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Vending machine firms to use blockchain ID platform to automate sale of age-restricted items
By Staff Reporter • 25 April 2019
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/04/25/362400/vending-machine-firms-to-use-blockchain-id-platform-to-automate-sale-of-age-restricted-items/
Best,
Be Confident
MTA Contactless Transit: Uptake much better than anticipated:
MTA reports ‘much higher’ than expected Omny contactless transit payments adoption in New York
By Sarah Clark • 14 August 2019
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/08/14/363905/mta-reports-much-higher-than-expected-omny-contactless-transit-payments-adoption-in-new-york/
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTA) says its new Omny open loop contactless payments system recorded its one millionth transaction on 8 August, “a remarkable milestone accomplished at a much higher usage rate than initially estimated”.
“When we launched Omny a mere 10 weeks ago today, we knew that some New Yorkers would immediately begin paying their fare with a tap,” said Patrick J Foye, MTA chairman and CEO.
“But even our most optimistic forecasts didn’t anticipate how popular Omny would become in such a short time.”
Omny launched on 31 May at 16 subway stations and on Staten Island buses.
Contactless payment
Passengers can pay using Visa, Mastercard and American Express contactless cards as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Fitbit Pay.
“Within the first three days, subways and bus customers used Omny more than 18,000 times, far exceeding original estimates of 7,000 taps in the first week,” the MTA says.
“Nearly three months later, average usage rates are three to four times greater than expected, topping 22,000 per weekday and leading to the million-tap milestone just 69 days after the public launch.
“Also unexpected was the surprisingly high number of Omny customers using smartphones for payment, with 80% using through digital wallets compared with 20% using Omny through contactless cards.”
Strong appetite
MTA customers’ usage of digital wallets “far exceeds the retail industry’s 15% usage of digital wallets, which highlights high interest in contactless payment technology and a strong appetite for contactless payment options,” the agency adds.
“The MTA’s initial Omny usage estimates were based on similar digital wallet and contactless card usage in retail industries, and the success of Omny shows that New Yorkers are quick to adapt to new uses for technology but limited by available contactless payment options.”
“Not only are we pleasantly surprised by our customers’ quick adoption of Omny, but also with the number that are choosing to pay with their smart devices rather than a physical card,” says MTA’s Omny program executive Alan Putre.
“This should be a clear signal to the financial industry that New Yorkers are more than ready for the next generation of payment cards.”
“So far, customers from 93 countries outside of the US have paid their fares using Omny, with 62% of those customers coming from Great Britain, Canada, Italy, Germany and France,” the MTA adds.
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Beaconstac:
Coupon QR code: Deliver deals and offers instantly
Use and design Coupon QR codes for your business to deliver discounts, offers and more - all with a single QR code generator
https://www.beaconstac.com/coupon-qr-code
CREATE | MANAGE | TRACK | RETARGET
All in one QR Code Platform for Businesses
Boost your customer engagement and conversion rates. Track QR Codes to optimize campaigns & retarget customers online
https://www.beaconstac.com/buy-qr-code-solution/
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Scandit Mobile Self-Scanning:
https://www.scandit.com/use-cases/self-checkout/
Say goodbye to long checkout lines with Scandit’s smart device-based scanning solutions.
...and
Cases Studies:
https://www.scandit.com/resources/case-studies/
Best,
Be Confident
Speaking of Track & Trace:
parcelcode (International Track & Trace )
https://www.yourparcelcode.com/tracking_results_from_317163010000-317163019999.htm
Excerpt
About Us
Parcelcode was founded in 2017 and is based in Pretoria, South Africa. Our mission is to simplify parcel tracking between countries, couriers and carriers. Parcelcode allows you to track parcels in one place without the need to visit different carrier websites.
It has arrived...
And now I state once again, The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Do YOU believe? I do...
Best,
Be Confident
Scania,
Is this the information you are seeking?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-1tb-memory-smartphones-news/%3famp
In today's world it is not good enough to focus on the present. As you and I both agree, it is the near-term and long-term futures which we target to understand the broader landscape
Best,
Be Confident
Apparently, the seamless feature I have been seeking which automatically applies all digital coupons at the PoS, is being incorporated into individual retailers' apps:
https://www.kroger.com/topic/digital-coupons-6
I find myself at odds with this. It would appear to dictate you must download EVERY app from each retailer you shop with. I find this ridiculous! I would require a terabyte of internal storage (hardly a coincidence new handsets have launched with such memory).
IMSO all apps should be universal in nature. We should be able to apply coupons from any Brand on any app (yet, particularly with our primary mobilePay apps such as GooglePay/ApplePay/ChasePay/etc). This is likely not being done due to the complexities associated with individual retailers who tend to sponsor their own in-store specials, however, this perpetuates fragmentation IMO.
