Amazon has now received a new mobile security patent that would make it possible for smartphone users to unlock their devices simply by holding them up in order to scan the shape of their ears. The concept of the ear scanning mobile security is not unlike that of a fingerprint scanner. It uses the device’s front facing camera to scan the person’s ear and then conduct a comparison to an image of the owner’s ear that has already been placed on file. The fact is that an individual’s ear is just as unique as his or her fingerprint, which means that aside …

ING bank is on its way to become the first bank to bring contactless payments services to the Netherlands as it unveils its plan to launch the payments app in summer. Customers owning an Android device with 4.4 KitKat or higher can use the services, provided it is NFC-compatible. The payments app is currently in its final phase where the app is being tested by the firm’s employees. The application is expected to be launched country-wide this summer. However, the date of launch has not been decided yet. Customers who use the bank’s mobile banking app will be able …

Twin Peaks, a sports-oriented casual dining chain, is moving into mobile payments and rewards with a branded application that lets consumers split checks and access special offers only redeemable in the app. The MyCheck-supported platform that will be available on the Apple App store and Google Play in late August will allow customers to view, split and pay bills from mobile phones using Apple Pay, PayPal, Google Wallet, debit or credit cards. The feature emphasizes how a branded mobile payments app is a vehicle for driving greater customer engagement, as it literally puts the brand in the hands of consumers …

Consumer packaged goods brand Heinz is recovering from some bad publicity over a QR code from an old campaign that now links to a porn site, underscoring how critical it is for marketers to provide ongoing support for mobile programs.  While QR codes were a much more popular trend several years ago, CPG brands continue to place them on their packaging to activate campaigns or provide nutritional information. With the Heinz news going viral, it is clear that brands need to put in the extra effort to maintain any links or risk a wave of negative publicity. 

The overall average comfort level of consumers in Asia Pacific shopping on their mobile devices has continued to remain solid, according to the latest results from the MasterCard Mobile Shopping Survey 2014 for Asia Pacific. The survey showed that close to half of respondents in Asia Pacific said that they have made a purchase using their smartphone in the three months preceding the survey, which was conducted between October and December 2014. Those that led were China, at 70.1 percent; India, at 62.9 percent; and Taiwan, at 62.6 percent. Australia trailed in last place, at 19.6 percent, down from last …

So how will Facebook Bluetooth Beacons work? The beacon determines the location using the guest’s cellular network. This means when guests step foot on your property the beacon will be activiated and transmit information over to the guest’s phone. These beacons will transmit 3 types of information: Prompts guests to like your page and check in, Will show posts from your Facebook page and display recommendations. These recommendations that guests will see are known as ‘Place Tips.’ Guests are able to see any relevant tips left by friends and others who have visited before them. In addition, they will be …

Starbucks Corp. is expanding its mobile order and payment service to about 3,400 stores in 21 new states in the southern and central United States. The company launched mobile order and payment feature as a pilot in Portland, Ore. in Dec. 2014. The mobile payment feature allows Starbucks mobile app users to place their order in advance and pick it up at a selected Starbucks location. It is integrated into the Starbucks app and loyalty program. Starbucks mobile order and payment is now available on the Starbucks app for iPhone at more than 4,000 Starbucks stores. Starbucks plans to expand …

Mobile is an increasingly important channel for luxury marketers, with expanding consumer adoption, growing commerce and most digital content being consumed via tablet or smartphone, according to a new report from Fashionbi. According to “Mobile Apps for the Fashion Industry: How Brands Can Use Mobile to Influence Consumers’ Shopping Habits,” while gaming applications account for 74 percent of the total market, non-gaming apps are expected to become the majority by 2017, making room for branded apps. Luxury brands have sometimes been slow to adopt mobile strategies, but this will be key in engaging consumers, especially over the coming years.

Executives from Panera Bread and Westfield Group claimed at CXNYC 2015 that mobile has a critical role in driving the future of commerce at shopping centers and restaurant locations, thanks to disruptive innovations and the growing use of technology such as beacons. During the “Innovating the Customer Experience” session, the executives discussed their respective brands’ innovation efforts, highlighting how personalization and customer loyalty are paramount in rolling out new digital initiatives. Panera Bread has experienced momentous growth in mobile as a result of its mobile ordering and Rapid Pickup option, as well as the MyPanera Rewards platform.

SITA Lab, the technology research team for global IT provider SITA, has installed more than fifty beacons in Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport for one of these trials. Beacon technology triggers the display of location-relevant information on devices. With beacons, airports and airlines can provide passengers with indoor directions, walk times to gates, lounge access and alerts about boarding. Knowing where a passenger is before sending information enables more effective communication. During the trial at Hong Kong International Airport, SITA is using maps to guide passengers along typical pathways between public transport points, check-in counters, immigration, people movers, …