Technabob » payment

Watch2Pay Uses RFID Tech for Contactless Payments: Watch2Steal

Lambert Varias — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Watchmaker LAKS teamed up with MasterCard to develop Watch2Pay, a wristwatch with RFID technology. Aside from telling the time, Watch2Pay can be used to make payments simply by holding it next to a scanning device. Why? Because taking your credit card out of your wallet is way too much effort.

Inside each Watch2Pay is a SIM card that is linked to a MasterCard PayPass prepaid account; it’s the key to the wireless interface between the watch and the reader. For practicality’s sake, each Watch2Pay also comes with a more conventional prepaid card for establishments that don’t have PayPass readers or for when your Watch2Pay is nicked off of you. Watch the video below for a bit more info. Unless you’re a fan of post-hardcore music, my headache and I strongly suggest you put it on mute.

No offense to the band who made that soundtrack, but come on. Whatever happened to bland commercial music? It’s bland for a reason. Watch2Pay is currently available in Poland and in the United Kingdom, where it sells for £99 (~$153 USD). I wouldn’t be surprised if it makes its way to other first world countries. Checkout the official website for more info.

[via Springwise via PFSK]

Square Hoodie Keeps Square Credit Card Reader in Check

Technabob — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:15:21 +0000

Small businesses have pretty much nothing but great things to say about Square’s mobile payment system, which lets them accept credit cards on the go without massive fees or technology investment. The tiny Square reader just plugs into the top of your smartphone, and with the accompanying app, works wonders for accepting payments. However, that little dongle is easy to misplace if you’re not careful. Square users will be happy to know there’s a convenient solution to this problem.

Designed by Charles Mercader and Sam Dominguez, the Square Hoodie is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a protective case for your Square payment reader – which can be hung around your neck on a lanyard. It’s made from durable silicone, and has a handy loop on it which can also be attached to a carabiner if you’d rather not hang the thing around your neck. If you’re wondering how you can still take cards with it on, the top of the Square Hoodie flips back to provide access to the credit card reader without removing the case.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

I know it seems like a small invention, but for artists and business people working tradeshows or even small retailers, I could see this being a very convenient little add-on for your Square reader. If you’re interested in getting one, head on over to the Square Hoodie’s Kickstarter page. A pledge of $15 or more will get you one – and $20 or more will include a matching lanyard.

Pay for Transactions With Your Finger Tip

Technabob — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:52:48 +0000

Hitachi has taken the wraps off of a new payment technology that lets you make purchases with only your finger.

The new biometric system can measure the unique signature of the blood vessels in your fingers to authenticate transactions. Once you register your “vein signature” with your credit card company, your vascular pattern is the key to unlocking your funds.

Hitachi plans on starting to test their Finger Vein Technology in real world applications this Fall, using 200 of their employees. They’ll be able to purchase items at the company’s corporate shops and cafeteria using the new payment tech.

All in all, the premise of payment authentication systems which don’t rely on simple numbers and key codes seems like a really good idea to me. I’d have to think it would be a lot harder to copy someone’s blood vessels than their credit card number.

[via NikkeiNet via Pink Tentacle]