Latest

Retailers pushed to prepare for mobile commerce

| October 25, 2012

Credit companies pressure US retail industry to upgrade point-of-sale terminals

U.S. retailers are facing a deadline from American Express, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard, to make upgrades to their point-of-sale terminals to make them more compatible with mobile commerce. The deadline is set for October 2015, giving retailers plenty of time to invest in NFC-enabled terminals, but few retailers have shown enthusiasm in diving into the world of mobile commerce. Some retailers claim that mobile commerce is not yet at the point where it can be considered viable.

Mobile commerce is gaining modest ground in US

Despite concerns regarding security and efficiency, mobile commerce is growing in the U.S., backed heavily by financial groups and the telecommunications industry. These parties are investing heavily in NFC technology and the infrastructure needed to make mobile commerce a success. Part of this effort is encouraging the retail industry to make updates to its point-of-sale technology to foster the expansion of mobile commerce.

New terminals may mean better financial securityMobile Commerce Deadline

Retailers are tasked with upgrading their sales terminals to be equipped with NFC technology so as to better serve consumers with NFC-enabled smart phones and mobile devices. These devices can be used to make payments for goods and services, but only if they have an NFC terminal to interact with and finalize the purchase. Sales terminals are also expected to make up the bulk of the security features the mobile commerce industry needs to thrive. As such, these terminals may help placate the fears consumers have been having regarding the safety of their financial information.

Retailers still unconvinced of the popularity of mobile commerce

The retail industry has been disinclined to throw major support behind mobile commerce and prepare for the widespread use of NFC technology because of the relatively high upfront cost associated with such an initiative. Though there have been signs of mobile commerce catching on with some consumers, many retailers claim that there is not enough evidence to justify dumping funds into upgrading technology that is able to meet the needs that consumers have now.

Augmented reality to be used for covers of famous gaming magazines

| October 24, 2012

 Augmented reality to promote Far Cry 3

Augmented reality continues to make waves in the world of print, as some of the world’s most prolific gaming magazines announce that they will be using the technology for upcoming cover stories. Xbox Magazine, Playstation Magazine, and PC Gamer have all announced that they will use augmented reality for special editions of their covers featuring the upcoming game Far Cry 3. To accomplish this, the magazines have teamed with Aurasma, a leading augmented reality platform.

Future US sets sights on interactive technology to engage readers

Future US, which owns the magazines, has decided to use augmented reality in order to engage readers in a more dynamic fashion. The technology has proven itself capable of accomplishing this feat effectively in the past in numerous marketing campaigns. Future US believes that the technology can help bring new content to the audiences of the magazines in a way that they will enjoy and help generate hype behind the looming release of Far Cry 3.

Readers will be able to access exclusive content through special edition coversAugmented reality browser

Playstation Magazine will be the first to run its augmented reality cover on October 23. Both Xbox Magazine and PC Gamer will run their covers on November 6. Readers with smart phones equipped with the Future AR application will be able to access the digital content that is contained within the covers of these magazines. This content will range from exclusive video footage of the game to interviews with the game’s developers.

Augmented reality may help print remain relevant

When it comes to games, augmented reality is most often used as a gimmick to provide some novelty entertainment to gamers. The technology could help print establish a foothold in a time where most consumers favor their mobile devices over traditional media. Though magazines have managed to hold some favor with consumers, many publications are still feeling the pressure caused by the advent of mobile technology. Thus, these publications must find ways to adapt if they want to continue being relevant with their audience.