Hotspot 2.0 compatibility adds simplified authentication of Wi-Fi-enabled guest devices and seamless, secure connectivity for users of hospitality’s only purpose-built virtual assistant
San Jose – April 8, 2019 – Angie Hospitality, developer of the industry’s first 24-hour interactive guest room assistant purpose-built for the hotel environment, has announced the addition of PassPoint™ Hotspot 2.0 technology that leverages Global Reach Technology’s Hotspot 2.0 guest Wi-Fi solution to its award-winning virtual assistant solution. This next generation Wi-Fi platform mirrors today’s cellular connectivity experience, streamlining the authentication process and allowing guests to securely connect to hotel Wi-Fi with a simple click. With Angie’s ability to provide guests with a private, in-room network in addition to an array of voice control and touch screen capabilities, the new Hotspot 2.0 integration further ensures that each guest can effortlessly and securely connect multiple personal devices, including Wi-Fi only tablets and laptops.
Built upon Global Reach Technology’s Hotspot 2.0 OSU, the technology behind some of the largest international Hotspot 2.0 implementations, Angie’s ability to provide Hotspot 2.0 functionality requires minimal effort to connect, yet delivers the highest WPA2 security encryption. This is achieved using a one-time provisioning file that is transmitted to each guest device, automatically configuring the Wi-Fi settings and all necessary encryption protocols without the need for human intervention. Once registered and provided with a Passpoint™ Hotspot 2.0 credential, guests are then able to automatically and securely connect to WLAN Hotspot 2.0 coverage areas anytime they are within range, including in guest rooms, lobby, common areas, meeting rooms, etc. where Hotspot is enabled.
“Since its inception, Angie has remained true to its mission to make all aspects of the hotel stay experience as enjoyable and effortless as possible,” says Ted Helvey, CEO of Angie Hospitality. “The addition of Hotspot 2.0 technology to our solution contributes to that goal by streamlining and simplifying Wi-Fi connectivity, which is a common pain point in the industry. This next generation Hotspot works to streamline hotel operations as well, with secure staff access and IoT device support. Hoteliers can also monetize the solution by allowing third party service providers to roam onto the network, enhancing the potential for increased revenue.”
“Leveraging Global Reach’s expertise in providing authentication for some of the world’s largest Hotspot 2.0 installations, we’re excited to extend Hotspot 2.0 authentication to in-room devices like Angie,” says Chris Bruce, Managing Director of GlobalReach Technologies. “We expect the adoption of Hotspot 2.0 authentication to continue its exponential growth due to the security, ease of use and capability to roam across Wi-Fi networks the technology provides.”
In addition to offering secure Wi-Fi network capabilities, Angie is a comprehensive in-room solution that responds to guest requests using intuitive voice or touch screen interaction. The flexible, modular platform allows Angie to serve as a complete stand-alone system or, through seamless integration with leading hotel technology system providers, the solution offers a variety of configurations to replace the guest room telephone, and include room automation features, energy management and more. Angie also allows guests to play their own music through built-in Bluetooth speakers, make hands-free calls, access hotel amenities and information and charge devices.
Based on an enterprise-class, cloud-managed platform with secure, scalable and highly-available architecture that is continuously monitored in the cloud, Angie has the ability to self-configure for each property and room as soon as the device is plugged in.
For more information on Angie’s full suite of capabilities, please visit angie.ai.
About Angie Hospitality | Angie Hospitality, founded by hospitality industry veterans, is the developer of the first 24-hour interactive guest room assistant purpose-built for the hotel environment. Angie‘s patented technology uses both voice control and touch screen capabilities to offer a complete solution for hoteliers looking to increase guest satisfaction, streamline operations, improve staff efficiencies and maximize revenue opportunities. The platform offers configurations to provide IP telephony, room automation features, energy management and more, through seamless integration with leading hotel technology system providers or as a complete stand-alone system. Angie instantly upgrades any hotel room, allowing guests to play their own music through its built-in Bluetooth speakers, make hands-free calls, access hotel amenities, charge their mobile devices, and much more. Angie can even provide guests a customized and secure in-room Wi-Fi network. Based on an enterprise-class, cloud-managed platform with secure, scalable and highly-available architecture that is continuously monitored, Angie’s systems self-configure for each property and room as soon as the device is plugged in. For more information on Angie Hospitality, the 2017 HTNG TechOvation Award winner, please visit angie.ai and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About GlobalReach Technology | GlobalReach is recognized as a Hotspot 2.0 Wi-Fi industry leader. The GlobalReach Hotspot 2.0 OSU has delivered secure authentication for some of the largest international Hotspot 2.0 services since 2014, including LinkNYC kiosks deployed across Manhattan enabling up 20 million Hotspot 2.0 sessions authenticated in 2018.
GlobalReach Technology CTO, Dr. Chris Spencer, is co-chair of the HTNG working tasked with helping hospitality companies deliver an optimized Wi-Fi experience for guests. Dr. Spencer has written numerous articles on Hotspot 2.0 and is co-author to the Hotspot 2.0 Next-Generation Hotspots (NGH) Provisioning Standardization and Specification White Paper released October 2018 by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and endorsed by the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA).
GlobalReach’s Hotspot 2.0 service was used to authenticate delegates’ Wi-Fi access at HTNG Europe conference, Lisbon 2018 and at hotel properties for a leading global hospitality brand during Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, February 2019.
GlobalReach has been shortlisted for its Hotspot 2.0 innovations in the TechOvations Awards 2019 to be held at HT-Next, New Orleans.
