This will allow users to be able to change their wash settings through an app and a tap.
Although when it all comes down to it, washing machines are pretty basic, but they are also extremely essential to our lives and are now becoming, quite high tech, as is the case with the NFC technology enabled appliances being unveiled by LG.
This latest release was announced during a technology event attended by LG.
LG brought the NFC technology compatible washing machine to InnoFest 2014, where it made the appliance’s first introduction to the world. The fact that it supports the tech drew some considerable attention as smart devices and home appliances become more common and appealing to consumers.
NFC technology will help people to load new programs into their washing machines.
As it stands, the appliances will come with a number of presets from which users can choose so that they can decide what temperature they would like to use for the water, how much water to use (that is, the size of the load), how many refills or spin cycles are needed, and more. For instance, if the user only wanted a quick wash, then the washer may be set to spin for only a few minutes, whereas a longer wash would require more refills and spins to remove the water.
With the near field communication compatibility, users will be able to download additional programs and their settings onto their smartphones, and then simply tap them against the washing machine in order to load them into the appliance. This simple feature for added connectivity also gives the users of smartphones to be able to keep on top of any potential minor issues that the washing machine might develop, through the use of a Smart Diagnosis feature.
Aside from the additional programs that can be added by way of NFC technology, and the smartphone compatible diagnostics feature, the appliance appears to be a relatively standard top of the line washing machine. It comes with a number of the latest top features such as steam softener and steam refresh, as well as allergy care.
Partnership aims to develop a mobile commerce solution for financial institutions
MasterCard has announced that it has partnered with Monitise, makers of a popular mobile banking and payments platform. Together, the two companies will work to deliver a new mobile payments service that is designed to be used by financial institutions throughout the world. Financial institutions are beginning to feel pressure to engage mobile consumers more as these consumers become more reliant on their mobile devices. Without providing these consumers with mobile-centric services, they may seek out other institutions that accommodate their interests more effectively.
Financial institutions are feeling the need to accommodate the interests of mobile-centric consumers
Both MasterCard and Monitise have extensive experience in the mobile commerce field. Both companies currently have mobile commerce platforms that are available to the public and these platforms are used throughout the world. The new platform the companies are developing through their partnership is expected to have higher levels of security in order to help financial institutions address some of the concerns that consumers have regarding mobile commerce.
Security remains a major issue in the mobile commerce field, but consumers are still willing to shop from their mobile devices
Security has been a problem in the mobile commerce field for some time. Because mobile commerce deals in the trafficking of financial information, it has become a very popular target for hackers and other malicious groups. Consumers have often criticized the mobile commerce platforms they have used in the past as not being secure enough. Several high profile cyber attacks on large retailers have also called into question whether the mobile commerce sector is taking security as seriously as it should.
Financial institutions that do not accommodate mobile consumers could become irrelevant in the future
While consumers are concerned for the security of their financial information, security concerns have done little to stop them from actually participating in mobile payments. The demand for convenient mobile commerce platforms has been growing at a rapid pace as consumers become more comfortable with the concept of mobile payments. Financial institutions that are unable or unwilling to accommodate this demand may find themselves becoming increasingly irrelevant to mobile-centric consumers.