Tag: Technology
View All TagsPedestrian Bridges / Technology / Vegas Observations / Harmon Corner / → All Tags
Need to Charge Your Phone on The Strip? Try the Harmon Bridge
Last night while enjoying the fine views offered at from Twin Peaks, we spotted a couple of dudes crouching down on the Harmon Center pedestrian bridge. They didn't look like buskers or other shady characters and they certainly were not playing the bagpipes all evening, but we couldn't quite figure out what they were up to.
Then we saw it -- an outlet! A real live outlet.
It's located on the end of the bridge, right where you head into the Harmon Corner shops and restaurant. And, it's free! So, if your battery power is at 10 percent or less, plug in here, enjoy the bagpipes.. err, the sights.. and, when it's back up to at least 30 percent, make your way up to Twin Peaks to document the fine, um, dining.
Of course, now that we've mentioned this TOTALLY FREE OUTLET, we're sure the powers that be are going to block it up in 3... 2... 1....
Technology / Google Glass / Caesars Entertainment / Casinos / Gambling / → All Tags
The Changing Story of Google Glass And Vegas
Well, that was quick.
It was just a few weeks ago when Tech Hive reported that MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment were okay with customers wearing Google Glass. Someone must have educated the staff at Caesars Entertainment about Google Glass, though, because they are now saying the high-tech eyewear will not be allowed in their casinos.
Here is an explanation on the banning of Google Glass at Caesars properties detailed in an email to Computer World:
Technology / Nobu Hotel / Apps / Octavius Tower / Caesars Palace / Concierge / Housekeeping / → All Tags
Navigating The Nobu App
Earlier this week, you may have read about our stay in the first ever Nobu Hotel and the amenity madness included within. (Although, we're hearing that some haven't been that fortunate.) Another major feature the boutique hotel has rolled out is its mobile Nobu app.
When the Octavius Tower debuted at Caesars Palace last year it, too, released an app for tower guests. The Octavius App is a web application accessible from any Internet-enabled device that connects guests to details on Caesars' shows, dining, tournaments, Qua Spa and descriptions of its new signature Nobu treatments, housekeeping and concierge services, checkout and more.
Technology / Google Glass / MGM Resorts / Caesars Entertainment / → All Tags
Will You Be Able To Sport Your Google Glass In Vegas Casinos?
If you're a tech geek, you're probably familiar with Google Glass. This is something straight out of science fiction movies we grew up watching. Google Glass is essentially a pair of computerized eyeglasses. Glasses have a computer processor, memory, GPS sensor and camera (pictures and video) built into them. The lenses serve as a display screen. Update: Thanks to @Hunter on Twitter for letting us know that Google Glass will not offer built-in GPS, but can be GPS-enabled via a companion app on a Bluetooth-capable smart phone.
The technology that is available with Google Glass is really quite remarkable even if it is a little creepy to think anyone looking at you can record every move you make. Generally, we love new technology and any way we can make the Vegas experience better is alright good with us. Casinos don't always see things the way we do. They're always looking to protect their business and, sometimes, improvements in technology show potential to interfere with that. Strangely enough, the casinos that will not allow you to take photos inside the casino and won't even let you use your mobile phone to check a text message at a blackjack table will allow Google Glass.
Technology / Flamingo / Planet Hollywood / Paris Las Vegas / CES / Harrah's / → All Tags
CES Brings New Technology To Some Caesars Hotels
Coinciding with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last week, Caesars Entertainment debuted some pretty cool technology for their casinos. Actually, the TecTiles NFC (Near Field Technology) tags are only available at Caesars Palace, Harrah's, Paris and Planet Hollywood, for now. Before diving into what exactly this new tech stuff provides, we should tell you that it's only available to those of you with a Samsung Nexus mobile phone or tablet. (No iPhone, boo!)
NFC tags simply deliver information to a mobile device. By touching a mobile device to one of the tags, Caesars will be able to send details and information for different casino games, shows, shopping, etc. Through these tags, you'll be able to receive gaming tutorials, buy tickets to shows, and more. The NFC sign above is located when you walk into Paris from the valet area. The NFC tags have also been placed on slot machines throughout the casinos so you can just grab the information when playing a game.
Luxor / Vegas Observations / Front Desks / Technology / → All Tags
Luxor Wants You To Help Yourself
Luxor has two additions to its front desk for guests who are more inclined to avoid lines do it themselves.
Located on the far left-hand side, two iPads are available for those who want to quickly check out, with minimal fuss. Stop by any time between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and tap in your room number and your name to give your bill a fast once-over before officially bringing your stay to an end.
