Tag: geolocation based technology

Geolocation based apps are being launched and tested by big retailers

| May 19, 2014

A new report has shown that many of the giants in the retail business are looking to location-based applications.

PointInside has now released a report based on their 2013 data that has revealed that apps that use geolocation technology are considerably increasing the engagement that customers have in the interactions with retail stores while the shop, and those retailers have not failed to take notice of the potential that this has to offer.

This year, PointInside has identified a trend that shows that retailers are looking to location based marketing.

Retailers are testing upgrades to their apps that would include geolocation based technology. This allows them to offer in-store modes, location based features, detailed information, interactive store maps, and even the location of products that can be found in the store. The maps can also be customized for the individual user based on shopping lists that he or she has made.

It is clear that geolocation is popping up in the apps of a range of the top retailers.

One prime example of location based marketing worked into an app is from the Lord & Taylor department store chain. They are utilizing third party app developer resources in order to be able to ensure that they boost customer engagement. This, according to Ryan Craver, the senior vice president of corporate strategy.Geolocation - apps

He explained that “we do need to have a big presence in mobile because everyone has a mobile phone and is doing research.” That company entered into a partnership with SnipSnap in order to be able to expand their presence. They are doing so by offering attractive store coupons that can be redeemed by smartphone users. There are already more than 3 million customers using SnipSnap, according to the data shared by Ted Mann, the chief executive officer of that company.

Another example of a major retailer taking advantage of location based marketing with geolocation technology is Duane Reade, the drug store chain owned by Walgreens. They have recently started the use of apps that have iBeacon integration. This app allows coupons to be shared, as well, and for products to be suggested based on the customer’s specific location inside the store and based on his or her shopping history with that retailer.

Geolocation technology could be central to MasterCard security

| March 7, 2014

The credit card giant will be working with Syniverse on this location based verification checking.

With the explosion in the number of smartphone users that there are around the world, MasterCard is working to capitalize on these consumers – particularly those travelling internationally – and to encourage them to use their services without the risk of losing time, patience, and money to security problems, by using geolocation technology for verification.

A new security system is now being implemented to confirm credit card payments through customer smartphones.

This is not an entirely revolutionary process, but instead uses geolocation technology as a variation of the current standard two step process of authentication. However, instead of requiring the smartphone user to enter an additional login code, as is the case with certain web services, the proposal of MasterCard is to use the GPS function from mobile devices, which has become a standard function in most smartphones.

The idea is to use geolocation technology to show that the card and user are in the same place.

What this means is that if the smartphone of the credit card user is located in the same place as the card when it is being used, then the transaction receives approval. MasterCard has said that this helps to shrink the chance of both unauthorized attempts to use the card and of declined transactions that are actually valid.Geolocation Technology - MasterCard Security

The one problem that has been identified that could cause a considerable problem to this mobile security system is that when users travel internationally, the odds are that they will have shut off their data service in order to help to reduce the chance of building up expensive roaming charges. This would eliminate the benefit of the concept behind MasterCard’s validation service.

MasterCard has not failed to recognize this issue. The company is, therefore, working to offer prepaid data packages that can be purchased directly through their own mobile devices from the moment that they arrive in another country. This is meant to help to encourage users to keep their data connection enabled so that they will be able to use the added security based on geolocation technology.