Google to acquire Softcard technology in deal with major carriers
Google will be expanding the reach of its Google Wallet platform, and Softcard may be the way to accomplish this. Softcard is a joint venture from Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile, which was formerly known as Isis. The platform’s name was changed to avoid political issues that have emerged in recent years. Google has made a deal with the companies responsible for Softcard, which could help make Wallet one of the most popular mobile payments platforms currently available for Android devices.
Softcard technology could improve the Wallet platform and make it more attractive to consumers
According to the deal, Google will acquire Softcard’s technology, which Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile will pre-load Google Wallet on mobile devices that will be available in stores later this year. This could significantly expand the reach of Google Wallet, which had struggle to obtain consumer attention due to the launch of new mobile payments platforms, such as Apple Pay. The deal could also give Wallet access to better technology, which had previously been exclusive to Softcard.
Lack of NFC support cripples the growth of some mobile payments services
Google has had trouble finding traction in the mobile payments space. The company initially only had one device carrier that wanted to support the Wallet platform, while relatively few device makers opted to support the platform’s key technology: NFC. The low availability of NFC-enabled mobile devices made Wallet relatively unpopular among consumers because the platform required this technology to function properly. Softcard experienced similar problems, with retailers being slow to adopt the NFC technology needed to support the mobile payments service.
Deal may help Wallet compete with other mobile payments ventures
Those using Softcard currently will still be able to use the platform in the future. Google Wallet will begin integrating some of the features that Softcard has received praise for while Google continues to improve its mobile payments infrastructure. Wallet will still have to face competition from Apple and, potentially, Samsung, both of whom have expressed strong desire to become dominant in the mobile payments space.
This wearable technology has been designed to be easier to use and more durable than previous versions.
As mobile technology becomes increasingly child friendly and kids become smartphone owners on a rapidly expanding basis, it also makes sense that wearable technology such as the smartwatch would also cater to the youngest demographic.
Though Pebble, Moto 360, and Samsung Gear may not be appropriate, there are several models meant just for kids.
Among them, AT&T has been selling the FiLIP 2, which is an upgraded version of the model that was first released last year. That smartwatch was meant to function as a phone that is worn on the wrist and that also works as a child locator for parents who are worried that their kids will go missing through miscommunication or other circumstance that can cause a child to end up somewhere that he or she should not be. So far, this year’s version has been receiving applause from the first consumers who have had their hands – and wrists – on these devices.
The newest version of this smartwatch is easier for parents to set up and is more practical in the real world.
The FiLIP 2 is meant to be simpler for parents to connect to their own smartphones through mobile apps, and is improved for use in the real world. For example, the screen on this wearable technology is now considerably more durable than the previous version, which is important when worn by children, who are notoriously hard on their belongings – particularly when they are being worn in the playground.
The wristband has also been improved in order to make it more adjustable for a better fit – even after the child has grown – and more comfortable overall. This was a complaint about previous models, as the wristband was not able to change sizes in order to allow for children to get bigger over time.
Though this device isn’t cheap, at a current price of $100 (which will be increasing to $150 after the end of the holiday shopping season), in addition to $10 per month to add this smartwatch to an existing phone plan (meaning that by the end of next year, more will have been spent on connecting it to the phone plan than was paid for the device, itself), it does have a range of features that many parents and kids find highly appealing, if only the peace of mind of always knowing where the child is located.
