Tag: mobile commerce news

Google Glass could serve as a new mobile commerce platform

| July 1, 2013

Google Glass may have something to offer in the way of mobile commerce

Google Glass has been receiving a great deal of attention for its potential as a powerful social platform. The device’s augmented reality features certainly lend credence to this as they would, quite literally, change the way people see the world around them and interact with people in that world. Indeed, it is often the association that augmented reality has with entertainment and social networking that wins Glass most of its attention. The device may, however, have promising prospects in the realm of mobile commerce.

Forrester Research report highlights marketing and commerce possibilities

Mobile commerce is not a topic that is often highlighted in conversations concerning Google Glass. Glass is, essentially, a mobile device that can support a wide range of applications, which immediately makes it much more than a simple entertainment or social networking platform. Forrester Research, a leading market research firm, has released a new report concerning Google Glass that suggests that the device could eventually serve as a powerful mobile commerce platform.

Google - Mobile CommerceAugmented reality could be used to create a new shopping experience

The Forrester Research report suggests that there are many marketing opportunities that exist with Google Glass, but also opportunities in the realm of mobile commerce. The device leverages augmented reality, which has been used in the retail sector in the past to enhance the shopping experience of consumers. The report suggests that the technology can be used in the same way with Google Glass, allowing consumers to shop for products with Glass acting as a sort of virtual shopping assistant. Moreover, Google’s strong interest in mobile commerce may herald the introduction of mobile payment services that are specifically designed for Glass.

Report makes note of strong marketing opportunities with Glass

The Forrester Research report highlights the marketing potential of Google Glass. The report notes that the device’s location-based technologies and services could be especially useful to advertisers that are attempting to develop more targeted campaigns. The full potential of Google Glass is not likely to be realized any time soon, however, as the device itself is still a ways off from actually being released into the market.

Mobile payments meet challenges in Ghana

| June 26, 2013

Security could derail mobile payments in Ghana

Mobile payments have been gaining strong attention all over the world. As consumers become more heavily reliant on their smartphones and tablets, their interest in a cashless society grows. Such is the case in the African country of Ghana. More consumers in Ghana are gaining access to mobile technology and the government has been fostering a dream of a cashless economy that it has expected to see come to fruition in the near future. Mobile payments make a home in a perilous landscape, however, and the digital world contains threats that could derail Ghana’s dream economy.

Mobile security systems are still very lax

As mobile payments become more common in Ghana, so too does hacking and fraud. Internet fraud is quite active in Ghana; somewhat more so than in other African countries. Government officials have not yet found a way to curb this fraud or mitigate the damage that can be caused by hackers and these threats have stymied the growth of mobile commerce throughout the country. Major security issues may indeed prevent Ghana from attaining its dream of a cashless economy.

Mobile Payments GhanaDeveloping a cashless economy proves challenging

In order to develop a new and comprehensive monetary system, Ghana will have to find a way to make mobile payments secure. This is no small task, as security remains a major problem even for countries like the U.S. and China when it comes to the issue of mobile payments. Even large companies like Google and Samsung have yet to find a way to make mobile payments completely secure. The threats that exist in the digital space have not yet become enough to deter consumers, however, many of whom are willing to participate in mobile commerce regardless of the risks they face.

Cash holds an important place with many businesses

Security issues are not the only challenge that Ghana faces in its hopes of establishing a cashless economy. There is currently a large volume of currency in circulation throughout the country, which makes the transition away from cash somewhat difficult. Moreover, physical currency plays a big role in many aspects of business in the country. Some small businesses will only accept payments that are made with cash and refuse to embrace mobile payments in any way whatsoever.