Author: Stephen

PayPal makes sweeping update to mobile commerce app

| September 9, 2013

PayPal application may triumph in the mobile commerce sector thanks to new update

PayPal has issued a major update for its mobile commerce application that may help it edge out the competition from other mobile wallets. The PayPal application has long existed as a way to allow consumers to manage their financial information from the mobile device. Previous versions of the application did allow for transactions, but PayPal has been taking steps to ensure that the application can provide consumers with more comprehensive mobile commerce services. The new update introduces several new features to the application that may make it one of the most robust platforms currently available.

App equipped with new, innovative features

The application features a new user interface that is designed to be more convenient for users. Those using the application to make a purchase can now take advantage of PayPal’s “Bill Me Later” financing option as well, providing more flexibility when it comes to mobile payments. PayPal has also taken steps to make the in-store mobile purchase process more efficient. Consumers will be able to use the application to pay for products in physical stores more easily than they could with previous versions of the app.

PayPal Mobile Commerce App UpdateFeatures allow users to find local stores that support mobile commerce

PayPal has also introduced a new feature simply called “Shop” to the application. Shop allows users to find local restaurants and stores that accept mobile payments. The application also allows users to change the way they pay for products as they please. Users can opt to use their PayPal balance or make use of a credit card or bank account that has been linked to the application as well. The application also allows consumers to place and pay for orders from restaurants that support mobile commerce. This same feature allows consumers to pay for these orders when they receive their meals.

PayPal may establish strong lead with updated app

PayPal has already established a strong presence in the mobile commerce field, but the company has yet position itself as the clear leader in this sector. There are a multitude of mobile commerce services available to consumers today, and this abundance of options means that no single platform has managed to win the favor of the majority of people in any given market. PayPal has designed its updated application in order to tackle this issue.

Microsoft could help make mobile games safer for children

| September 5, 2013

Mobile games represent some risks for young consumers

As mobile devices become increasingly common among children, their exposure to mobile games is skyrocketing. This trend has not gone unnoticed by the game industry, of course, as many developers fashion games to specifically appeal to young consumers. While this practice is not often criticized, there are dangers that exist in the world of mobile gaming that could be considered to be exploitative to young children. In-game advertising is one such danger, as children often engage in ads that collect personal information from the users of mobile devices. In-game purchases are also another danger and it is not uncommon for children to spend significant amounts of their parent’s money while playing mobile games.

Patent outlines software system from Microsoft

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has made public a patent application from Microsoft that may help mitigate the dangers that face children in the realm of mobile games. The patent outlines a centralized system throughout which parents can monitor and restrict the activities of a mobile device. This could help parents keep their children from engaging in advertisements that collect personal information and keep these children from making frivolous purchases in their favorite mobile games.

mobile games safe for childrenSoftware could restrict features of nearly any mobile device

According to the patent, the software system can be set up on nearly any mobile device. The software will be able to monitor the activity of this mobile device and can alert parents when these devices are being used overnight or when a child visits a website that is considered off-limits. The software can also restrict the capabilities of a smartphone, allowing children to only call their parents or make use of emergency numbers. The system could also place major restrictions on the features of smartphones and tablets during school hours.

Lawmakers work to mitigate risks associated with mobile games

While mobile games are not malicious by nature, there are relatively few restrictions in place that are meant to protect the privacy of young consumers and limit the amount of money they can spend on these mobile games. In the U.S., federal lawmakers are working to improve security standards in order to ensure that mobile games do not exploit children and young adults.