Emirates unveils e-zone in business class lounge

Emirates says e-zone features exciting and exclusive technologies developed in association with Microsoft Gulf at the ‘Dubai Innovation Lab’; including gaming from Xbox 360 and the latest Microsoft Surface computers which will begin selling in some European and Middle Eastern countries. Surface will now be available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the U.K.
Emirates Media Player

“e-zone is an extremely innovative concept,” said Neetan Chopra, vice president of IT Strategy and Architecture Emirates. “Emirates has always been at the forefront of technology advancements for the airline and travel industry. We have invested heavily to ensure our passengers have access to the latest technologies for entertainment and for keeping in touch with their offices or loved ones while travelling. Onboard, this is evident in our multiple award winning ice in-flight entertainment system and AeroMobile service. On the ground, the implementation of e-zone adds a unique layer to our service offering.

"The Emirates IT division worked alongside Microsoft Gulf and one of its key partners, Infusion Development, on the Dubai Innovation Lab to conceptualise this distinctive customer experience. The response from our Business Class passengers has been exceptionally positive throughout the trial phase and we look forward to further technological advancements in the future.”

e-zone is suitable for all ages and features several different technologies.  It incorporates elements from Microsoft’s Surface that take away the devices that stand in the way of intuitive computing, things such as mice and keyboards, and gives people the chance to use a computer that’s as natural as touch itself.  Microsoft Surface claims to be capable of recognising objects placed on it – digital cameras, wireless phones, even “tagged” glasses – are recognized and treated as objects of communication with the user.

“Innovation has been a cornerstone of Microsoft’s success across all our businesses,” said Ihab Foudeh, director, Enterprise & Partner Group, Microsoft Gulf. “By utilising the best combination of connected software, services, hardware and leveraging the vast Microsoft partner community in Gulf, Microsoft is at the forefront of developing products that push computing boundaries, deliver new experiences that break down barriers between users and technology.

"The adoption of these next-generation technologies by Emirates marks the beginning of a new era of human computer interaction. It highlights the company’s commitment to providing its travellers with the most sophisticated services. Together, Emirates and Microsoft aim to bring to life a whole new way for users to interact with information that makes entertainment more personal, interactive and social.”

So far the duo have created a variety of applications that will “offer users and individual experience”.

Programs that have been developed so far are: Attract: a gently rippling water pond that invites passengers to touch and experience Microsoft Surface.

Destination Guide: an “innovative” application that is exclusive to Emirates and allows customers to interact with a moving 3D globe. Built on the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform, customers can zoom into any location on earth and view general destination information and location photos. As well as having information on Emirates’ wide network of destinations are also featured on the globe.

Photo Album: a collection of various Emirates photos, incorporating holiday destinations and aircraft. People may view, touch, move, zoom in/out and share photographs.

Paint: a creative application that allows children to use their hands to paint freely. Once a picture is finished it can be turned into a postcard and e-mailed as a souvenir.

“The Dubai Innovation Lab enabled us as a local partner focused on emerging technologies to Innovate together with Emirates and Microsoft to deliver new and exciting experiences to business travellers who choose to fly with Emirates," said Vimal Sethi, general manager Infusion Development Middle East & Africa.

For the more adventurous, e-zone features a three screen Xbox 360 motor racing Simulator that has customised seating and life-like racing games.  Emirates said it provides a truly realistic driving experience.

And its final offering is the PENTApod.  It has five Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming consoles installed in e-zone, providing the latest child-friendly gaming software and helping to keep children entertained while waiting to board their flight.
 

Mr Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services (Dubai) Emirates, interacting with a Microsoft Surface Computer in e-zone, Emirates dedicated technology corner