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Nintendo may be eyeing mobile games

JT | May 9, 2013

Mobile games may be the future of the Wii U

Acclaimed Japanese game developer Nintendo has been struggling to find a foothold in the industry it helped create. In the past, Nintendo held a commanding presence in the game industry and often used its influence to dictate the success and failure of particular genres in the market. While Nintendo remains one of the most influential companies in the game industry, it has lost much of its luster therein and is often accused of being a company devoted to children’s games. This may soon change, however, as the company begins to show interest in mobile games.

Wii U continues to struggle in the market

Nintendo’s Wii U, which has been billed as the company’s next generation console, has performed poorly in the current market. The company had invested heavily in the Wii U, but the console has yet to meet the sales expectations of the developer. Nintendo attributes part of the problem to marketing, but is unwilling to abandon the console for greener pastures. Nintendo is now seeking out new avenues that could help the Wii U find success, and mobile games may be the key.

Rumor suggest Nintendo interest in mobile games

Rumors are circulating around the game industry concerning Nintendo’s interest in mobile games. These rumors suggest that Nintendo has been making conversion software available to applications developers. This software is reportedly designed to allow app developers to publish their mobile games to the Wii U. These games would not be played on the console proper, but will largely be contained to the console’s GamePad, which is similar to a tablet device, fully equipped with a touchscreen and comprehensive controls.

Game industry becoming increasingly interested in mobile

Nintendo has remained relatively aloof concerning its potential interest in mobile games. If the company truly is pursuing the mobile field, it would not be the only large developer that is doing so in the game industry. Developers and publishers alike have been flocking to the mobile space in droves in order to take advantage of one of the fastest growing sectors in the game industry.

Mobile payments seeing action in the food industry

JT | May 7, 2013

Square aims to make mobile payments better for the food industry

The food industry may soon get a powerful new advocate when it comes to mobile payments. Square, a California-based mobile commerce startup, has been making waves in the mobile world for some time. The company is partly responsible for the spread of mobile commerce in the U.S. and in several markets therein. Square, like others in the mobile payments business, has taken note of the growing proliferation of mobile technology, which itself has created a major opportunity to expose consumers to a new form of commerce.

Mobile commerce finds significant traction with restaurants

Square is well known as the creator of smartphone-based credit card readers that facilitate mobile payments. These small devices are capable of replacing traditional point-of-sale terminals with more convenient mobile technologies, allowing users to bypass traditional forms of commerce. Square’s devices have proven quite popular in several industries, but small restaurants, food truck operators, and others in the food industry have proven to be the company’s best customers.

Square to introduce update for popular application

Square is now moving to embrace the food industry in a more aggressive fashion. Several months ago, Square launched its “Business in a Box” product, which essentially transforms an iPad into a full-fledged point-of-sale system. Late last week, Square announced an update for the application associated with this product. The Square Register application will soon receive an update that is designed specifically for quick-serve restaurants. This update is expected to allow users to make real-time modifications to orders that are sent to the kitchen for preparation.

Mobile payments continue to prove popular among consumers

A more robust system is likely to be well received by the food industry, which has taken a strong interest in mobile commerce. Mobile payments have already proven to be very popular among consumers, many of whom are tethered to their smartphones and tablets and favor mobile solutions to their daily needs. Square intends to alleviate some of the issues that exist in the mobile payments sector in order to make it more accommodating to both consumers and businesses.