Will The Apple Watch Be Great For Travellers?

Apple’s first wearable, the Apple Watch, is set to launch on April 24, and already has a number of interesting features for travellers.

Here's what we learned about the new device - especially as it pertains to travellers.

VIRTUAL KEYS AND TICKETS

The watch has a passbook app similar to the one on the iPhone and works as a virtual wallet for all your event and transit tickets. Expedia’s app for the watch can give you a flight’s status, let you know when your gate changes, and help you check in and out of your hotel.

CATCH A RIDE

Ride-sharing app Uber also already has an app for the Apple Watch. Much like the app on your phone, you can request a ride from the app and see when your car is expected to arrive, as well as the name of your driver and his licence plate number. A push notification will also let you know when your car arrives.

MONITOR YOUR HOME

An app from alarm.com that helps you monitor your home while you’re away. The app can pull up a live feed of your home’s security cameras on your wrist, and can work as a virtual key to unlock your front door or open your garage while you’re on the other side of the world.

WALLET-FREE BUYING

Apple Pay is also coming to the watch. Just like on the iPhone, the feature will let you pay for items at a number of merchants around the world by tapping your watch on the register. One feature coming soon to Apple Pay: the ability to make vending machine purchases. Apple Pay is rolling out to 100,000 Coke machines by the end of the year.

Of course there will be loads of developers and companies developing tons more as the world starts to get used to wearing their tech on their wrists. Exciting times ahead and one to keep an eye on.

Original article: Condé Nast Traveler