Tag: nfc technology

Samsung plans to launch a new smartwatch later this year

Samsung is planning to launch a smartwatch during the second half of this year and the company has plans to give the device the ability to make mobile payments. The South Korean company has been playing a larger role in the mobile commerce space in recent years and has announced that it will launch its own mobile payments service this year. Samsung Pay is expected to launch in the coming months and may come pre-installed on the company’s new smartwatch.

Wearable devices could become powerful mobile payments tools

Smartwatches are beginning to gain more attention from consumers. These devices function in much the same way that smartphones do, but they can be worn rather than carried. Wearable devices have somewhat limited functionality, but they could become powerful tools in the mobile commerce space. Because smartwatches are worn on the wrist, they are more accessible and can make mobile payments somewhat more convenient for consumers.

Device will come equipped with NFC technology and, possibly, Samsung Pay

The smartwatch that Samsung intends to launch will make use of NFC technology to make mobile payments possible. This technology allows digital information to be transmitted over short distances. NFC has served as the backbone of the mobile commerce space for several years and is used in many mobile commerce platforms. Some organizations have begun to move away from NFC technology in order to make mobile payments more accessible to those without NFC-enabled devices, but this technology remains the prominent aspect of the mobile commerce world.

Samsung will have to fight to compete with other companies that have established a lead in the mobile commerce space

Samsung has said that it plans to release its new mobile payments service at some point in July, but there is no clear release date at this time. Samsung has not yet announced a release date for its new smartwhatch either. The company is falling somewhat behind its competitors when it comes to mobile payments, but it may manage to catch up if it can provide consumers with an enjoyable and convenient service.

From comfort to convenience, smartphones have greatly improved the communication between transit and rider.

The majority of commuters using public transit have smartphones with them, and bus, subway, and train system authorities know this and are increasingly catering to mobile technology and the many cost effective opportunities that it provides.

Transit riders aren’t just using their cell phones to let people know about delays along their routes.

In fact, communication is only a small fraction of what mobile technology brings to today’s commuters. From mobile ticketing to WiFi enabled stations, many transit authorities have worked these devices into the actual use of their transportation services. Over the last few years, this has grown to the point of being commonplace, so that many commuters have come to expect and rely upon the mobile friendly services that make the experience more convenient.

Mobile technology has helped to remove some of the unnecessary inconveniences previously linked with public transit.

Mobile ticketing has become a growing trend in public transit, for instance. One example, among many, is the mTicket app from the MBTW (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority), which made it possible for riders to be able to buy fare no matter where they are or what time it is. That app was first launched back in 2012, and many other transit authorities have offered their riders similar types of experience.

For those that have not yet implemented m-ticketing, mobile payments have become an option. This way, instead of purchasing a type of ticket over a smartphone, it is possible to pay for fare directly out of a debit or credit card account by way of different types of tech such as near field communication (NFC), or QR code scans.

Transit systems around the world are offering riders ways to know when their next bus or train will arrive, which can help to ease the struggle of waiting. From Antwerp to the United States, commuters can use apps or scan QR codes on bus stop signs to better understand the schedule in real time.  In fact, it has also recently been revealed that Apple Maps will be including transit information for large cities, in its upcoming update.

Even entertainment for passing the time throughout the journey has become a factor. While apps offer a great way to enjoy games, social media, and other amusing time-killers (particularly when the transit system offers free WiFi connectivity), some systems have also introduced digital libraries, where QR codes can be scanned on the walls of busses and trains in order to gain access to public domain ebooks.

Of course, the team at Mogix power banks has pointed out that this makes it even more important that commuters always keep their mobile technology batteries charged, as these riders depend on the gadgets for their transit fare, wallets, information, and entertainment every day.