Tag: technology news

The Apple voice controlled service has been linked to movie times and locations as well as ticket selling.

The latest surprise technology news from Apple Inc. has included a new feature for moviegoers, as the latest iOS operating system (version 6.1) has included a new connection between Siri and the Fandango m-commerce app.

When asking about movies currently playing in the theater, Siri displays show times and nearby theaters.

Apple mobile device users with Siri voice technology personal assistant will be able to ask about the latest movies that are playing so that they can receive information about the films and local theaters that are playing them. Should they wish to purchase their tickets, they can do so through Fandango’s online ticket seller m-commerce app.

The Fandango m-commerce application is opened directly by Siri so that the tickets can be purchased.

If the app is not yet installed on the Apple device, the user will be prompted by Siri to perform the download so that the tickets can be purchased through m-commerce. The tickets can be purchased in a paperless way and stored within the Passbook mobile wallet. That produces a QR code which can be displayed to the ticket takers on the mobile device screen, and then scanned to allow entry.

According to the Fandango president, Paul Yanover, “Fandango is committed to innovating across all platforms and helping shape the future of moviegoing.” He added that “With this new Siri feature, movie fans can quickly and easily discover the nearest theaters, find the most convenient showtimes, and buy tickets through Fandango to help make movie night perfect.”

What is not yet known is whether or not there is financial benefit provided to Apple out of this partnership with Fandango. The company has been asked whether it is taking a percentage of the Siri generated movie ticket sales, for instance. However, both Fandango and Apple have not provided any answers or information on the financial nature of the relationship.

Fandango did release a statement by way of their vice president of mobile strategy, Mark Young, in terms of the m-commerce connection with Apple. He stated that “We have been working closely with Apple since our first iPhone app in 2009.” Young later added that “…given the popularity of Apple devices, the iPhone and iPad are certainly a top priority for Fandango”

New specifications from the NFC Forum aim to introduce more standardization

The NFC Forum, a non-profit association that promotes standardization of NFC technology, has released its NFC Controller Interface specification. The report has been made available for use for free in the hopes of expanding awareness of NFC technology and promoting its proper usage. The NFC Forum notes that its latest publication accounts for a “major new specification, created from the ground up.” This new specification is meant to provide more standardization into the realm of NFC technology.

NFC still reliant on standards

NFC technology is still in its infancy, having emerged in 2004, thus thrives on standards that provide a framework for its usage. Standardization is important to ensure a uniform and pleasurable experience with consumers who will use the technology. Without standards, the experiences companies with an interest in NFC technology offer would vary wildly, leaving many consumers without a clear definition of what the technology is or how it should be used. Standardization aims to provide consumers with the best experience possible by encouraging companies to develop services that can be familiar to a wide range of people.

New specification further defines NFC interface

The new specification from the NFC Forum defines a standard interface between NFC devices and a controller, such as a payment terminal or an NFC-enabled appliance. The NFC Forum believes that the new specification is important because it will allow device makers to more easily integrate chipsets from a wide range of manufacturers. Essentially, NFC chip makers are expected to be compelled to make products that can be used on a wider range of platforms rather than on a limited number of mobile devices.

Specification may help companies adopt NFC-based services

The new specifications coming from the NFC Forum will likely have an impact of the mobile commerce industry. The specifications are expected to make mobile payments somewhat more inclusive for a wider range of consumers, but it will also help companies incorporate NFC-based services more easily. These companies will be able to provide consumers with services using a familiar interface, rather than risk introducing a new interface that may not be well received by consumers.