Tag: mobile payments

Alibaba has released its new OS’Car RX5 to expand the IoT to the automotive sector.

Alipay mobile payments can be made by drivers from the seat of their new OS’Car RX5. The new sport utility vehicle is the product of a partnership formed between Chinese internet giant Alibaba Group and Shanghai-based automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor Corp. It has been introduced to China’s automotive market and is dubbed the “internet car”. It is equipped with a smart operating system, which makes it different from traditional cars. The hope is that the car will spread the internet-of-things (IoT) to the automotive sector.

This smart OS will provide consumers with an experience that is more than simple driving.

The OS’Car RX5 operating system was designed by Alibaba’s YunOS division. Specially designed for the automotive industry, the YunOS will boost consumer experience. According to chairman of Alibaba’s Steering Committee, Dr. Wang Jian, the smart operating system revolutionizes the car so it’s not just about driving. The smart OS becomes “the second engine of cars, while data is the new fuel,” Wang stated.

Alibaba’s new car takes a step beyond other cars that are able to access the internet via third-party apps or software. The company wants to make all vehicles a part of the much bigger IoT ecosystem. In this ecosystem, smart devices gather and exchange data for the purpose of improving efficiencies for users. Cars are a new smart platform, Wang said. He added that through this platform Alibaba can offer internet-based services to create a superior driving experience.

Alipay mobile payments will be only one of the e-commerce services part of the RX5.

The company’s internet car has navigation and voice control features. It also has three LED screens for interfacing with the operating system and 360-degree detachable cameras for taking selfies and recording trips.

The RX5 uses its own e-commerce system to provide consumers with services. For instance, using Alipay mobile payments, drivers have the ability to book and pay for gas stations, parking spaces and coffee shops.

Each driver is given their own “internet ID” that enables the smart OS to recognize different users and make personalized recommendations. These recommendations may include air temperature, music, and nearby restaurants based on previous trips.

President of YunOS, Zhang Chunhui, said that “In the future, we hope Internet-connected cars to be a solid foundation for the development of smarter transportation and smarter cities.”

Currently Chinese consumers can preorder the OS’Car RX5 via Tmall. Prices begin at $22,300. The expected delivery date for the cars is August.

The electronics and tech giant is introducing its branded app just in time for athletes and spectators.

Samsung Electronics Co. has announced that it is launching its mobile payments app, Samsung Pay, in Brazil. Certainly, the fact that the Olympic Games are headed to the country played a vital role in this decision. Should the launch be successful, it may open the door to more countries throughout Latin America.

Mobile phones are a primary access point for the internet in Latin America, making this strategy promising.

The mobile app, Samsung Pay, first saw its world debut in South Korea. That occurred nearly a year ago in August 2015. It has since become available to more countries. It has been in the United States since September 2015. Now, Samsung will be sending the mobile payments service to smartphone users attending – and participating in – the Olympic Games. This, according to the vice president of the unit, Haley Kim.

Samsung Pay will be up against some stiff competition as Apple and Google also make a grab for that market.

The largest company in South Korea will be pitting its mobile payments service against Google Pay and Apple Pay. This is no small market opportunity. Forrester Research Inc. predicts that by 2019, it will have broken the $142 billion mark. Those three companies have been rivals in every major marketplace. They are seeking to draw customers to their apps not just to encourage them to use the mobile applications themselves, but also their devices.

In Brazil, Samsung already has a 42 percent share, said Gartner Inc.. That is sizeable when taking into account that there are more active mobile phone accounts than people in the country. The company is aiming to use its mobile payments service to bring in an even larger number of new users. That said, it could be a challenging effort considering the current state of the Brazilian economy. It is currently suffering the deepest depression it has faced for at least one hundred years.

Kim explained that “The demographic group buying and using these devices in Brazil is more the high-end or premium customers who may not be significantly impacted by this economic crisis.” Samsung Pay may have a bit of an advantage as the company is a corporate sponsor of the games. It is also selling a limited edition Galaxy Edge S7 featuring the Olympic rings and colors. The mobile payments app will also be compatible with users of other S7 devices, in addition to the A5 and A7 models and others.