World Series of Poker / WSOP / Poker / Technology / Apps / iPhone Apps / → All Tags
WSOP Companion App Keeps Poker Fans Busy During Norman Chad Jokes
As the pumpkins and costume ideas start cropping up, the World Series of Poker is preparing to reconvene its final table. ESPN has been telling the stories of players, flops, busts, and suckouts leading up to that table each Tuesday night via a double shot of hour-long episodes. This year's last nine standing will put the cards back in the air October 29 at the Rio tossing aside the "tradition" of the November nine that's been advertised in recent years.
In an aim to enhance the WSOP TV viewing experience, Caesars Interactive Entertainment and ACTV8.me have quietly released a second screen companion app. More and more TV viewers tend to navigate second (laptops), third (smartphones), or even fourth (tablets) screens while the TV is on these days. Caesars is looking to insure those secondary screens keep viewers focused on the WSOP itself through interactive polls, trivia, and "betting" action that allows users to wager on the next action or outcome of the hand.
Technology / Venetian / Palazzo / Deals / → All Tags
Lost? The Venetian, Palazzo Have A New App For That
There are apps for many Vegas casinos. And, within those, maps as well. But, while there have been general property maps to access, none have told users that they are here, nor guided them to there.
The Venetian and Palazzo, however, have unveiled what we hope to be a game changer app -- one with "wayfinding" techonology. Or, more simply, one that will tell us to walk this way. And, keep telling us until we are there, no matter if you're in search of an ATM, the pool, restrooms or the garage. (Let's hope being able to bookmark your parking space is a Day 2 goal.)
Valet / Technology / The Cosmopolitan / Parking / → All Tags
The Valet at The Cosmopolitan is Robo Chic
Valet parking is a big deal here in Vegas. We love it because namely it's free (except at the Mandarin Oriental) meaning we can valet park without worrying if we've got an extra $5, $8 or $10 in cash laying around. But while free, it's not always fast, especially during a busy weekend.
Our own East Coast Gambler has been sizing up the valet scene in Vegas for some time now, putting forth his suggestions for Best and Worst as well as if you should valet at all. But here's something that may change his mind -- the robo-valet at The Cosmopolitan.
Caesars Palace / Technology / Check-In / → All Tags
Text Caesars To Skip The Check-In Line
Checking out of real life hotel rooms in Vegas has become a breeze lately. Last year, shooting a text to The Mirage became better than having to say goodbye and later we checked out of MGM Grand via the web, on our iPhone, nonetheless. Of course, just hightailing it out of town still works if you don't mind risking billing headaches. With the convenience of mobile technology does anyone even bother with the cumbersome TV checkout these days? Or the front desk stop?
As easy as leaving Las Vegas might be getting, checking in has always been the more time consuming part of the trip. We begged for a mobile check-in last year, even trying to persuade the Mirage with our exclusive business if it was offered.
Turns out Caesars Palace took our advice beat them to it and offers up mobile check-in.
World Series of Poker / WSOP / Poker / Technology / → All Tags
How To Follow The Money At WSOP
Cards are in the air and bracelets have already been handed out at the 2012 World Series of Poker. Last week, we served up some facts and trivIa about this year's event. Now, how to keep on top of the lucrative cash games that go hand-in-hand with the WSOP each year.
Bravo Poker has announced that its software has been chosen to manage the WSOP for the fifth year in a row. Its tournament software will be tracking each event down to the final table, but the most interesting impact from the announcement this year might be an enhancement to the BravoPokerLive app we detailed a few months ago.
Sportsbooks / The Mirage / Hard Rock / Cantor Gaming / Red Rock Casino / Players Clubs / Drinking / Venetian / Technology / → All Tags
Piecing Together Our Dream Sportsbook
We talk about sportsbooks a lot. We love spending time at the sportsbook. There is little better at a casino then hanging out with some friends, enjoying a drink and watching games that we have a few bucks on. Just like everything in the world, there is no perfect sportsbook experience, but we thought it would be fun to make a Frankenstein sportsbook with all of our favorite bits and pieces from various sportsbooks. It's make believe, so let's not be concerned with costs.
First thing we'd like in a sportsbook are new TV screens like the TVs at the Venetian sportsbook. This may be the single most important thing for us. After all, we're watching the games. The TVs should be crisp and clear. In a perfect world, the TVs would be replaced yearly so they're always new.
We'd like free drink tickets when we place a fairly priced wager like we can get at Red Rock Casino. Hey, who doesn't want a free drink? We're not unreasonable enough to think the casino would just give a freebie without placing a bet. This may seem old school since sportsbooks have been trying to cut this out of their expenses.
