', the app leverages its user base to help the suitcase's owner find it. Should anyone else, using the app, pass within 70 m of a lost suitcase, an EID-based signal is picked up and triggers a notification with location and time details of the suitcase to be sent out to the owner. 

According to Accent's web page, its Bluetooth low energy beacons can last up to about 100 months depending on the model and what it is used for.

"We're excited to work with Google on this project to make sure that our beacons support Eddystone EIDs. Missing or permanently lost luggage is the nightmare of every traveller. As the world's largest luggage manufacturer, we wanted to find a way to make this issue a thing of the past," says Ramesh Tainwala, CEO of Samsonite. "As Samsonite is known for its innovative and reliable luggage and bags, we also wanted to work with an equally as innovative and reliable technology partner.By leveraging Google's robust, secure and cross-platform approach, we feel confident that our customers will welcome this new solution."

Interested?

Samsonite aims to launch the first suitcases featuring the Track&Go solution in the European market at the end of 2016, followed by other international markets.

Pocari SWEAT introduces keep-fit running app with incentives from 7-Eleven

Pocari SWEAT, a well-known isotonic beverage brand, has made its free Pocari Cross Run mobile app available for download in Singapore at the iOS App and Android Play stores respectively.

The app is designed to encourage Singaporeans to continue to live a healthy and active lifestyle, says the company. The application includes an element of gamification which is backed by the latest Beacon* technology. The Beacon technology, to be set up at all 7-Eleven stores in Singapore, will send area-specific content to the app depending on the distance a runner has completed.

The app can also make a run more interesting through generating customised running courses. 7-Eleven stores along the route will be represented as hydration points.

Additional bonus points, called participation points, can be accumulated when users tap on the Beacon devices at 7-Eleven cashier counters if they are on a run, complete a running course, or make a Pocari SWEAT purchase. The longer the running distance, the more points a user will receive. Users can also earn tokens and play games that involve visits to 7-Eleven stores as well.

"We chose 7-Eleven to roll out the BEACON technology as it is a recognised international brand which constantly emphasizes on excellent customer service delivery. We hope to leverage its extensive network of more than 500 stores and create the next level of customer interaction experience both in-store and on-street. There will be plans in the pipeline for BEACON to be extensively utilised for other promotions and campaigns by other companies after the launch of the Pocari SWEAT campaign," said Takamasa Tokumo, Executive Director of Asatsu-DK Singapore, an advertising agency that co-developed the app with digital production company AID-DCC and which also developed Beacon.

He added, "With consumers becoming more tech-savvy, this new technology will help create a revolutionary consumer experience - one that is fun and interactive, yet meaningful and adds value to the consumer, such as supporting them in achieving their healthy lifestyle goals in this case."

Pocari SWEAT's Singapore Country Manager Puspita Winawati commented, "We are extremely excited to be incorporating the latest technology in the way we interact with our customers and with the extensive network of the 7-Eleven stores here in Singapore, which serve as water points, runners will have the flexibility of enjoying the Pocari Cross Run app wherever they want. It is also our hope that through the launch of the Pocari Cross Run app, we can encourage more people to take up running as part of a healthy lifestyle."

*Beacon is the latest low-powered, cost efficient transmitter that is able to notify and connect to customised applications on mobile devices. The technology recognises devices running on the iOS7 and Android 4.3 operating system that are within close proximity. Specific messages or actions can be delivered when the devices are detected.