Google recently announced GooglePay is now able to automatically import digital coupons, tickets, rewards memberships, etc directly from email. This MUST be what I have been waiting for, yet I do not know whether their app automatically applies the coupons (it may simply store them):
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/04/17/362355/google-pay-rolls-out-gmail-integration-that-lets-users-automatically-import-tickets-coupons-and-loyalty-cards-from-email/
Best,
Be Confident
I hadn't noticed until today that clicking the web address atop the web page on your handset instantly populates a small QR code to the right of the web address!
Clicking the QR code then launches the phone's barcode scanner.
Has anyone noticed this before?
Best,
Be Confident
More concerning the unbanked:
Visa-GoJek Tie-Up to Boost Payments Services
Thursday, 18 July 2019 09:43
https://www.finews.asia/finance/29185-visa-invests-in-gojek-to-support-payments-services
EXCERPT:
Through the collaboration, Gojek and Visa will tie-up on innovative payment solutions to serve customers in the «unbanked and underserved» population.
Best,
Be Confident
Visa Expands Contactless Payments to Public Transport
Thursday, 6 June 2019 16:28
https://www.finews.asia/finance/28929-visa-expands-contactless-payments-to-public-transport
EXCERPT:
According to Visa, the project with LTA is one of its largest implementation for contactless acceptance for transit globally, with 30,000 acceptance points.
Best,
Be Confident
It may be more likely to become considered more of an internet of payments for the unbanked/poor. Numerous articles speak to this. Below is an aged article, however, I have viewed others from this year:
https://modusbox.com/announcing-mojaloop-io-an-open-source-software-platform-for-financial-inclusion-to-uplift-the-worlds-poor/
Best,
Be Confident
Scania,
Please explain a bit more. I am not understanding the point you are making.
Best,
Be Confident
LG Pay goes live in the US with NFC and mag stripe mobile payments
By Sarah Clark • 17 July 2019
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/07/17/363552/lg-pay-goes-live-in-the-us-with-nfc-and-mag-stripe-mobile-payments/
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Do YOU believe? I do...
Best,
Be Confident
This company appeared on this evening's Shark Tank episode. Mark Cuban teamed with them. Have a run at the video and you will find what you seek
https://www.gotspare.com
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Here comes Track & Trace:
Kobelli to use NFC to track diamonds on the blockchain
By Sarah Clark • 26 July 2019
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/07/26/363669/kobelli-to-use-nfc-to-track-diamonds-on-the-blockchain/
Knowing this company has launched this application implies others will follow suit in short order I am particularly pleased and excited it utilizes blockchain. IMO, blockchain has been a much needed platform to ensure a secure ledger
And now I state, once again, The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Do YOU believe? I do...
Best,
Be Confident
Something to ponder. As the Olympics nears there appears to be enhanced interest in accelerating mobilePay to the masses. The ecosystem may surprise us all in 2020:
Changing the Game: Visa Sets Sights on a “Cashless Japan” With One Year to Go to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
7/24/2019
https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.16496.html
Visa and its partners build a digital legacy for Japan and help to accelerate economic growth
SAN FRANCISCO & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 24, 2019-- With one year to go until theOlympic Games Tokyo 2020, Visa (NYSE: V), the Worldwide Payment Technology Partner of the Olympic Games, is preparing innovative payment experiences for athletes, visitors and citizens in support of the government’s “Cashless Japan” imperative to double the total of payments made digitally to 40 percent1 by 2025. With the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 expected to be the most innovative Olympic and Paralympic Games yet, Visa is in a unique position to help the Games become a catalyst for delivering the best in digital payments to Japan.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190724005440/en/
One year until the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020! As a Proud Partner for over 33 years, Visa is excited to support our #TeamVisa athletes as they prepare for #Tokyo2020. (Photo: Business Wire)
“There is virtually no other market in the world today that compares to Japan – it is the world’s third largest economy and a leader across many industries, yet commerce remains predominantly cash-based,” said Stephen Karpin, Representative Director & Country Manager of Japan, Visa. “Visa embraces the Olympic Games as an opportunity to offer cutting-edge payment technologies at venues and the Olympic Village, and throughout the host country to truly enhance the fan experience. For Tokyo2020, we are planning experiences that will leave a lasting impact on the country, with the goal of helping accelerate economic growth, while providing the Japanese community and visitors with a ‘wow’ experience on-the-ground.”
