When choosing a hotel or restaurant, many travellers do pay attention to the reviews of others to determine the quality of said places. Yet reading all those comments can get quite time-consuming when there are hundred or even thousands of them.

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Some platforms, websites, and webshops have thus added a handy little feature during the past few years: an AI summary. In short, the tool summarises all reviews left by customers and gives users an objective overview of the comments, both positive and negative, left by others.

A new analysis by consumer champion platform Which?, however, shows that those AI summaries might not always be as reliable as one might think. According to the organisation, TripAdvisor’s AI summery of hotel reviews tends to concentrate on glowing reviews, while shortcomings are often ignored. The issues omitted included food poisoning, sexual harassment, and hygiene failures.

One of the cases studied by Which? is the Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria in Cape Verde. According to the AI summary tool, the place proves to be “popular with many travellers” with “spacious rooms” and “diverse restaurants”.

That particular hotel, however, is the subject of a group action lawsuit involving more than 400 holidaymakers who are claiming to have experienced illnesses linked to poor hygiene standards and food safety failings. The food poisoning comments and other reviews pointing to poor hygiene weren’t reflected in the AI summary in March according to Which? and the summary concerning the Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria in Cape Verde has since been made unavailable.

Holiday ends tomorrow and I can’t wait to get home. 6 days of food poisoning, addicted to Imodium, unable to eat or drink anything and so lethargic.@RiuHoteles Cape Verde have seen the last of us. RIU Palace Santa Maria is no 5* resort

Don’t believe the brochures!

— YNWA Kaiser (@YNWA_Kaiser) October 11, 2025

Which? noted similar patterns, in which the AI summary tool concentrated on positive reviews and left out negative remarks, for other hotels as well. With this in mind, Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, warned users to stay alert.

“The platform has a responsibility to revisit the accuracy of its AI summaries and AI chatbot. This failure to surface critical safety information is unacceptable and potentially life-threatening. In the meantime, users should scroll past these summaries and look at guest reviews, particularly one-star ratings, and at reviews on other sites, to make sure their next stay is a safe one,” Boland said.

Following the publication of Which?’s research results, TripAdvisor has not failed to react.

“No review content has been suppressed or hidden by the introduction of these tools, and the suggestion they pose danger to travellers is an unfounded claim that seems designed to generate controversy rather than inform readers. We believe our community understands that AI technology is still developing and has the common sense to check any AI advice against Tripadvisor’s billion-plus reviews and contributions,” a spokesperson commented.

According to the platform, AI summary tools are not intended to replace individual reviews -which can be easily found by clicking on the separate review elements – and instead provide a mere snapshot of the vast amount of comments available.

“We also have comprehensive safeguards in place to ensure important safety information is properly reflected across our platform. Our AI systems are designed to capture all types of traveller feedback, and we continuously monitor and refine our models. Our systems automatically suppress AI Summaries for listings that feature warnings from travellers about serious safety incidents such as death, drugging or sexual assault, helping ensure this content is highly visible to our community”, the TripAdvisor spokesperson continued.

Which?’s analysis confirms earlier research, showing AI tools have a tendency to tone down negative observations, instead choosing for shallower alternatives.

L’article Tripadvisor AI summaries accused of masking negative hotel reviews est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

AI is everywhere and the travel industry is no exception. AI tools are getting more and more popular when it comes to trip planning, with many travellers asking ChatGPT for personalised holiday recommendations.

Travel platform Skyscanner is now jumping on that trend and has launched two new beta AI tools, available in English-speaking markets.

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“For more than 20 years, innovation has been at the heart of Skyscanner’s mission to be the world’s leading travel ally. At a time when travellers are navigating an increasingly complex travel landscape, we’re focused on building tools that help them plan and book with confidence. We’re experimenting with how AI can make every stage of the journey simpler and more intuitive, from discovering new destinations to road trip planning”, said Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner.

The first tool, named ‘Explore with AI’, allows travellers to search for personalised flight and destination recommendations through natural language prompts. The tool can provide all kinds of information, including price insights, weather, and travel tips.

