Technology-Headlines

by George Heymann

Near Field Communications (NFC) mobile payments FAQ

By Michael Koploy

ERP Analyst at Software Advice

According to US research advisory Gartner, mobile payments may be the next “big thing” for retailers. The firm expected 38 percent growth of mobile payment users last year, totaling 141 million.

While this may seem like a lot, the industry still has a long way to go and there are a number of roadblocks ahead, according to Sandy Shen, Gartner Research Director. “The biggest hurdle is the need to change user behavior by convincing consumers to pay with mobile phones instead of cash and cards,” says Shen.

Retailers can play a large role in changing user behavior, and the first step is learning more about the technology. Software Advice often hears from retailers that are curious about mobile payments, so they put together a FAQ. Here are answers to three of their top questions.

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Filed under: General technology, Media, Services, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For individuals and many small businesses, it’s hip to be Square

by George Heymann

Technology-Headlines

Square is a mobile payment system that features an app and a compact ‘square’ card reader that plugs into the 3.5 mm headphone jack that allows iPhone and Android smartphones to accept credit card payments. When I first heard of Square back in May of 2010, my first thought was what a great concept!

Square seemed to be the next evolutionary step in mobile payments. Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey stated his goal for his startup Square was that “it become a simple payment utility for everyone.” Accepting credit card payments everywhere without requiring a merchant account, monthly fees or minimums will revolutionize credit payments for individuals.

According to Square you can accept credit card payments using Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover for 2.75% per swipe, that’s it, no additional fees. If you enter credit card numbers manually, your cost is 3.5% +15 cents per transaction. The funds are direct deposited to your bank account the next business day. With Square, the app and card reader are both free.

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Filed under: Android, Apple, General technology, Google, Hardware, Ipad, Iphone, Media, Services, Software, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Can Apple overtake Visa and Mastercard?

By: Michael Koploy

ERP Market Analyst, Software Advice

Apple is supposedly working on an iPhone that will have near field communication (NFC) capabilities, along with other hardware and software upgrades. While the latter upgrades will be nice, I think the true potential lies in NFC. NFC technology is powered by radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, the ones that distributors and retailers use to monitor palettes and inventory when shipping.

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Filed under: Apple, General technology, Hardware, iOS, Iphone, Media, Software, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Google CEO Eric Schmidt running out of superlatives for Android!

Google CEO Eric Schmidt was gushing in response to questions about how we should think about Android . In an effort to make clear just how happy Google was with Android Schmidt remarked:

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Filed under: Android, Google, , , , , , , ,

Accept credit payments everywhere!

When I first heard of Square, my first thought was great concept! Accepting credit card payments everywhere without requiring a merchant account, monthly fees or minimums will revolutionize credit payments for non-commercial face-to-face transactions.

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Filed under: Android, Iphone, , , , , , , ,

Old School meet New Tech!

When traveling I make it a point of picking up area postcards to share with family and friends. What if instead of sending out stock postcards you could turn your personal travel photos into postcards with push button ease?
Well let me share a recent find HazelMail. HazelMail will help you quickly and easily turn your photos and text into custom postcards. The web application is very easy to use, just follow these three simple steps:

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Filed under: General technology, Review, Software, , , , , , , ,

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