Supporting the Road to a “Cashless Japan”
Today, only about one-fifth of all payments in Japan use digital methods compared with around 90% in South Korea and roughly 60% in the U.S and 70% in China.2 With 40 million3 visitors expected to arrive in Japan next year, Visa has a range of initiatives underway to ensure the best possible commerce and payments experiences, including:
Growing Digital Payment Acceptance: To address the current prevalence of cash, Visa is working closely with merchants in a wide range of business categories, including Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), transit and convenience stores, to upgrade and enable contactless point-of-sale (POS) and to drive adoption for digital payments prior to the start of Tokyo 2020.Team Visa for Cashless Japan:Since 2000, Visa has supported Team Visa, a diverse roster of global athletes who compete in a wide range of events, representing the brand on-and-off the field of competition. Team Visa athlete and Japanese Olympic hopeful in the newly added sport of surfing Kanoa Igarashi is “riding the cashless wave” in Visa’s marketing campaign, already live in Japan. Throughout the year, Visa will continue expanding the Team Visa roster and our marketing efforts that highlight these Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, to elevate their stories and promote the use of digital payments.Building a Partner Ecosystem: As the world’s leader in digital payments, Visa drives innovation to its 3.4 billion accountholders through a wide group of financial services, merchant, technology and fintech partners. To further grow its network in Japan, Visa has launched Visa Fintech Fast-Track to make it quicker and easier for fintechs to build and deliver new digital commerce experiences on Visa’s payments network. Visa has also recently partnered with LINE Pay Corporation, operator of digital wallet and fintech services on the LINE messaging app to encourage digital payment adoption.Games-time Innovations: As the exclusive payment technology sponsor, Visa is in a unique position to bring cutting-edge payment technologies to every Olympic Games, often trialing technology not yet commercially available. At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Visa offered a payment-enabled ring to its Team Visa athletes. At the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, Visa commercially sold wearable products, such as gloves and lapel pins, enabled to make payments over contactless payment readers. For Tokyo 2020, Visa is exploring payment innovations ranging from biometric payment authentication and wearables to new mobile applications which will include digitally-issued cards.Measuring Inbound Global Travel & Spend to Japan:According to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions (GTI) Study, Japan has overtaken the United States as the most popular destination within the past two years among the international travelers surveyed. In the lead up to the Olympic Games, Visa will continue to share consumer travel and spend data and predictions on Olympic-related tourism trends, to help prepare local merchants for an influx of foreign travelers.
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Amorim combats counterfeiting with NFC-enabled corks
17th July, 2019 by admin
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2019/07/amorim-combats-counterfeiting-with-nfc-enabled-corks/
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Be Confident
Are we noticing a trend?
Passengers set to benefit from new contactless payments on Metrolink
3 July 2019
https://tfgm.com/press-release/contactless-launch
EXCERPT:
Metrolink passengers across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from a new and easy-to-use contactless payment system – transforming the way people pay for public transport.
Launching on Monday 15 July, it will see Greater Manchester joining a small band of leading global city-regions including New York, Rio and Singapore, which are currently also introducing the technology.
and...
Apple Pay Coming to Miami Fare System in August
JULY 15, 2019
IN APPLE BY DAVID BECKER
https://appleosophy.com/2019/07/15/apple-pay-coming-to-miami-fare-system-in-august
and, while redundant, a bit of additional detail here:
Contactless payment coming soon to Transit
July 15, 2019 — Transportation & Public Works
https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/news-item.page?Mduid_news=news1563223075280894
Tap this way! Riders will soon be able to use their contactless-enabled bank card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express), mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay) or wearable item such as a smartwatch to tap and go at Metrorail fare gates.
The benefits of using a contactless payment method include:
It's easy to use. No need to figure out what type of fare product to buy or register for an account. Simply tap and go.It's time-saving. No need to wait in line at a ticket vending machine.It's flexible. Choose how you want to pay. Use your contactless bank card, your mobile wallet, or your smartwatch.
EASY cards and tickets will continue to be accepted.
More information coming soon.
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Interesting:
New Pokemon App Sends Consumers to Target
By Cyndi Loza - 05/17/2019
https://consumergoods.com/new-pokemon-app-sends-consumers-target
Best,
Be Confident
LG joins the growing list of crypto/blockchain:
https://cointelegraph.com/news/lg-applies-for-thinq-wallet-crypto-wallet-trademark-in-the-us
Do YOU believe? I do...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
The ecosystem is progressing rapidly. The following is SIGNIFICANT:
Amazon Launches Transparency in Europe, India and Canada – A Product Serialization Service that Prevents Counterfeit at Scale
July 10, 2019 at 1:00 AM PDT
EXCERPT:
Brands apply a unique Transparency code to every product unit they manufacture, enabling detection and preventing sales of inauthentic products – which better protects both brands and customers from counterfeit.
