Airport News:

City Unveils “Explore Chicago” High-Tech Lounges at O’Hare Airport

CHICAGO – March 30 - The Department of Aviation and Office of Tourism today unveiled a new “Explore Chicago” installation at O’Hare International Airport, featuring the City of Chicago’s new tourism website, www.explorechicago.org. The installation includes two “Explore Chicago” technology lounges in Terminal 2 and 50 Hewlett-Packard (HP) TouchSmart PCs located throughout the airport.

“O’Hare’s efficient operation is essential to our ability to compete in the global economy and we want the airports to reflect all of the great things the City is known for and has to offer,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley in a news conference held at O’Hare.

The installation was made possible through technology sponsor, HP, with additional support from NASA and GigaPan.com, developers of new technologies for creating and sharing high-resolution panoramic images. The HP TouchSmart PC for consumers and businesses is a touch-enabled, all-in-one PC that creates a compelling, hands-on experience.

Each high-tech lounge will feature comfortable seating, as well as large-scale, 30’x10’ GigaPan ultra high-resolution panoramas showcasing iconic Chicago locations in phenomenal detail, including the skyline, Millennium Park, and the interior of the Field Museum. GigaPan is a revolutionary technology that allows anyone to capture extremely high-resolution panoramic images using almost any point-and-shoot digital camera.

“We are excited to partner with HP to feature innovative and engaging technology that showcases our beautiful city,” said Acting Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. “O’Hare International Airport is the global entry to Chicago and an ideal location to promote the City’s vibrant culture, rich diversity and unique attractions.”

Three HP TouchSmart PCs in the “Explore Chicago” technology lounges will allow visitors to explore Chicago virtually by viewing the GigaPan panoramas in detail on GigaPan.com. Two computers will be available to explore NASA’s website at www.nasa.gov/city. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with leaders in the technology industry like HP, NASA, and GigaPan to showcase the city’s many impressive cultural assets to millions of airport visitors,” said Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg.

“The innovative HP TouchSmart PCs will provide an excellent way for travelers to view Chicago’s new tourism website, www.explorechicago.org.”

The Explore Chicago website showcases Chicago as a lively and beautiful world-class city to audiences around the globe. Highlights of the site include listings of hundreds of current events, tours and attractions; multi-media content, including audio tours, slideshows, and video clips; comprehensive information on each of Chicago’s many distinct neighborhoods; and a virtual Visitor's Center with downloadable brochures, maps and resources for travelers.

“The HP TouchSmart PC is creating a paradigm shift in how people use computers,” said Stephen DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager, Personal Systems Group - Americas, HP. “With our systems at O’Hare Airport, visitors, whether tech-savvy or not, can simply touch a finger to the intuitive interface and access information in fun and engaging ways, without ever having to use a keyboard or a mouse.”

Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246), or visiting www.explorechicago.org.  Brochures and information on Chicago’s exciting events and activities are also available at information booths at O’Hare and Midway International Airports and the City’s Visitor Information Centers. The centers are located at Chicago Water Works, 163 East Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street.  For those calling from outside the United States, Mexico and Canada, please call 1-312-201-8847.  The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294. 

About the Chicago Airport System

The Chicago Airport System is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O’Hare and Midway International airports. Together, Chicago’s airports generate more than $45 billion in annual economic activity and create 540,000 jobs for the region. Please visit www.flychicago.com to learn more about the Chicago Airport System.