The latest news in the world of customer experience and customer loyalty.
Amazon Introducing Alexa to Your Kids
Amazon seems to have gained a firm enough hold on the voice search market with Alexa calmly directing us on everything we want to know in life, that now it’s turning its attention to a new audience: Your kids. Amazon’s vice president for Alexa customer experience Toni Reid told cnet.com that the company was so surprised by the feedback it was getting on kids using the device, it is now offering a special Echo Dot Kids Edition with brightly colored bumper cases in case Junior accidently drops it off the bunkbed, a warranty in case he tries to use it in the bathtub, and such internal changes as parental controls, no ads, simplified language and even politeness prompts. Ask Alexa to do something “Please, she responds with, “Thanks for asking so nicely.” Want to use it as an alarm to rouse your kids for school, it doesn’t scare them with a beeping alarm, but says things like, “Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey.” Want to hear dad jokes? No problem. Parents can even go online and monitor what their kids have been searching for. Those who already have a Dot can program it to be kid friendly for free—or for a fee, depending on how kid friendly you want to make it.
JetBlue Offering Its Passengers First-Class Flights—On Another Airline
Perhaps it’s a bit ironic, but JetBlue, which makes its living as a discount airline offering cheap fares, is now offering its passengers the chance to fly on a chartered corporate jet. The airline announced on its quarterly earnings report this week that it now has an agreement with JetSuiteX that allows its travelers to book seats on semi-private charter flights. JetBlue didn’t waste any time pushing the new partnership on its website, enticing passengers with the idea of not waiting in security lines, boarding queues or baggage claim—all for the price of a commercial ticket. It also noted that travelers can earn points in its TrueBlue rewards program. The only limitation: JetSuiteX only has five planes, and they all fly around California. JetBlue and Qatar Airways both own a portion of JetSuite.
Wyndham Returns to Nascar, Promoting its Rewards Program
Wyndham Hotel Group is putting its Wyndham Rewards program on the fast track—so to speak. The company announced this week it was sponsoring Nascar driver Matt Kenseth, but it’s not putting any of its hotel brands on the hood of his car. Rather, it’s promoting its Wyndham Rewards program, which has roughly 55 million members. It’s slogan, “You’ve earned this,” is prominent on the hood of the car. Aside from what the car will look like, though, the company is promising the partnership will result in “experiences” for its members, although it’s shy on details at the moment. “Stay tuned for more,” is its only message.