Google Wallet may soon take the form of a card
By now, consumers that are interested in mobile commerce are likely to have heard of Google Wallet. This mobile payment platform can transform smart phones and tablets into platforms that allow consumers to make purchases of goods and services using digital information rather than physical currency. Despite a relatively rough launch last year, the Google Wallet has become a leading mobile commerce platform, successfully exposing a wide range of consumers to the concept of mobile payments.
Google Wallet Card could help expand the accessibility of mobile commerce
Google may now be gearing up for the launch of a physical version of the Google Wallet. The Google Wallet Card, as it is being called by Android Police, a technology web site, has caught some screenshots of Google’s plans and how a physical card may be the next step in the continued evolution of the Google Wallet. The new system will provide consumers with a card, much like the traditional credit cards that are widely used today. This card will be linked to a Google Wallet account and make use of the financial information associated with that account.
Consumers without NFC-enabled devices left out of mobile commerce loop
Through this initiative, Google aims to make mobile commerce more accessible to a wide range of consumers. Currently, mobile commerce is largely reserved to those with NFC-enabled mobile devices. Those without such a device are unable to participate in mobile payments simply because their devices cannot interface with the technology used in mobile commerce. The Google Wallet Card will solve this problem by giving consumers another option to engage in mobile payments.
Still a long way to go before mobile commerce becomes mainstream
The Google Wallet Card will be accepted anywhere major credits card are accepted. Google has invested heavily in mobile commerce thus far and is keen to ensure most consumers have the ability to engage in mobile payments. The Google Wallet Card is one step closer to realizing this plan, but Google will have to continue its work in order to get people interested in making payments using their smart phones and other mobile devices.
Apple turns away from NFC technology in pursuit of alternatives
Much of mobile commerce revolves around the use of NFC technology. The technology has proven itself useful in facilitating mobile transactions, but has also been the target of criticism because of its perceived security faults. Some of the potential problems that can be found with NFC technology were reason enough for Apple to abandon NFC in pursuit of alternatives. Apple received harsh criticism for its decision to not include NFC technology with the new iPhone 5, but the company may still have a trick up its sleeve concerning mobile commerce.
Passbook provides consumers with services concerning aspects beyond mobile transactions
Mobile commerce is often conceptualized simply as the payment for goods or services using a mobile device. There are many facets to the world of mobile commerce, however, some of which are embodied by Apple’s Passbook. Passbook is a mobile application that was introduced with iOS 6, Apple’s latest operating system. The application allows consumers to receive, manage, and use special offers they receive from retailers and loyalty programs.
Passbook proves popular with businesses and consumers
Passbook has already proven to be popular with consumers and businesses alike. Though the application cannot facilitate mobile payments, it can foster a connection between consumers and businesses and address some of the less-known aspects of mobile commerce. Indeed, Passbook is part of Apple’s new approach to mobile commerce and may be one of the company’s strongest weapons when it eventually confronts large names in the rapidly growing industry.
Apple unable to compete with Google and Isis until alternative to NFC technology found
Apple has adopted a slow and steady approach to mobile commerce that has cost it a strong position in the industry today. Because the company has chosen to forgo the use of NFC technology, it is unable to compete with Google and Isis. Though Passbook ensures that Apple retains a modest presence in the mobile commerce industry, the company will not be able to compete at the same level as Google and Isis until it can find a way to facilitate mobile transactions that does not rely on NFC technology.
