Qualcomm continues to show strong support for NFC technology
Qualcomm, a leading developer of computer chips and mobile technology, has announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Atheros, has introduced a new NFC solution that could have promising implications for a wide range of mobile devices. Qualcomm has been showing increasing interest in NFC technology recently. The company recently upgraded its membership within the NFC Forum, a trade group working to provide standards for the use of NFC technology. The company sees a great deal of promise in NFC technology that extends well beyond mobile commerce.
NFC continues to be linked to mobile commerce
NFC technology is well known for establishing a strong foundation for mobile commerce. Indeed, most mobile commerce initiative rely heavily on the technology in order to facilitate business with consumers. The technology is capable of turning a mobile device into a payment platform, thus allowing consumers to participate in mobile commerce. NFC technology can be used for much more than mobile transactions, and Qualcomm has been working to make the technology available to other industries.
New chip offers promising features
Qualcomm Atheros has developed a new NFC solution that consumes much less energy than traditional NFC chips. The chip, called the QCA 1990, is compatible with most cutting edge mobile technologies and complies with the standards of the NFC Forum. The QCA 1990 is designed to consume as little energy as possible, thus it does not present any significant strain on the battery of a mobile device. Qualcomm notes that the chip will also help make wireless communications and data exchange more efficient. This includes mobile payments.
Chip to see limited use throughout 2013
Qualcomm plans to make the QCA 1990 available to a limited number of customers by the first quarter of 2013. This will help the company determine if any significant changes need to be done to the chip to prepare it for wider commercialization. By the third quarter of 2013, Qualcomm expects that the QCA 1990 will be in the hands of large companies around the world.
BWild |
December 10, 2012
Mobile commerce becoming more important for the retail industry
The mobile space is becoming increasingly important for the retail industry. A growing number of consumers are beginning to rely more heavily on their mobile devices in order to shop and make purchases. It can be very difficult for retailers to reach out to these consumers through traditional websites and platforms, however, hence the need for sites that are optimized for viewing on mobile devices. A new report from digital marketing firm Acquity Group shows that retailers are beginning to take mobile consumers and mobile commerce more seriously.
Report shows that mobile sites are common with retailers
According to the report, approximately 82% of the top retailers in the world have websites that are optimized for mobile viewing. These sites are ideal for mobile consumers who use a smart phone or tablet in their daily lives. The report also shows that 72% of these retailers also have mobile applications associated with their business. Many of these applications are simply used to make shopping more convenient for consumers and provide them with a way to find more information on particular products they may be interested in. Some of these applications geared toward mobile commerce, facilitating payments for goods via a mobile device.
E-commerce platforms may not be mobile-friendly
Most brands received praise in the report for their various e-commerce initiatives. E-commerce sites appear to be a major success across the board for most of the world’s largest retailers. These sites allow retailers to sell products online, as well as accept payments from consumers all over the world. While the report shows that many of the e-commerce platforms that retailers use are reaching consumers in an effective way, these platforms are much less accommodating to mobile consumers. Many e-commerce platforms are not optimized for mobile service, thus it can be difficult for mobile consumers to make in-store purchases or simply buy products using their mobile device.
Mobile commerce becoming more synonymous with e-commerce
Mobile commerce and e-commerce are quickly becoming a singular channel. In the past, the two had been markedly separate, especially due to the fact that mobile commerce is a relatively new concept. As more consumers become integrated with their mobile devices, retailers are beginning to face a need to become more accommodating of the needs and interests of these consumers.
