SanDisk has been testing a pilot program in New York that would allow customers to use their cellphones to pay for purchases. In a move that seems eerily similar to something in the Jetsons, customers would install a
SanDisk disk into their smartphone, and install an application on their phone, allowing customers to swipe their phone to pay for goods and services at places like McDonalds and Duane Read, amongst many others. Every major bank and cellphone service in the US is currently testing some sort of "pay with your phone" program, and the hopes are for successful launches of the programs in early 2011.
What a world we live in right? I have to say, I'm nervous and excited about the prospect of using my Blackberry to pay for things. Excited because it would mean carrying one less item (wallet) everywhere I went. Nervous because as many countries have recently shown, there's a high level of concern about having too much information online, or accessible through a phone. Essentially, if someone can access your phone, or steals or finds your lost phone, they could also have access to your online bank accounts. I'm sure the companies involved in this project are well aware of that fact and are taking every precaution against theft, but it does need to be addressed. But hey, if they can find a way to encrypt Barack's blackberry, then I'm sure they can find a way to keep mine safe as well. Bring on the spending!
For more on the pilot banking/cellphone program
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Posted by GetHuman on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 7:26pm