Tag: mobile payments

Amazon and Apple may control the fate of mobile payments

| April 27, 2013

Mobile Payments Apple and AmazonCompanies may holds significant sway over the future of mobile payments

Commerce is changing as mobile technology begins to play a bigger role in the lives of people around the world. Traditional payments are becoming more cumbersome to consumers, causing many to look for more convenient ways to purchase goods and services. Mobile has become the answer to this problem, with consumers flocking to the concept of mobile payments. As with many other aspects of commerce, a handful of companies and organizations are expected to have a major influence on this sector. Amazon and Apple are among those companies.

Amazon begins breaking into mobile commerce

Amazon has shown strong interest in mobile payments for some time, given that much of the company’s business is firmly within the online world. The company is consider an e-commerce giant, putting it in a position to establish itself as a leading power in the mobile commerce field. Indeed, Amazon has been working on its own mobile payments platform that is being designed with security in mind. Apple, on the other hand, has been very cautious of mobile payments, showing serious concern for mobile security.

Apple showing interest in taking mobile payments to a new level

It had been anticipated that Apple would break into the mobile commerce field with the release of the iPhone 5. This, however, was not the case, as the iPhone 5 did not end up supporting NFC technology as had been expected. While Apple had adopted a slow and steady approach to mobile payments, the company may soon be ramping up its efforts. Those involved in the mobile commerce industry suggest that it would be difficult for the company to break into a sector they do not specialize in, largely due to the various issues involved in general commerce.

Apple may serve as a platform for third party services

Apple has been showing signs that it is interested in service as a platform for mobile payments conducted through third parties rather than developing its own mobile commerce platform. To this end, Apple is likely to have significant sway over the industry, as it will play a role in determining which mobile payments services are viable and which could be considered insignificant.

Mobile commerce sees strong growth in the Netherlands

| April 27, 2013

Netherlands Mobile Commerce GrowthDutch mobile commerce is on the rise

Mobile commerce in the Netherlands is on the rise. Dutch consumers are following the trend established in other parts of the world where mobile commerce is becoming the favored way to purchase products. The Netherlands has been serving as a testing grounds for several pilot projects concerning mobile payments, and consumers seem to have responded well to these projects. This has caused a steep spike in demand for mobile commerce services as well as aggressive growth in consumer participation.

Report highlights the growth of mobile commerce

According to a new report from Thuiswinkel, a market research firm, the number of consumers in the Netherlands making purchases from a mobile device has reached 1.7 million. This is a 73% increase over the level mobile purchases had been at in 2012. Consumers have place more than 5 million orders from their mobile devices, accounting for 12% of all online sales processed within the country. The report shows that mobile commerce revenues from the second half of 2012 rose to $310 million, with full-year revenues for 2012 reaching $560 million.

Access to comprehensive services helps boost adoption

Part of the reason consumers are becoming more involved in mobile commerce is the availability of mobile-based services. These services are making it easier for consumers to make mobile payments and abandon traditional forms of commerce. Dutch retailers are also making a strong push for the adoption of mobile commerce, further encouraging consumers to use their mobile devices to purchase goods and services. Thus far, there are no signs that mobile commerce adoption is showing any signs of slowing down.

Clothing and books among the most purchased products via mobile

The report from Thuiswinkel shows that the majority of Dutch consumers made mobile purchase for clothing, books, and sporting goods. Tickets for music, film, and sporting events were also popular purchases among consumers. Those participating in mobile commerce said that purchasing products online via a mobile devices was more convenient than other methods.