Tag: android

Softcard to shut down its mobile payments apps

| March 3, 2015

Softcard will be discontinuing its apps for Android and Windows Phone

Google’s recent acquisition of Softcard, a mobile payments platform formerly known as Isis, could spell the end for the payments service. Softcard has announced that it will be shutting down its applications for the Android and Windows Phone operating systems. While there are many mobile payments services available for the Android platform, including Google Wallet, Windows Phone has very limited options when it comes to mobile commerce. The move could leave those using Windows Phone out of the mobile payments space for some time.

Mobile payments firm finds modest success after its initial launch and rebranding

Softcard was launched as a joint venture from AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile. The platform had received strong support during its various stages of development, with many believing that it would change the mobile commerce space. After its launch, however, Softcard had only managed to find modest success. A rebranding effort last year did little to help the company, apart from distancing it from political issues that have emerged in other parts of the world.

Windows Phone users may be left out of mobile commerce after Softcard app shuts down

Mobile Payments - Softcard shutting downThe Softcard app currently serves as one of Microsoft’s entries into the mobile payments space. While Microsoft is not responsible for Softcard, the company did support the application on its Windows Phone platform. Without Softcard, Microsoft may have to look for a new way to establish some semblance of a presence in the mobile commerce market. Until that time, however, Windows Phone users will not be able to participate in mobile commerce, which may cause some frustration among these consumers.

Softcard app will continue to work until the company shuts it down in the future

Softcard has not announced a definitive date when its application will no longer be available on the Windows Phone and Android platforms. The company has announced that the app will no longer be available for these platforms in the future. Currently, those with Softcard accounts can continue using the application to make mobile payments as they see fit.

Starbucks to launch new mobile commerce service next year

| December 9, 2014

Company announces plans to make new services available nationwide in 2015

Starbucks is planning to launch a new service for iPhone users next year. The service is called Mobile Order & Pay and has already been made available in Oregon as part of a pilot project. Next year, the company plans to make this service available throughout the U.S., allowing customers to place orders from their iPhone before they even set foot in a Starbucks store. The service is part of the company’s ongoing mobile commerce mission.

Users of the new service will be able to place and pay for orders before they set foot in a Starbucks store

Starbucks has established a strong place in the U.S. mobile commerce space. The company has been seeing a significant portion of its business come from mobile consumers in recent years and has been building new services that cater specifically to these consumers. Many people can already pay for their orders using a mobile device in Starbucks stores, but the new service will allow them to place orders before they arrive at these stores. Mobile Order & Pay will inform users when their order will be ready and these orders can be paid for in advance.

16% of Starbucks’ in-store transactions come from mobile devices

Mobile Commerce - StarbucksApproximately 16% of Starbucks’ in-store transactions are made through a mobile device, according to Adam Brotman, the company’s Chief Digital Officer. Brotman notes that Starbucks has been actively working on mobile services in order to engage consumers more effectively and the company’s endeavors have been paying off thus far.

Mobile Order & Pay service may be available for the Android platform at some point in the future

The Mobile Order & Pay service will initially only be available for iPhone devices. The service’s availability on other devices may be expanded in the future, if the demand is high enough. Many Starbucks customers already use their iOS devices to purchase products, but a growing number of Android users are beginning to do so as well. Android devices hold a strong place in the mobile commerce space, but lag behind iOS devices when it comes to mobile payments.