Latest

Canadian mobile payments are gaining greater consumer interest, study

While cash purchases are becoming less commonplace in Canada, it’s plastic, not smartphones leading the way.

A new Moneris report revealed that Canadian mobile payments enthusiasm is finally growing. The report’s prediction is that by 2013, only 10 percent of transactions in Canada will be made with cash. In 2014, that figure was still 35 percent.

Digital payment technologies such as mobile wallets will be greatly responsible for reducing cash use.

The 70 percent decline in cash purchases from 2014 through 2030 will be greatly the result of Canadian mobile payments adoption. The number of contactless transactions and mobile wallets in use will reduce the need to carry cash.

Canadian Mobile Payments - Mobile WalletThe report indicated that one in four Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 years old already prefer using a mobile wallet over cash or plastic. Comparatively, only 18 percent feel that way in the 45 to 54 year old age group. Among those from 55 to 64 years old, 10 percent prefer mobile wallets. For those aged 65 and over, only 6 percent would want to use their smartphones instead of cash or credit and debit cards.

That said, there remain some very specific barriers to Canadian mobile payments adoption.

Leger conducted a survey in which there were 1,516 Canadian participants. When asked why they would choose not to use a mobile wallet, 62 percent had their doubts about security. They said they would be more likely to use smartphones to make purchases if they felt confident in mobile security.

Moreover, 42 percent said they’d be interested in using mobile payments if there were more stores that accepted those transactions. Another 50 percent said they would be interested in using smartphone payments if it meant they could leave all their plastic loyalty cards at home.

The report also showed interest in some of the additional opportunities offered by Canadian mobile payments. For example 48 percent of those surveyed said they would use a mobile wallet if they were emailed a receipt. Furthermore, 46 percent said they would use it if all stores accepted the technology. Moreover, 41 percent said they would be interested in using them if they could also store their ID on their phones so they could leave their entire wallets behind. Another 35 percent said they would use mobile payments to pay for public transportation fare.

Google Pixel smartphone series to replace Nexus

After rumors have been circulating on the subject for a long time, the tech giant made its official announcement.

For a long time, rumors have been circulating about a replacement for the Nexus line and now Google Pixel has been announced. The tech giant has announced a new line of high end smartphones. These will take the place of the Nexus flagship mobile devices.

There have been leaks popping up all over the web for the Google Pixel (Sailfish) and the Pixel XL (Marlin).

The company has announced the Google Pixel’s existence and has been suggesting that an October 4 unveiling could be expected. It had been indicating that the unveiling would break away from the traditional rectangle and would be made of an oblong with rounded edges. That said, one of the Google websites (madeby.google.com) is indicating a device with the classic rectangle shape. It contains a graphic that starts from the look of the Google query box and that transforms into a phone. Aside from that graphic, the webpage says “Oct. 4” as well as the Google “G” symbol and the opportunity to enter an email address to receive notifications of updates.

The Google Pixel will be the next among a number of hardware products released with its branding.

google-pixel-image-of-nexus-smartphoneThough there had been recent rumors and claims of leaks that showed two new Nexus phones built by HTC, those plans have changed. In August, Android Central reported that the new HTC devices would no longer bear the Nexus name. Moreover, another source, Android Police, recently reported that upcoming Pixel and Pixel XL devices would become “the first phones built by Google.”

The teaser webpage created by Google appears to be confirming the claim Android Police had made. That said, the Android Police report said HTC would be manufacturing the devices, despite the fact that Google designed them.

The industry has been watching the tech brand for a new device such as smartphones ever since the Project Ara experimental modular phone initiative was shut down.

It will be interesting to see what predictions and reports make it on to the scene until the official Google Pixel launch on October 5.