New smartphone remote streamlines guest services

Hotel Internet Services has launched the BeyondTV MyRemote, a web-based remote that guests use on their own smartphones or tablets. Designed to be instantly accessible by a wide range of personal devices without the need to download software, MyRemote is simultaneously able to cater to growing demands for instant, personalized service while ensuring that new guest expectations for contactless and social distancing compatible amenities can be fully met.

Compatible with all smart devices, MyRemote can be made available via QR code or manual registration and does not require a Wi-Fi connection in order to function. Replacing the need to handle physical in-room items such as TV remotes that may pose a germ exposure risk, MyRemote offers safer and hassle-free access to a wide range of traditional guestroom functionalities and services, including:

  • Total television control such as powering on or off, changing channels and adjusting volume.
  • Complete access to browsing TV guides.
  • Ability to enter login details for apps such as streaming services using smart device keyboards.
  • Switching between apps on guestroom television.
  • Ability to control more than one guestroom TV if present.
  • Options to change television language and color themes to suit personal preferences.

Guests can also use MyRemote to peruse the hotel's digital compendium for restaurant information and spa hours. Further aiding social distancing capabilities, MyRemote allows guests to read messages, view bills and express check-out via the television.

With security and privacy remaining a top priority for the industry in maintaining guest trust, MyRemote utilizes a secure HTTPS interface to prevent any risk of data theft. Additionally, BeyondTV automatically logs guests out and clears accounts and personal usage information upon check-out.
 
"As guests seek to remain in their guestrooms instead of venturing into high traffic hotel areas to minimize health risks, it is vital that hoteliers have the ability to adapt their offerings to provide comprehensive guestroom-oriented experiences that can take such concerns and new behaviors into account," said Gary Patrick, CEO at Hotel Internet Services. "HIS with BeyondTV MyRemote raises the bar on creating a more hygienic hotel environment that nonetheless offers guests complete personalized service control from the safety of their own devices and by using a guestroom's television screen."

With BeyondTV, hoteliers are further able to create customized welcome videos that automatically begin to play once a guest enters the room. These can include providing guests with details over how their room has been sanitized or information on available hotel services.

Engineered as a scalable solution, BeyondTV can also be equipped with virtual assistant and voice control abilities via an integration with Amazon's Alexa or Google Home. This provides safer contactless control over a range of in-room amenities, including thermostats, lighting, televisions and drapes.