BBVA has become the first bank to launch a commercial NFC payments service that makes use of Visa’s cloud-based payments specifications... More
BBVA launches NFC payments based on Visa HCE specifications
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New York bars adopt mobile payments service that lets customers send drinks to friends
Twenty bars and restaurants in New York are using a new service that combines mobile payments with social networking, enabling customers to pay their tab, meet up and communicate with friends and send ‘Goodies’ like drinks and food to their contacts... More
Edinburgh trams use QR codes to validate mobile tickets before boarding
The city of Edinburgh’s new tram service is using QR codes placed at tram stops to validate passengers’ mobile tickets before they board... More
HotelTonight to offer NFC keys
HotelTonight is to upgrade its Android app to enable customers to unlock their rooms via NFC, where a hotel supports the technology... More
Chromecast to use ultrasonic connectivity to pair mobiles and TVs
Google’s Chromecast media streamer, which enables users to send shows, movies, music and more to large screens, is to use a new ultrasonic connectivity technology to enable mobile devices to be paired with a Chromecast-equipped television, GigaOm reports... More
Android L speeds up NFC P2P sharing
New support for Android Beam, the name used for NFC peer-to-peer sharing in Android, is to be introduced with Android L, version 5.0 of Google’s operating system... More
Android L to offer wide range of new features for mobile payments and commerce
The next generation of Android, unveiled at the Google I/O developer conference, will offer mobile payments, banking and commerce providers a wide range of new functions... More
Google unveils cardboard VR headset with NFC
Developers attending Google’s I/O conference have been given a DIY virtual reality headset that includes an NFC tag for connecting the device to their mobile phone. More
Carrefour and Nisa track shoppers via Bluetooth beacons in trolleys and baskets
Supermarket giant Carrefour and convenience store group Nisa are piloting a new technology that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons attached to trolleys and baskets to track a shopper’s journey around the store... More
Mahana uses BLE to help hotels improve customer service
Hospitality technology startup Mahana has introduced a customer service platform that gives hotel and casino staff a way to improve customer service by accessing guest information on the go... More
McDonald’s tests mobile ordering and payments in the US
McDonald’s is testing a service that lets customers order their meal before they arrive at a restaurant and then collect it and pay by scanning a QR code... More
Clover adds customer feedback loop to merchant receipts
An instant customer feedback platform developed by DropThought has been added to POS maker Clover’s app market, enabling customers to interact with merchants via their digital or printed receipt... More
BioCatch raises $10m to expand behavioural biometrics platform
BioCatch has raised US$10million to expand its behavioural biometric authentication platform... More
SimplyTapp offers DIY HCE
SimplyTapp, the US startup that worked with Google to add support for host card emulation (HCE) to Android, is now offering a self-service platform for card issuers and other mobile app developers looking to pilot HCE solutions... More
Brixton Pound uses BLE to let residents pay local businesses with their mobiles
Businesses across the London district of Brixton are to be equipped with Bluetooth beacons that will allow residents to make mobile payments using the Brixton Pound, a local currency designed to encourage consumers to spend their money in independent local businesses. More
Tim Hortons adds voice to payments app
Canada-based coffee chain Tim Hortons has opened up its mobile payments service to WP8 phone users... More
Planet Sub picks LevelUp for mobile payments and rewards
US sandwich chain Planet Sub is now offering customers a mobile app that lets them make payments and earn rewards... More
Pajco lets US consumers pay by mobile at the pump
Pajco, owner of convenience store chains Rhodes 101 and Mercato di Rodi, is working with NCR to offer its customers the ability to pay for fuel by scanning a QR code on a fuel dispenser with their mobile phone... More
Denny’s tests mobile rewards
US family restaurant chain Denny’s is piloting a mobile rewards program that lets diners use an iOS or Android app to collect a point for every dollar they spend... More
Domino’s adds voice ordering
Domino’s Pizza has integrated Nuance’s Nina Mobile voice recognition technology into its iOS and Android apps, enabling US customers to place orders by simply speaking into their mobile phone... More