Jony Ive enters into multi-year partnership with Airbnb

Roughly one year after he left Apple Inc. Sir Jony Ive is back in the tech limelight, not for a revolutionary new product or innovation but because of a multi-year partnership with Airbnb. Ive retired last year to form his own LoveFrom design firm which was supposedly still open to collaborate with Apple. We've had a slew of product releases from Apple that seemed to have no direct involvement with Jony Ive. 

News has it that Ive's firm LoveFrom will help design the next generation of Airbnb products and services. This might seem confusing since Airbnb's service is hinged on technology that enables individuals to rent out their homes or apartments (something that has fallen out of favour lately, because of COVID-19). Collaborating with a design luminary like Ive seems strange, but if you consider Ive's final masterwork for Apple was his involvement in the Apple Park mothership, it makes sense to leverage his substantial knowledge of architecture, interior design, and innovation. Of course, the joke Ive watchers will make is that Airbnb is gearing up to create a series of white rooms like the one Ive used to do his Apple keynote voice overs from. This partnership could see Ive move on to his next phase as a designer and will likely yield some surprising new products for Airbnb.

Source: 9to5Mac

Airbnb, short-term rentals temporarily banned by Ontario govt. due to COVID-19

The Government of Ontario temporarily bans the operation of Airbnb and other short-term rentals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those allowed to operate include rentals that have "provided to individuals who are in need of housing during the emergency period." Hosts who do not comply with the order issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act could face fines of up to $100,000. The ruling doesn't cover hotels, motels, or student residences in the province.

Airbnb encourages its hosts and guests to follow the restrictions. The company recently launched a global initiative to offer free or subsidized housing to healthcare professionals amid the pandemic. And it noted that the new ruling wouldn't affect this program. Airbnb has committed US$250 million (around CA$352 million) to reimburse hosts for cancelled bookings. But it isn't clear if the temporary ruling means hosts in the province will receive assistance.

Source: MobileSyrup

Airbnb extends its no-charge cancellation policy

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb saw it fit to implement updates to its Extenuating Circumstances policy. This change means hosts and guests who cancel eligible reservations made on or before March 14, 2020, with check-in dates between March 14 and April 14, 2020, will not be charged or penalized. It applies to both places to stay as well as Airbnb Experiences around the world. The company assures its hosts that they will help those who are affected economically by the circumstances.

Airbnb said in a statement, “We will be working in the days and weeks ahead to identify tools and initiatives to support our hosts during these very challenging times.” The company promised it will not collect fees or benefit from any cancelled reservations. 

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Airbnb acquires HotelTonight

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Airbnb makes its biggest acquisition yet as it moves to increase hotel listings on its site. The company has agreed to buy HotelTonight, a provider of last-minute, boutique options for a night’s stay. It does so ahead of an eventual initial public offering. Airbnb hasn’t disclosed the financial terms of the deal, but according to a person “familiar with the matter” said its price is close to HotelTonight’s last private valuation, which is at US$463 million. Airbnb’s last big purchase was Luxury Retreats, which it bought for $300 million.

The move has Airbnb encroaching further into the hotel industry and puts them into the position of being what Bloomberg calls the Amazon for travel or a “one-stop-shop for holiday-goers.” HotelTonight’s app and site will continue to operate independently of Airbnb. But the company might integrate its listings on its site in the future. And once the acquisition is complete, HotelTonight’s founder will report to Airbnb’s President of Homes, Greg Greeley.