This geographic expansion builds on the over 4000 brands that have enrolled in Transparency in the US and have generated over 300 million unique codes.
https://press.aboutamazon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/amazon-launches-transparency-europe-india-and-canada-product
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Competitors playing well together in the sandbox:
Pepsi Grabs Summer By The Bottle
June 4, 2019
http://www.popin.net/pepsi-grabs-summer-by-the-bottle/
EXCERPT:
The Pepsi #Summergram collection will be available across more than 200 million Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar 20 oz., 16 oz. and 16.9 oz. bottles throughout the summer at national and local retailers across the country. Additionally, Pepsi #Summergram statements and icons will appear on more than 30 million fountain cups at a variety of local restaurants and foodservice partners throughout the summer. With hundreds of unique AR filters, the Pepsi #Summergram collection highlights universal summer moments like BBQing, hiking, swimming and more, as well as highly localized sayings that capture the unique summer traditions across various parts of the country. Labels will feature iconic summer statements in both Spanish and English.
To share your Pepsi #Summergram moments, simply:
1. Scan the QR code on any Pepsi #Summergram bottle using your camera phone to automatically open Instagram Stories and unlock a unique AR filter and statement.
2. Apply the Pepsi #Summergram AR filter directly to your video.
3. Share directly with friends on social media or add to your Instagram Story
In addition, fans can also access hundreds of additional Pepsi #Summergram digital stickers all summer long in the Instagram Story portal's digital GIPHY library.
...AND
"Enjoy Coca-Cola" Summer 2019 Campaign
Consumers can win 150,000-plus prizes by scanning the Sip & Scan icon on cans and bottles.
https://csnews.com/enjoy-coca-cola-summer-2019-campaign
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Here come the digital IDs:
DIGITAL ID PLATFORMS TO BE USED BY 5BN PEOPLE IN 2024, AS EMERGING ECONOMIES GO MOBILE-FIRST
Mobile ID schemes take the lead over digital identity cards, with a third more users relying on apps compared to cards in the next 5 years
Hampshire, UK –9th July 2019
https://www.juniperresearch.com/press/press-releases/mobile-id-platforms-to-be-used-by-5bn-people
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Junior,
I believe Rocket was referring to Facebook's code name for their project. It is called Libra.
Best,
Be Confident
Well said Junior, well said.
Best,
Be Confident
Junior,
Hopefully you scrolled far enough to notice the following:
"More augmented reality fun coming soon."
Two additional and significant games are preparing to launch. ALL of the games mentioned in this article are destined to go viral, and VIRAL campaigns are precisely what is needed to catapult the industry (JMO).
I keep an eye to groceries and CPG, and the seamless, simple, and automated process of scanning and redeeming multiple eCoupons at the till. I continue to feel this is paramount.
Best,
Be Confident
Here it comes! AR heating up rapidly:
Explore augmented reality with 'Harry Potter,' 'Jurassic World,' and 'Angry Birds' games
MARC SALTZMAN | SPECIAL TO USA TODAY | 10:39 am EDT July 6, 2019
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/1655075001
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Excellent article. This is a MUST READ:
JAPAN
JULY 2, 2019 / 8:38 PM / 2 DAYS AGO
Hoping to boost spending, Japan tries to sell shoppers on cashless purchases
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-economy-payments/hoping-to-boost-spending-japan-tries-to-sell-shoppers-on-cashless-purchases-idUSKCN1TY02H
This article tells a powerful story.
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
Junior,
You can imagine how the good Dr. Soon will be implementing this tech in his media. QR codes and AR are preparing to make their way to the masses:
New Yorker Magazine gets Creative with Augmented Reality Cover
May 9, 2016 by Maya Georgieva
https://www.digitalbodies.net/augmented-reality/new-yorker-magazine-gets-creative-with-augmented-reality-cover/
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Do YOU believe? "I," for one, most certainly do...JMO
Best,
Be Confident
I am particularly eager for Shoppable TV
Best,
Be Confident
I agree with all you stated, with the possible exception of UPC. I am not so certain it is their intention to replace UPC codes. UPC is one of the 7 standard codes adopted by the ecosystem. It is my belief they will share packaging real estate for some time to come.
HOWEVER, it is the balance of all you mentioned which carries immense value for the industry.
And aside from CPG, we should soon find iBeacons, audio, and ALL machine readable inputs burgeoning
The world is preparing to change...permanently. Transformational change!
Best,
Be Confident
All appears to be suddenly burgeoning. The level of news I've encountered has been steadily increasing, from many separate sources.