For example, users can ask the tool to “help me find cheap flights to Japan in December,” then receive personalised recommendations based on their preferences. Travellers can also compare destination data side-by-side with a visual display, alongside AI-generated insights such as “September is typically 24% cheaper than December” and “Best of both: beaches and family trips.” During the first tests, Skyscanner noted a strong engagement, with a 60% click-through to flight options among those using ‘Explore with AI’.

The second AI tool, ‘Road Trip Planner’, concentrates specifically on putting together tailored itineraries. Travellers can provide the root with trip preferences, such as cultural or relaxing activities, and AI will then map out a road trip with personalised stops, while also recommending car hire options.

“We’re also continuing to test and evolve how we present flight information, including live flight tracking and trialling mapping price insights. By combining our deep travel expertise with the latest technology, our goal is to support travellers in making confident decisions and creating trips that are right for them, transforming travel planning into a seamless part of the adventure,” added Bryan Batista.

Moreover, Skyscanner updated some of its preexisting features. For example, DROPS – which scans airfares to flag price drops of over 20% over the previous week – now shows more frequent flight price reductions. According to the company, travellers would expect up to 822% more offers than before, making it easier than ever for customers to plan their next destination while paying attention to their budget.

Furthermore, the Flight Tracker tool provides travellers with real-time updates on gates, terminals, and baggage information, while Stays was extended to include five million (up from 3.5 million) accommodation options, ranging from budget stays to luxurious hotels.

L’article Skyscanner launches two AI tools to make trip planning easier est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Desk, oscillating and cordless fans

Traditional fans remain one of the simplest and most affordable ways to cool down. Desk fans are ideal for smaller hotel rooms or holiday rentals, while oscillating fans move from side to side to distribute air across a wider area. Cordless models add extra flexibility, allowing users to move them between rooms, balconies or even campsites without relying on a nearby power socket. Air circulation fans also help keep air moving throughout a room, creating a more comfortable environment even though they do not actually lower the room’s temperature.

Misting fans

Misting fans are becoming increasingly popular because they cool more effectively than standard fans. In addition to blowing air, they release an ultra-fine mist made up of tiny water droplets that evaporate almost immediately. This process helps lower the surrounding temperature without leaving furniture or clothing damp. One example is Dreo’s TurboCool range, which is available in both desktop and tower models and is designed to provide extra cooling during particularly hot weather.

@kateshoptiktok 30+ Degrees NEEDS this fan @Shark Home UK #SharkMistingFan #SharkFlexBreeze #MistingFan #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt #SummerSale ♬ Take My Mind – WizTheMc & bees & honey

Handheld and neck fans

Portable fans remain a favourite among travellers because they are lightweight and easy to carry throughout the day. Some newer models, such as Dyson’s HushJet Mini, replace traditional spinning blades with specially designed airflow systems that create a concentrated stream of air while operating more quietly. Many handheld fans can also be placed on a desk or worn around the neck using a lanyard, making them useful while travelling by train, exploring a city or working remotely.

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Neck fans have also become increasingly common during heatwaves. These devices rest comfortably around the neck and direct airflow towards the face and upper body while leaving both hands free. Cooling the neck is particularly effective because major blood vessels are located close to the skin in this area, helping the body feel cooler more quickly. Models such as the JisuLife Neck Fan offer multiple speed settings and batteries that can last for many hours, making them suitable for long sightseeing days or outdoor activities.

Wearable air conditioners

One of the newest developments in personal cooling is the wearable air conditioner. Unlike a fan, these devices do not blow air directly onto the user. Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro sits underneath clothing at the back of the neck and uses a metal cooling plate to cool the body directly. Built-in sensors monitor movement, humidity and the surrounding temperature before automatically adjusting the cooling level, creating a personalised cooling experience throughout the day.

Portable air coolers and air conditioners

Travellers staying in accommodation without built-in air conditioning may also benefit from portable cooling systems. Air coolers use water to cool the air before circulating it through a room, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. Portable air conditioners actively remove heat from a room, making them a better option during prolonged periods of extreme heat. The right choice often depends on the size of the room, the outside temperature and the amount of cooling required.

