While many consumers will be faced with the capability of making mobile payments, some insights into future behavior may be gained from those already active. Merchants, banks and the multitude of payment entities have their work cut out for them in converting not-yet users, based on a new survey.

While more consumers are being empowered to pay by mobile phone, the actual way they will pay is hardly decided. On one side is paying by QR code, as in payments at Starbucks. On the other side is tapping a phone with NFC (near field communications) inside, as in Google Wallet.

The road to beaconing is being extended. Beacon maker Gimbal and app messaging service Urban Airship are teaming in a "preferred partnership" to enhance the power of beaconing. The idea is to link the location technologies of Gimbal with the targeted push messaging capabilities of Urban Airship to send beaconed consumers even more relevant messages.