Now, in the US we're not strangers to the similar PayPass system that MasterCard officially launched nationwide in 2005, after two years of trials almost exclusively at gas stations in Orlando, FL, utilizing "Gas Cards" as means of payment at the pump.
Fast forward 5 years, or 15 years in consumer technology evolution years, and the dawn of the the Smart Phone brings with it what resembles the birth of the "Virtual Wallet"! Smartphone manufacturers, and the largest smartphone operating system developer by units sold and smartphone manufacturer, Google, have since taken reigns of their competitive advantage in the marketplace, provided people are less likely to leave their smartphones at home than their wallets, and have been testing NFC capable Google-Android operating system smartphones in Japan since early 2010.
Smartphone, operating system, merchant processing companies, and commercial banks are not the only players in this game. Identifying the application of NFC systems in the marketplace and developing NFC-friendly methods of payment is the current step that is taking business by storm. Take for example, EnableTable, they are in the business of paying your restaurant bill a breeze and save trees in the process! You receive your "check" in the black folio we've all come to love, launch your EnableTable app, place your phone on the indicated area in the folio, and presto! Payment processed! In addition to paying your bill, you receive loyal customer or return customer rewards, points, or coupons, immediately uploaded to your EnableTable profile on your phone, redeemable on your next visit. Truly, a marketer's dream!
Arguably, NFC coupled with the modern Swiss-Army knife, the smartphone, will once again change our lives, whether we're watching the race or not.
Cheers,
Sources:
Mastercard worldwide
PRWeb.com
EnableTable.com
Enabletable? What a great and exciting idea! Do you know if there is a list of restaurants participating and what coupons/discounts are offered on the next visit. I tried to locate more information but was unsuccessful. Its incredible to see how technology has taken over the world. It's a new era. My grandfather is 87 and trying to learn how to use my my Macbook Pro! If Apple could develop a basic computer that can be used by and marketed to the elderly they could enter a whole new market!
ReplyDelete@Allyson
ReplyDeleteThat "basic computer" you speak of DOES exist! It's called the iPad. Not only is it a functional alternative to a laptop, but its ease of use has proven as a gateway for the technologically un-inclined into the "modern world".
Regarding EnableTable, they seem to be in the initial stages of product development and placement. I would venture out to say that this is one company's IPO I would look forward to!
Cheers,