@manasdxyavu Portable Air Conditioner 10000 BTU#PortableAirConditioner#SummerWins#summervibes#WindowAC #dealsforyoudays ♬ 原創音樂 – Baosucai

Cooling accessories

Not every cooling solution requires electricity. Cooling towels, reusable gel packs and cooling gloves can provide quick relief after spending time outdoors, while cooling face masks and even ice slippers have also become available for people looking for extra comfort during heatwaves. Most of these products are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and easy to pack into a suitcase or backpack. They can be particularly useful after walking through hot city streets or waiting in the sun for public transport.

Cooling products for better sleep

High daytime temperatures are often followed by warm nights, making it difficult to get enough rest. Cooling blankets and cooling pillowcases use fabrics that remain cooler against the skin, helping people sleep more comfortably without relying entirely on air conditioning. These products can be especially useful in hotels, holiday rentals or campsites where cooling systems are limited or unavailable. A better night’s sleep can also help the body recover after spending long days outdoors in extreme heat.

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Cooling products for pets

Travelling with pets during a heatwave requires extra care, as animals can overheat just as easily as people. Cooling mats, cooling coats and specially designed cooling beds help dogs and other pets regulate their body temperature while resting or travelling. These products should always be used alongside access to fresh drinking water, shaded areas and regular breaks away from the heat. For anyone planning a road trip or summer holiday with their pet, they can provide an extra level of comfort during periods of extreme temperatures.

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As heatwaves become more frequent across Europe, these products are likely to become increasingly common travel companions. Although they cannot replace basic precautions such as staying hydrated, wearing sun protection and avoiding the hottest hours of the day, they can help make long sightseeing days, train journeys and evenings in accommodation without air conditioning a little more comfortable.

L’article Europe’s heatwave: What gadgets can help travellers stay cool est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The simulator gives users the feeling of flying over Earth without leaving their home. As the aircraft moves, the map loads 3D buildings and detailed images of the terrain. This creates a smooth transition between different regions, such as mountains, cities and oceans. The experience is meant to feel immersive, but still simple enough for anyone to try. It does not try to fully copy real-world flying physics in detail. Instead, it focuses on allowing users to travel visually across the planet in an easy way.

A flight simulator is not completely new for Google Earth. A similar feature already existed in 2007, but it was hidden inside the desktop version of the software. At that time, users had to download the application before they could access it. The new version removes that barrier by making the tool available directly in a browser. The updated simulator is part of a wider effort to bring desktop features into the web version of Google Earth. According to Google, the feature was added “just for fun” alongside other improvements. 

Accessing the simulator is done directly through Google Earth in a browser. Once inside, users can open the tools menu and activate the flight simulator with a few clicks. The experience immediately places them above the map, ready to begin flying over the virtual globe. Instead of complex setup steps, the tool is designed to feel quick and intuitive to launch.

Control of the aircraft is mainly handled through simple keyboard inputs. Arrow keys are used to steer and adjust direction, while speed can be increased or reduced with basic controls such as Page Up and Page Down. Users can also switch between mouse and keyboard input depending on what feels easier. Even with these simplified controls, the simulator still requires some practice before flights feel smooth and stable.

Although the simulator is easy to access, many users find it difficult to control at first. Small mistakes in movement can quickly lead to crashes or loss of direction. When this happens, the simulation simply pauses and allows the user to restart from a safe position. This removes pressure and makes experimentation easier. Online reactions show a mix of excitement and frustration. Some users enjoy the challenge, while others admit that controlling the aircraft is not easy. Still, the focus of the tool is not accuracy but entertainment and exploration. Even when flights end in crashes, users can immediately try again without penalty.

The flight simulator can appeal to people who enjoy discovering new places in a different way. It allows users to fly over destinations they may want to visit in real life. This can help them understand geography, distances and landscapes from a unique perspective. It also offers a playful way to explore regions that might otherwise be difficult to reach. The experience depends on internet performance, since images and 3D data load dynamically during flight. In areas with slower connections, some details may appear with a delay. Despite this, the simulator still provides a smooth overview of the planet for most users. It turns Google Earth into more than a map, creating a simple but engaging virtual travel experience.

