Nonstop Connections: 2019 Year in Review
With the second decade of the 21st century officially behind us, we'd like to take this time to thank all of our partners and customers for making 2019 a truly incredible launch year for Nonstop.
Our goal from the beginning has always been to deliver modern technology products that solve pervasive problems while delighting guests and hoteliers alike. 2019 showed that there is significant demand for technology that feels “different.”
In addition to announcing 15,000 rooms in our first year, we'd like to share some key company highlights company from 2019 as well as a birds eye view of the entire wireless charging market.
Four Products. One Vision
2019 was a year focused on building out a robust product line that could satisfy the diverse set of needs throughout the hospitality industry. From economy to luxury, from boutique to global franchises, Nonstop has a solution to fit nearly any type of property.
Station W: Our first product. Named “W” for wireless charging. The Station W comes with USB outlets, Wireless Charging and an easy to use alarm clock. With two colorways and custom options available, the Station W gives guests everything they expect in a modern hotel.
Station A: The All in One. Named “A” for the inclusion of Audio. The Station A comes fully loaded with dual USB outlets, Qi Wireless Charging and a Bluetooth speaker. With 3 colors in stock and more features like white noise coming, the Station A is the ultimate bedside companion.
Station C: The most unique. Named “C” for its shape. The Station C was the first wireless charging pad with USB outlets designed specifically for hotels. Fully customizable with different colored fabric and even marble finishes, the Station C is ideal for anywhere that guests might need a charge.
Station O: The small one. Named “O” for its shape. The Station O. The smallest alarm clock of its kind with USB charging, the Station O’s affordable price point and modern design makes it a perfect fit for just about any property.
We heard from a lot of customers and partners that while wireless charging is something that intrigued them, the price point was a bit too high to justify adding it. We get it. Which is why in 2020 we’re announcing a permanent price reduction for both the Station W and Station C. It’s never been easier to deck out your property in Nonstop Products this New Year.
Delivering the Wow Moment
A lot of the past year was spent educating the market on the inherent benefits of wireless charging and why it’s something that every hotel should be thinking of implementing.
As the year progressed, we could sense a shift in sentiment on wireless charging. It went from “this would be cool to have” to “we really shouldn’t leave that out.” Two iconic properties in San Francisco were some of the first to truly “get it.” See what they have to say:
"Park Central San Francisco was in need of a replacement for an in-room clock. Nonstop’s solution provided us with that and more! Now our guests can enjoy the convenience of wireless (or wired) bedside charging and a great Bluetooth speaker as well! Our guests love the product”
-Michael Baier, GM at the Park Central Hotel
“Hotel Zetta is a design-forward / tech-forward hotel always looking for new and innovative ways to deliver that exceptional experience at great convenience. Charging is a necessity and a chore so having wireless charging capabilities right by the bed made this easy and allowed us to have fun with our customized design. The feedback we have received has been incredibly positive”
-Mark Beevor, GM at the Viceroy Hotel Group
Wireless Charging in 2020
In 2019 we saw wireless charging become a truly mainstream technology. It surpassed 1 billion devices worldwide and nearly 90% of phones sold today have wireless charging included.
2020 is poised to bring wireless charging to more and more devices. Things like tablets, smart watches, headphones and even laptops are looking to become Qi wireless enabled.
With rumors that Apple will be ditching the charging port altogether as soon as 2021, 2020 will be a crucial inflection point for hotels. If you haven't been thinking about wireless charging already, now is the time to add it to your hotel.
A Conversation with CEO, Neil Betterton
To close out 2019, CEO Neil Betterton gives his perspective on what were the biggest things that happened in 2019 and what he’s most excited about in 2020.
What were the big things that happened for Nonstop in 2019?
Market Penetration & Brand Validation
“In 2019 we introduced 4 new products, each of which is moving nicely through the industry’s leading distributors and into thousands of hotel rooms nationwide. An immediate resonance with the industry’s leading brands and design firms has culminated in Nonstop product placement in some of the most prominent new builds and renovations in the market.
We saw a gap in the market - for hotel electronics that offer high-tech features in a simpler, decor-driven design style. 2019 was huge for us; gaining the validation from the market that we’re on the right track. “We love what you’re doing” was a common response which really put the wind in our sails. In 2020 we see this momentum carrying over into more and larger brand-wide adoptions of the products. We’re thrilled with how rapidly the Nonstop brand is growing.”
What are some predictions you have for 2020?
Continued Adoption of Wireless Charging
“A year ago we were talking about Apple’s newest phones joining the ranks of those compatible with Qi wireless charging; and how this was a turning point for the adoption of that technology. This technology is progressing extremely rapidly, and it’s here to stay, greatly simplifying the way we recharge our phones, and wearables. For hotels, deploying this powerful new tech in a simple, approachable way, is providing new opportunities to enhance the guest experience. We’re predicting that 2020 is the year that several large brands make Qi wireless a requirement.”
The Evolution of the Alarm Clock
“Nonstop product development is a core element of our new brand. Continued shifts in consumer behaviors and guest expectations will inspire exciting new products for 2020. Along with this, we expect 2020 to be the year where new features like wireless charging give way to a completely clutter free, cable-less nightstand.We invite our industry customers, partners and friends to help shape these developments.”
Conclusion
2019 was a year spent introducing the market to the Nonstop brand. The feedback we received from hoteliers, designers, owners and more was incredibly positive. It's clear many we're looking for something different.
2020 is poised to be a year filled with growth and expansion. Expect new colors, new features, new products and more. We're thrilled to have you be a part of the Nonstop family. Here’s to a great 2020!