Rahway, N.J. (January 25, 2012) – Hotel Technologies was recently named an "Innovations Honoree" at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for its new iHome® HiDM5 Executive Workstations, a wireless Bluetooth® stereo keyboard with speaker phone that enables guests to get away yet stay connected. The unit, which will roll out to the hospitality industry in March exclusively from American Hotel Register, is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled tablets and smartphones to give travelers a true audio and communications solution. The iHome HiDM5 was also named "Best in Show" by iLounge for its "rare combination of great design, features, and pricing."

"We are delighted to receive both the 'Innovations Honoree' designation and the 'Best of Show' award at CES for our new Executive Workstation," said Hotel Technologies National Sales Manager Ely Ashkenazi. "Earning these honors is proof that today's travelers place connectivity at the top of their lists of desired amenities while on the road. The iHome® HiDM5 is a keyboard and speaker system with wireless functionality in one sleek package that streams music from an iPhone, iPod, iPad, or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Guests can talk and type or type and listen to music at the same time.

Because tablet computers and smartphones have such universal appeal, they are quickly becoming an integral part of many travelers’ lives for business email, presentations or entertainment. The iHome HiDM5 is the simplest and most affordable way for hotels of all sizes to support today's mobile-savvy travelers.

According to the 2nd Annual Lodging Technology Study, the most IT dollars in 2012 will be spent on guestroom technologies (20.18 percent of respondents). Of those who responded to the query, 38.8% said investing in guestroom technologies is "extremely important," and 50.9% view the in-room project as "important." A leading trend to note is the use and implementation of tablet computers provided as an in-room amenity. Respondents' implementation plans show that 5% already provide in-room tablets, while another 5% will offer such a device within the next 6-12 months, 11% within the next 12 to 14 months, and 7% in 36 months or more, putting the overall market footprint for guest room tablets at 29% in three years. In other words, nearly one-third of hotel executives plan to offer tablet computers in guestrooms within the next three years. The study was conducted by Hospitality Technology magazine in conjunction with the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Iowa State University, University of South Florida and University of Central Florida.  

"When you see the number of guests walking into the hotel lobby with an iPad, iPhone or iPod in their hands, you will quickly understand why providing a way to charge these devices and stay connected is critical to guest satisfaction," Ashkenazi said. "Today, our new iHome® HiDM5 takes connectivity to a whole new level, and it enables guests to feel at home by allowing them to listen to their own music while they're relaxing, access and work on documents while preparing for a meeting and talking on the phone, or watching a movie or video in the privacy of their room.  And with 2 USB ports, it is a simple way to charge your device while working or sleeping. It's guest-service at its best, and it's coming to hotels in the coming weeks from AHR."

Hotel Technologies brings “the science of feeling at home”™ to hotels and their guests.  Affiliated with SDI Technologies, a 56-year-old consumer audio electronics company, Hotel Technologies designs, develops, engineers and manufactures state-of-the-art intelligent electronic products and patented technologies for hotels and resorts. Products include easy-to-program branded electronic clock radios that are guest-friendly and inviting to hear. For more information, go to www.hoteltechnologies.com or call, toll-free, (888) 74-HOTEL -- (888) 744-6835 – or (732) 574-0117, extension 3-228.