L’article Google Earth launches free browser-based flight simulator for virtual travellers est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Self-driving taxis, also known as robotaxis, have been rapidly expanding across China and the U.S. for years. According to data gathered by the International Energy Agency, 8,000 such driverless cars loaded with sensors were driving across some 25 cities in 2025.

In Europe, however, things are looking very different. Aside from a couple of isolated pilot schemes, the self-driving vehicle industry is lagging behind. A variety of testing permits, approval procedures, and data requirements have proven difficult to overcome for companies specialising in the matter.

A European approach

Yet things are about to change. On Monday, 8 June 2026, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and 17 European transport ministers signed a declaration promising to work together in order to make large-scale cross-border testing of autonomous vehicles a possibility. Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden have agreed to work on common approval principles and coordinated permitting procedures.

The initiative is expected to boost the sector across the European continent, although a handful of European countries were already carrying out pilot programs before the declaration was signed.

Zagreb, for example, had been doing robotaxi trials involving 10 autonomous taxis since 8 April 2026. According to Uber, which teamed up with the Chinese company Pony.ai and Croatian startup Verne to make the trial possible, the Croatian capital is emerging as the first market for commercial robotaxi service in Europe.

Meanwhile, three trials are scheduled to take place in London over the course of 2026. Three separate operators are behind the initiative: Waymo, Wayve (which will be partnering with Uber), and Apollo Go.

Furthermore, Stellantis and Pony.ai will be launching a trial in Luxembourg, WeRide and Uber have announced a trial in Madrid, Munich will be welcoming self-driving taxis powered by Momenta, and Apollo Go and Swiss Post are working on a pilot programme in Switzerland.

In an interview with press agency AFP, industry specialist Herve de Treglode said both London and Madrid are ready for driverless vehicles, while commercial services could be expected by 2027. However, he also mentioned a potential hurdle for a smooth roll-out across Europe: while commercial companies want to target highly profitable city centres, local authorities would prefer for them to concentrate on poorly connected suburban and rural areas. Only time will tell if those contrasting visions turn out to be compatible.

The future of self-driving taxis

While just 8,000 driverless taxis were operational in China and the United States in 2025, the industry is expected to boom over the next decade. The International Energy Agency estimates there will be between 700,000 and 3 million robotaxis across 40 to 80 major cities worldwide by 2035, while consultancy agency BCG projects approximately 3 million robotaxis by the same date (some 850,000 of which should be based in China), and Goldman Sachs is aiming for 6 million vehicles.

L’article Europe approves cross-border testing for self-driving taxis in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new service has officially rolled out in Indonesia, Japan, and the United States, signalling TikTok’s growing ambitions to move beyond entertainment and social discovery into travel commerce and in-app transactions.

TikTok GO integrates booking capabilities into the way users already consume content on the platform. Travellers can discover accommodation, restaurants, attractions, and activities through short videos, search functions, local feeds, and location pages. Once something catches their attention, users can view details, check availability, and complete a booking in just a few taps without leaving the app.

The company says the feature is designed to bridge the gap between inspiration and action, turning viral travel content into immediate purchasing opportunities.

“Every day on TikTok, millions of people discover where to eat, where to stay, and what to do next,” said Adam Presser, CEO of TikTok USDS Joint Venture. “TikTok GO connects that moment of inspiration directly to the businesses behind it, and that’s good for creators, good for local businesses, and good for communities.”

TikTok GO was first introduced in Indonesia in late April through a partnership with Tokopedia, one of the country’s largest technology and e-commerce companies.

In the United States, TikTok has partnered with major travel and experiences brands, including Booking.com, Expedia, Viator, GetYourGuide, Tiqets, and Trip.com.

@tiktokgo_us Travel, create content and earn on TikTok GO just like @Maureen | Family Travel Join our Discord channel to learn more! #tiktokgo #travel #hotel #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – TikTok GO

According to TikTok, users must be at least 18 years old to complete bookings through the service.

The move reflects a broader trend in the travel industry where social media increasingly shapes consumer behaviour and destination choices. Platforms such as TikTok have become influential discovery tools, particularly among younger travellers seeking authentic recommendations and experience-led travel inspiration.

