So Far, So Good

As you probably have read NET9's "Top Nine Predictions" for 2007 post by now, you probably have noticed this one

- Watch for the beginnings of deals between mobile manufacturers, carriers, banks, and credit card companies to provide mobile integrated payment services in the US towards the end of 2007. Think Motorola/Cingular/American Express/Bank Of America, Nokia/Verizon/Visa/Wachovia, Samsung/T-Mobile/Master Card/Washington Mutual, or other combinations of the sort. [see NFC]

It's still too early to count this one right, but from the looks of things, it just might make it. Citibank, MasterCard, Cingular, and Nokia have joined forces to test the NFC technology in mobile phones for the first time in the US. At this point, the NYC Mobile Trial will be open to participants who meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid Citi credit MasterCard card with PayPass
• Be a Cingular Wireless customer
• Live in the New York City trial area
• Provide feedback regarding their experience in the trial

Although the trial is limited to a relatively small demographic, I expect to see this spread to other major cities quickly once people warm up to the concept.



Sources: atmospheric | endeavors | Gearlog

And if you liked that, just wait until I talk about Nokia's upcoming new tablet some more.