Restaurant And Hospitality IT News for VARs — April 16, 2014

By Christine Kern, contributing writer

In Hospitality News this week, Google Wallet payments can only be made on a device that supports HCE. Also, both full-service and quick-service restaurants can benefit from smartphone technology, and quick-service spending increased in March. Also, a recent survey showed that free Wi-Fi is the top demand for travelers, and European hotels are responding to that need. 

NFC Payment With Google Wallet Now Requires HCE

NFC World reports that as of April 14, 2014, it will only be possible to use Google Wallet to make an NFC (near field communication) payment using a device that supports host card emulation (HCE). “Devices with Android versions older than Android 4.4 (Kitkat) will no longer be supported for tap and pay,” Google says.

Smartphone technology gives businesses and consumers payment flexibility

This article from QSR discusses how various smartphone platforms could — for both full-service and quick-service restaurants — replace traditional POS systems and open up game-changing new ways to capture information about customers..

Report: Quick-Servic Spending Increased In March

According to QSR, the latest analysis by First Data Corporation, a leader in payment technology and services solutions, reveal the most recent trends in spending. In hospitality-related results, hotel and travel spending growth of 6.6 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively, remained strong and gained traction from last month’s growth of 5.4 percent and 3.3 percent due to an increase in spring and summer travel plans. Average ticket growth at travel and hotel merchants jumped to 1.0 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively, compared to -0.8 percent and 1.7 percent last month — as shoppers’ booked more travel plans and business travel rallied.

Free Wi-Fi, Breakfast Deemed Most Important Amenities In Survey

In a recent Hotels.com poll, 1,000 travelers were asked to rank 33 different amenities in order of importance, and the ability to stay connected was deemed the most important in-room amenity, while free breakfast was the most sought-after overall hotel service.

Responding to changing demands of travelers, 67 percent of European hotels are now offering free Wi-Fi to its guests, as reported in this article from tnooz. 

Restaurant And Hospitality IT Talking Points

The Seattle Times reports that over the next year, Panera will begin updating its ordering system nationwide to allow customers to order online or on their mobile devices, making their food ready when they want it.

For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Hospitality Tech Center.