Apple changed the music industry with iTunes. Might smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, Nokia, Motorola and RIM or mobile operating-system providers like Apple, Google or Microsoft disrupt the travel industry by weaving themselves into the fabric of travel distribution?
Mobile trip-management company WorldMate is “deeply involved” with multiple parties “in the mobile landscape” which are seeking to embed travel services from mobile check-in to last-minute travel purchases into their core operating systems, says Chief Commercial Officer Nadav Gur.
Gur says the players include smartphone manufacturers which are looking to travel — and talking with online travel agencies and other distribution parties — as a substantial revenue stream to offset margin pressure on smartphone manufacturing and services.
Gur, who was the founding CEO of Worldmate, says he expects one smartphone manufacturer to launch a deeply integrated travel product this year.
Read the full story at :http://www.tnooz.com/2010/03/11/mobile/game-changer-smartphone-manufacturers-looking-to-disrupt-travel-distribution