NFC technology can be used for more than mobile payments
NFC technology gets a great deal of attention for its uses in mobile commerce. The technology has been a cornerstone of mobile payments for some time, but can facilitate other services beyond this realm as well. As NFC technology becomes more popular, and more prone to criticism, those interested in NFC are looking for new ways to make use of it. Steve Gurley, president of Pyrim Technologies, is keen to encourage the use of NFC technology outside of mobile commerce, or at least raise awareness of its other capabilities.
Peer-to-peer communication facilitated through NFC
According to Gurley, NFC technology has three uses beyond mobile payments. The first is peer-to-peer communication. This capability is beginning to attract more attention, especially as technology giant Samsung begins marketing this aspect of their new NFC-enabled products. NFC technology allows for devices, such as smart phones, to share information without being connected by wires. Two such devices can share information to one another digitally, allowing smart phone users to share songs or contact details with each other.
Security could be controlled through NFC chips
Another use of NFC technology is secure card emulation. Hotels often rely on keycards to control access to rooms and some services, a practice that is growing increasingly common on university campuses around the world. NFC technology can make this practice more efficient, according to Gurley. By embedding an NFC chip into a card, access can be granted in a quick, efficient, and more secure manner, removing the need for traditional methods of security. NFC technology can also act in a wide range of read/write practices and facilitate the exchange of information easily.
NFC technology expected to continue playing a large role in mobile commerce
NFC technology is likely to continue playing a major role in mobile commerce, but will not be restricted to this industry for long. Already, the technology has become an emergent part of numerous industries, especially in those that put a high value on interaction with consumers. Marketing is currently the most popular platform for NFC technology, outside of mobile commerce.
MasterCard continues to establish strong mobile commerce presence
Financial giant MasterCard continues its steady march into the world of mobile commerce with the release of a new credit card that could change the way people pay for products. Mobile commerce is poised to become a big part of the lives of consumers, many of whom are turning to their mobile devices for daily services and connectivity. As consumers become more dependent on their mobile devices, companies in the technology and financial industries are looking to establish a stronger presence in mobile commerce. MasterCard is poised to up the ante, so to speak.
Display Card combines smart phone technology with a credit card
The financial institution has revealed a new credit card that is equipped with a touch-sensitive keypad and an LCD display. MasterCard calls the products, simply, “Display Card.” The Display Card is very much like a smart phone in concept, but more akin to a traditional credit card in appearance. The card will function in much the same way MasterCard’s other products do, but will also have a use in mobile commerce. The keypad exists to allow users to authorize large purchases through the input of a password, while the LCD screen provides limited information concerning the purchase and the amount of money due.
Display Card on trial in Singapore
Currently, the Display Card is available only in Singapore. The card is currently being tested for its viability to various demographics of consumers in that country. Thus far, the card has been somewhat popular amongst the wealthy, but many other consumers seem to prefer their mobile devices when making a purchase of goods. Those without smart phones largely rely on traditional forms of commerce, such as bank cards or physical currency.
MasterCard could add new features in the future
Though the features of the Display Card are somewhat limited currently, MasterCard suggests that there are many things that can be done to the card in the future. Additional features can be added to the card to help it appeal more to consumers, allowing them to check their bank account balance for example. How this will affect the company’s place in the highly competitive mobile commerce business has yet to be seen.
