Payment Technology
If you went into a store without any cash, cards or mobile devices, would you be able to buy anything? Well, if both you and the store were using the new PayTouch service, the answer would be yes – all that you’d need to do is place two of your fingers on the fingerprint scanners of the PayTouch terminal. Read More
The uniqueness of a fingerprint has helped keep thumb drive files, computer systems and wallet contents safe from intruders for a good while now. Now, a team from Carnegie Mellon is breaking fingerprint recognition technology into new ground with the development of a secure payment system named PayTango, that uses a fingerprint scanner to identify shoppers and pay for items. Read More
DipJar – it's the electronic version of a tip jar
Back in 2008, entrepreneur Ryder Kessler became aware of the fact that when making small purchases using debit or credit cards, a lot of people didn’t bother fishing out cash to leave tips. He proceeded to develop a possible solution to that problem, which is now being tried out in a few New York City coffee shops. It’s called DipJar, and it’s a device that lets customers quickly and easily leave tips with a “dip” of their card. Read More
As you might appreciate, I spend quite a chunk of my free time pacing the aisles of my local consumer electronics store. On my latest visit I was pleasantly surprised to see a sales assistant carrying a tablet computer around to advise customers on current stock levels, access detailed product information or to match the best online prices - but folks still had to head for the checkouts to pay. DLI's 9000 Rugged Mobile Tablet has been designed with the retail and hospitality sectors in mind and is available with a 5-in-1 mobile payment module that attaches to the back of the device to offer customers secure payment options at the point of sale. Read More
VITAband is a cash/I.D. combo you wear on your wrist
There’s one thing that everyone should have on their person when they venture off on solo outdoor activities – their I.D. That way, should they end up injured and unable to communicate, first responders will know who they are, and who to contact. While the various cards kept in one’s wallet are a good form of identification, a lot of people don’t want to lug a bulky wallet around in their pocket while doing things like running or rock-climbing. That’s where the VITAband comes in. Not only does the waterproof bracelet provide a link to its wearer’s full Emergency Response Profile, but it also allows them to make cash-free purchases. Read More
Smartphones are in the process of replacing cameras, phonebooks, land lines and maps ... and wallets are next. First announced in May but just launched today, the Google Wallet free app allows its users to store electronic versions of their credit cards on their smartphone, and pay for items simply by tapping their phone on a near field communication (NFC) reader at a store’s front counter. Read More
October 12, 2007 Online shopping has become a way of life for many consumers with 39 per cent of adults in the US reportedly making a monthly purchase online according to a study from icrossing. With the advancements in technology has come increased security risks and fees, opening up a market for new approaches to online financial transactions. One of the newest players in this field is Revolution Money - a company founded by the co-creator of the AOL Internet service, Steve Case, that claims to have developed a better way of managing money in cyberspace. Read More
June 22, 2007 "Sorry, I've got no cash on me" is possibly one of the biggest barriers to sales for mobile businesses and charity groups. But that won't be an excuse for long - Hypercom has announced the immediate global release of a hand-held wireless card payment system that's very quick, extremely secure and much, much smaller and lighter than previous attempts. Tricked-out with extremely quick processing, a color screen and support for credit, debit, gift, loyalty and check transactions - including non-contact PayWave-style transactions - this unit will make business much smoother for mobile and delivery businesses across the world. Read More
June 13, 2007 For all the convenience of not carrying cash around, credit cards can still be a fairly cumbersome way to pay, particularly for small purcahses. Visa's PayWave system cuts the signature out of the process for transactions under $25; you simply wave your card at a sensor, wait for the green light and go. The system already has about 31,000 implementations in the United States and is now rolling out into New York taxicabs, where it will speed up the payment process. Read More
