Category: Mobile Payments

Apple could be testing mobile payments service in Japan

| July 17, 2014

Apple launches new service for iOS users in Japan

Apple may be testing its mobile payments platform in Japan. The famed technology company has launched a new service for Japanese iPhone and iPod users. The services is called iTunes Pass and is associated with the iTunes Store, the App Store, and the iBookstore. The service will allow people to use their financial data to pay for products on Apple’s various store platforms. This could be the beginning of a much larger mobile payments initiative from Apple.

Company retains its strong interest in mobile payments and shopping

Apple has had a strong interest in mobile payments for some time. The company has, however, been quite cautious when it comes to entering into the mobile money space. This is due to the large number of similar companies that have fallen prey to the digital threats that exist in the mobile world. Google, for instance, encountered serious security issues with the initial launch of its Wallet platform, which stymied its attraction to those interested in mobile shopping and payments. Apple is keen to avoid such issues.

iTunes Pass is designed as a high tech substitute for physical gift cards

Apple - Mobile Payments JapanCurrently, the iTunes Pass service is designed to serve as a replacement for physical gift cards. Digital versions of these gift cards can be stored in the Passbook application, which is Apple’s version of a mobile wallet. Gift cards stored in Passbook can be accessed by iTunes Pass, allowing those that own these gift card the ability to use them to purchase goods from Apple’s digital stores.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 6 will have mobile payments capabilities, but such features are not yet set in stone

Apple has taken a slow approach to the mobile payments space. For the past two years, rumors concerning the company’s entry into the field of digital commerce have largely been centered around new versions of the company’s iPhone device or its iOS operating system. Current rumors suggest that the iPhone 6 will mark Apple’s official entry into the mobile payments arena, but whether or not this will be will the case has yet to be seen.

Information about a new mobile commerce platform has been released

| July 11, 2014

Tisch project revealed to be called Spring, a new mobile commerce platform that has raised $7.5 million in Series A funding

A new mobile commerce project has been in the works by David Tisch for the past year. Tisch has kept quiet about the project for some time, referring to it only as “Jello Labs,” but more information concerning the project has finally been released on the heels of a successful Series A round of funding led by Thrive Capital. The project is called Spring and has managed to acquire some $7.5 million in funding from various venture capitals.

Platform could see an official release in August or later in fall

According to Tisch, Spring is set to launch at some point in fall, with August being a likely time to release the platform. Little more is known about the platform, apart from the fact that it is forming partnerships with large retail and fashion brands. These brands have long been interested in mobile commerce, but have lacked the tools to engage mobile consumers effectively. Platforms like Spring can resolve this issue, if they can manage to capture the attention of these brands.

Platform has attracted the attention of several large retail and fashion brands

Mobile Commerce Platform InformationMobile commerce can be a tricky business, especially where retailers are concerned. The mobile space is alluring because of the number of consumers that use smartphones and tablets on a daily basis, but engaging these consumers can be difficult because of their fickle nature. How Spring will help brands connect with mobile consumers is uncertain. Other platforms have attempted to enable brands to connect with mobile consumers through various marketing endeavors and loyalty programs that have had varying degrees of success.

Spring wins the support of investors like Google Ventures and SV Angel

More information about Spring will likely become available as the platform comes closer to its official release. Spring has attracted investments from various organizations outside of the technology field, which is somewhat uncommon for a new mobile commerce platform. Several technology-focused venture capitals have also invested in Spring, including Google Ventures and SV Angel.