For travel companies and local tourism operators, TikTok GO could provide direct access to audiences already engaging with destination content. The company says the feature will help businesses reach new customers through TikTok’s ecosystem of creators, videos, searches, and location-based discovery.

GetYourGuide described the partnership as a major shift in how experiences are marketed and booked online.

“Whether it’s visiting the Vatican or checking out a cooking class in Tokyo, we’re collapsing the time between inspiration and action,” said Johannes Reck, co-founder and CEO of GetYourGuide. “With over 200,000 experiences across 12,000 destinations, GetYourGuide is well-positioned to power that moment at scale, giving our operators – many of them small, local businesses – direct access to a massive, travel-hungry audience.”

@tiktokgo_us If you want to turn your travel passion into – look no further! Join TikTok GO today and start earning commissions! Tag someone that should be a TikTok GO creator! #tiktokgo #tiktokgocreator #traveltiktok #tiktokaffiliate ♬ original sound – TikTok GO

Reck added that experiences are increasingly becoming the main motivation for travel rather than an additional activity once travellers arrive at a destination.

Booking.com also welcomed the collaboration, saying it would make it easier for users to move from discovering a destination in a video to booking a stay instantly.

TikTok says the launch is only the beginning of its plans to connect users with businesses and experiences directly through the platform, building on the model already established by TikTok Shop in retail commerce.

As travel inspiration continues to shift from traditional search engines and guidebooks towards creator-led content, TikTok GO may further accelerate the blending of entertainment, social media, and online travel booking into a single digital experience.

L’article TikTok enters travel booking market with launch of TikTok GO  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The feature works by integrating travel options into the existing TikTok experience. Users can discover hotels and activities through videos, search results, and location-based pages. When they find something they are interested in, they can view details, check availability, and complete a booking without leaving the app. TikTok GO is available only for users aged 18 and older who want to book travel-related services. The system is designed to reduce the number of steps between inspiration and purchase.

TikTok GO includes partnerships with several major travel companies, including Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Tiqets. These partners provide access to hotels and a wide range of activities across different destinations. GetYourGuide alone offers more than 200,000 experiences in over 12,000 destinations, showing the scale of content available through the platform. Pricing is set by each partner individually, depending on the service offered.

The launch highlights how TikTok is becoming more than a platform for travel inspiration. It now aims to connect discovery directly with booking, turning short videos into actionable travel decisions. The idea is to shorten the time between seeing a destination and booking it. This approach reflects a broader trend where social media platforms are increasingly involved in the travel planning process. TikTok has already tested similar booking features with a limited group of users in the United States before this wider rollout.

Creators also play an important role in TikTok GO. Travel content creators can connect their videos directly to bookable services and earn commissions through these links. This creates new opportunities for creators to monetise travel-related content beyond traditional brand deals. Businesses and tourism providers benefit from direct access to users who are already interested in travel inspiration. The system connects creators, travellers, and service providers in one ecosystem inside the app.

Users in the U.S. can now use TikTok GO to book hotels, tours, and experiences directly on the platform.

We’re making it easier to turn discovery into action. From your feed to your next destination, book in just a few taps.

Details: https://t.co/N7dF9Jwdos

— TikTok USDS Joint Venture (@tiktokusdsjv) May 12, 2026

The launch also reflects a wider shift in how travel is discovered and booked online. Social media platforms are increasingly influencing travel decisions, with many users relying on content to plan trips. Industry data suggests that social media inspiration often leads to travel-related purchases or decisions, although the path to booking is not always immediate. Travel remains a complex purchase, and users may still compare options before confirming a trip. TikTok GO aims to simplify this process by reducing friction between discovery and booking within the same platform.

TikTok GO is currently available only in the United States, but similar initiatives already exist in markets such as Indonesia and Japan. The company has also been expanding its travel-related advertising tools, showing a broader interest in the travel sector. With this launch, TikTok positions itself more directly within the travel booking ecosystem, moving closer to online travel agencies and established booking platforms.

L’article TikTok rolls out in-app hotel and experience bookings est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The project is designed as a phased experiment rather than a simple short-term test. Teams will first analyse airport operations in detail to identify where robots can be used safely and effectively. This will be followed by repeated trials that simulate real working conditions on the ground. The idea is to gradually build a system where robots and humans work together in a structured way. In the long term, the partners hope to create a more sustainable model for airport operations. 

