Tag: smartphone payments

Fortumo brings mobile payments to Microsoft platforms

| March 31, 2013

Windows Phone gets mobile payments thanks to Fortumo

Mobile payments have been growing very popular with consumers around the world. For those without Android or iOS devices, however, mobile payments are little more than a fancy idea. That is about to change thanks to Fortumo, an international mobile payments provider. This week, the company announced the launch of a new mobile payments application for Windows Phone. This makes Fortumo the first third-party provider of mobile commerce services on Microsoft platforms.

New platform makes mobile payments possible on Windows 8 and Windows Phone devices

The new application features cross-platform capabilities, making it available for the Windows 8 operating system, Windows RT, and Windows Phone. The application allows for mobile payments to be made through other applications, such as mobile games. Payments can also be facilitated through applications on laptops and desktops that run any version of Windows 8. Notably, the platform is designed with game developers in mind.

Mobile games may benefit from new platform

Mobile games have become a very powerful force in the game industry. Many developers have made their fortunes through a strong focus on mobile games. The reason these games have so much financial potential is because ofWindows Mobile Payments advertising and their ability to foster in-app purchases. Most mobile games offer some form of virtual currency or the opportunity to unlock additional content for a modest price. Consumers have a proclivity for these mobile payments because they offer some form of measurable game, at least in an entertainment capacity.

Fortumo aims to bring more developers to Windows Phone

Fortumo suggests that its new application can help game developers engage mobile consumers more effectively. Mobile games that allow for mobile payments are more likely to find success in the gaming market due to factors such as convenience and access to additional content. Fortumo aims to help developers become more accepting of the Windows Phone platform, on which it has been difficult to monetize mobile games in the past.

Mobile payments reach new heights for Starbucks

| March 28, 2013

Starbucks Mobile PaymentsStarbucks reports spike in mobile payments

Over the past two years, Starbucks has been slowly increasing its mobile presence. The company has seen a marked increase in mobile traffic as more consumers begin to visit its website from mobile devices, but a relatively new trend shows that consumers are becoming more inclined to pay for purchases using their smartphones and tablets. Starbucks has reported a sharp increase in mobile payments over the past year, claiming that the company has reached a major milestone in the realm of mobile commerce.

Company continues to focus on mobile sector

According to Starbucks, more than three million mobile payments are made for the company’s products every week in the U.S. The company suggests that mobile payments are so popular with consumers because they represent a more convenient way to pay for goods. Many consumers that frequent Starbucks have mobile devices of some kind, making them more apt to make a payment using their smartphone or tablet. Starbucks suggests that doing so may be a matter of prestige, as mobile payments are considered somewhat exclusive due to the lack of comprehensive mobile commerce services in several industries.

New global initiative expected to be launched by Starbucks

Backed by the strong growth of mobile commerce, Starbucks has announced plans to launch a new cross-channel, multi-brand loyalty initiative that will cover the globe. The initiative is meant to highlight the social aspects of Starbucks and provide more value to business partnerships around the world. Mobile payments are expected to play some role in the initiative as Starbucks looks to promote mobile commerce outside of the U.S.

US is not only country where mobile payments are gaining momentum

While Starbucks has seen major growth in mobile payments in its home country, the U.S. is not the only place where mobile commerce is taking off. The United Kingdom and Asian Pacific markets are home to aggressive growth in the mobile commerce sector. This growth is largely due to a growing population that can afford smartphones and tablets as well as the introduction of easy-to-use mobile commerce services in several countries.