We need QR codes to begin propagating on packaged goods in groceries, and I am now questioning whether the ecosystem has been awaiting Blockchain prior to implementing this.
Best,
Be Confident
Here we go... Eruption may soon surround us:
Payments, food delivery apps launch games to woo users
Paytm has found that more than 70% of its users play these games daily.
By Pratik Bhakta & Sanghamitra Kar, ET Bureau | Updated: Jun 29, 2019, 10.31 AM IST
https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/payments-food-delivery-apps-to-launch-games-to-woo-users/articleshow/69998451.cms
And This:
Absolutely incredulous (and perhaps a bit concerning):
The Pentagon has a laser that can identify people from a distance—by their heartbeat
The Jetson prototype can pick up on a unique cardiac signature from 200 meters away, even through clothes.
by David Hambling
Jun 27, 2019
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/613891/the-pentagon-has-a-laser-that-can-identify-people-from-a-distanceby-their-heartbeat/
Best,
Be Confident
NFC preparing for geometric growth:
NFC tags are poised to explode into the mainstream with more than 10bn in use by 2023 according to this market analysis from ABI RESEARCH.
https://members.nfcworld.com/93874/nfc-tags-ready-for-the-mainstream/
I will not be surprised to find RFID exploding along side it...JMO.
Best,
Be Confident
Blockchain is preparing to span the globe:
Walmart combines blockchain and QR codes to let Chinese consumers verify source of fresh produce in stores
By Sarah Clark • 9 hours ago
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/07/02/363418/walmart-combines-blockchain-and-qr-codes-to-let-chinese-consumers-verify-source-of-fresh-produce-in-stores/
The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Do YOU believe? I do...
Best,
Be Confident
Rocket,
You will particularly note the expiration of the patent I shared has been "adjusted." Apparently extended! ...through Q3 2030.
The further we've come, the closer we are...jmo
Best,
Be Confident
Fret not, mi amigo. All is perfectly well:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8189466B2/en
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Be Confident
For you, Rocket (and Scania):
Visa to acquire Rambus’ payments and ticketing business
By Sarah Clark • 25 June 2019
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/06/25/363334/visa-to-acquire-rambus-payments-and-ticketing-business/
So you ask, "What special value does Rambus carry?" Have a run at it:
Rambus
Security
Smart Ticketing
https://www.rambus.com/security/smart-ticketing/
...AND...
Rambus Expands Family of CryptoManager Root of Trust Secure Silicon IP Cores
Jun 26, 2019
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190626005222/en/
Best,
Be Confident
Of course QR codes will not be replaced (within the foreseeable future), but I do find clickable paper of significant interest:
Will Clickable Paper Replace QR Codes?
https://gonextpage.com/2018/10/02/will-clickable-paper-replace-qr-codes/
Best,
Be Confident
Could a storm be brewing?
Fiat Chrysler to let drivers order and pay for fuel, food and parking from their vehicles
By Sarah Clark • 27 June 2019
https://www.nfcworld.com/2019/06/27/363382/fiat-chrysler-to-let-drivers-order-and-pay-for-fuel-food-and-parking-from-their-vehicles/
CONNECTED: Fiat Chrysler drivers can use the mobile wallet from their vehicles for multiple services
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicle owners will be able to use a new Fiat Chrysler mobile wallet to order and pay for a range of services from their vehicles “in the second half of 2019”. Launch partners include Shell, Domino’s, ParkWhiz and Yelp Reservations
The car maker’s Uconnect Market Commerce Platform will deploy “via an over-the-air (OTA) update for model-year 2019 and 2020 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brand vehicles equipped with connected services and the latest generation of 8.4-inch touchscreens,” Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) says.
The service will then “continue as a carryover feature for future models equipped with the 8.4-inch touchscreen”.
“FCA owners will be able to skip lines and save time by ordering (and paying for) food and beverages, reserve a table on the way to their favorite restaurant or locate and securely authorize pump-and-pay fuel at participating locations,” the car maker explains.
“Drivers can also locate and pay for nearby parking and schedule service appointments at FCA US dealerships, all while in the vehicle without having to reach for a physical credit card.”
“Our customers live busy lives, and our goal with the Uconnect platform is to provide an advanced portfolio of services to make their daily drive more convenient, productive and enjoyable,” says FCA’s global head of connected services Alan D’Agostini.
“This is why we are launching Uconnect Market, as we continue to ramp up our connectivity efforts around the world with the goal of having all new FCA vehicles connected by 2022.”
And now I state, once again,The further we've come, the closer we are...JMO
Best,
Be Confident