The robots will initially be used for physically demanding tasks such as loading and unloading cargo containers and moving equipment on the tarmac. These machines are built in a humanoid form, meaning they can move in a way that is similar to humans and operate in spaces designed for people. This allows them to work within existing airport infrastructure without major changes. During demonstrations, a robot measuring around 130 centimetres was seen carefully pushing cargo onto a conveyor belt and even waving to a colleague. The robots can operate for two to three hours before needing to recharge, and they are currently controlled remotely by human operators, mirroring human movements. 

One of the main reasons behind this initiative is the growing labour shortage in Japan’s aviation sector. The country is dealing with a declining working-age population while at the same time welcoming a rising number of international visitors. More than seven million tourists arrived in Japan in just the first two months of 2026, adding pressure to airport services. Ground handling work is often physically demanding and requires long shifts, making it harder to attract and retain staff. By introducing robots, airlines hope to reduce the physical strain on workers and maintain smooth operations. 

The issue goes beyond aviation and reflects a broader national challenge. Japan may need more than 6.5 million foreign workers by 2040 to meet its economic goals as the domestic workforce continues to shrink. This creates political and social pressure, as immigration levels remain a sensitive topic. In this context, automation and robotics are increasingly seen as part of the solution. The use of humanoid robots in airports is therefore not only about efficiency, but also about responding to long-term demographic changes. 

The technology behind the robots combines artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and remote operation. This allows them to perform tasks that require both strength and precision while still being supervised by human operators. GMO Internet Group, the parent company involved in the project, has even declared 2026 as the “First Year of Humanoids”. The aim is to accelerate the use of this technology across different industries, not just aviation. Airports are being used as a testing ground because they present real-world challenges that require adaptable solutions. 

Robots are already present in some Japanese airports, where they are used for tasks such as security patrols and customer service. The introduction of humanoid robots for ground handling is, therefore, a continuation of an ongoing trend rather than a completely new development. What makes this project different is the focus on physically demanding back-end operations that have traditionally relied on human labour. These tasks are less visible to passengers but are essential for keeping flights running on time. 

Japan’s labor shortage is so severe it burned through its entire 5-year quota for foreign restaurant workers in record time.

The food service sector (restaurants, hospital/nursing home meal services) hit its 50,000 cap early – new Specified Skilled Worker visa applications…

— World of Statistics (@stats_feed) April 26, 2026

Despite the growing role of automation, human workers will remain essential in airport operations. Certain responsibilities, especially those related to safety and decision-making, cannot be handled by robots. Officials involved in the project have made it clear that the goal is to support employees rather than replace them. By taking over repetitive and physically heavy tasks, robots could help improve working conditions and reduce fatigue. Human oversight will continue to be necessary to ensure that all operations meet strict safety standards.

The trial at Haneda Airport reflects a wider shift in the global aviation industry. Airports around the world are exploring new technologies to handle increasing passenger numbers and improve efficiency. These include biometric boarding systems, automated baggage handling, and autonomous vehicles. Humanoid robots could become another tool in this transition, especially in locations where labour shortages are becoming more severe. Their ability to work in human-designed environments gives them an advantage over more specialised machines.

In the future, the role of these robots could expand beyond cargo handling. Japan Airlines is already considering using them for tasks such as cleaning aircraft cabins and operating ground support equipment. As the technology improves, robots may become more autonomous and capable of interacting more naturally with both staff and passengers. If the current trial proves successful, similar systems could be introduced at other airports in Japan and beyond. This would mark an important step towards a more automated and flexible airport environment.

L’article Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to trial humanoid robots for ground operations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Offering shareholders $90 per share in cash, or the equivalent value in its stock, Amazon described the Globalstar takeover as part of its “long-term vision for space-based connectivity” and said a “next generation” satellite system could follow by 2028. Despite Bezos’ well-documented ambitions in the space race, his Leo network is seriously behind competitors, with only 200 satellites at present playing catch-up with Elon Musk’s Starlink (which boasts more than 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, serving over 10 million customers already).

Leo already boasts a contract with US airline Delta, a contract recently hailed by Andy Jassy, President and CEO of Amazon, as “a great example of the impact and scale” the company’s technology could achieve, adding: “People increasingly want to stay connected wherever they are in the world, and Leo’s speed and reliability is going to have a big impact for businesses, governments, and consumers. It’s going to make the in-flight experience so much better, and it’s going to change what’s possible while traveling.”

Leo is slated to grow by another 3,200 satellites in Earth’s low orbit by 2029, Amazon has promised, but approximately half of those need to be deployed before ​July to meet regulatory requirements.

Amazon Leo + @Apple

In parallel, we have also signed a long-term agreement with Apple for Amazon Leo to power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models, allowing users to text emergency services, message friends and family, request roadside assistance, and… pic.twitter.com/UujASAfYgT

— Amazon Leo (@Amazonleo) April 14, 2026

Globalstar will add only around 50 satellites into the mix but its appeal to Amazon lies in worldwide infrastructure, including in California, Georgia, and Louisiana in the United States, as well as in Dublin, Rio de Janeiro, and Toulouse. It also serves Apple Watch and iPhone with emergency SOS call functionality—a role that will continue under the Amazon deal, made possible by Globalstar’s existing low-data Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology that allows devices to connect  in limited cellular coverage zones without ground-based cellular towers. Acquiring that D2D capability is being seen as a coup for Amazon by commentators.

Leo is not Bezos’ only satellite venture however. Blue Origin, his rocket company, is aiming to launch 5,400 satellites by 2027, as part of its new TeraWave communications network, designed to capture the business, data centre, and governmental market with download speeds of up to six terabits that put rivals to shame.

Meanwhile, competition regulators such as the US Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr have signalled an “open-minded” positive stance on the merger, which is being viewed as a boost to innovation in the field of satellite communications. The markets also responded well: Globalstar’s share value rose more than 10%, on top of a 6% gain over the two weeks proceeding the deal. Amazon’s stock also went up, by 3%.

L’article Amazon plays catch up with Starlink with $11.6 billion purchase of Globalstar est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Multi-modal platform Omio already features among Travel Tomorrow’s must-have travel apps for 2026. It serves a whopping one billion users annually, allowing them to plan journeys across 47 countries and multiple modes of transport. It has now launched the additional agentic capability of in-app ChatGPT, describing the move in a press release as “a key step in Omio’s ambition to become a leading AI-native platform.” The breakthrough offers passengers the possibility to search and compare travel options in real time through conversational prompts.

Omio highlights that the development comes at a time when “over half of travellers want artificial intelligence to plan and book their trips.” The firm says it will meet demand from ChatGPT’s 900 million weekly users through its global network of more than 3,000 transport partners.

“We are enabling thousands of travel providers to be discovered in new ways and to extend their reach within a global, intelligent ecosystem,” said Omio’s founder and CEO, Naren Shaam, hailing the app’s launch as “a step towards building the infrastructure that will shape how billions of journeys are discovered and booked worldwide now, and in the future.”

While third-party search and compare travel booking platforms already exist, they often still require consumers to switch between multiple sites and tick multiple checkboxes and filters. Omio’s ChatGPT tool merges a global travel inventory with advanced large language models, following a year-long collaboration with artificial general intelligence mission, OpenAI, and now allows users to “ask the same questions they would pose to a travel agent” to “instantly explore routes, prices, and options across multiple modes before booking,” the firm claims.

Omio provides examples that it says show off the natural style of questions that can be asked, including:

• What’s the fastest and cheapest route from Rome to Florence this Saturday?
• Should I take a train or a flight from Paris to Barcelona?
• I need to get from São Paulo to Rio tomorrow morning. Should I take a bus or fly?

Promising “more exciting announcements to follow,” Tomas Vocetka, Omio’s Chief Technology Officer, welcomed an era of “intelligent travel,” that would see consumers benefitting from technology that “anticipates your journey before you even start.”

The Omio ChatGPT app is out now and available worldwide in English. 

L’article Omio launches ChatGPT app bringing conversational AI travel planning to millions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.