The first test application for the ISIS consortium NFC payment system launched into the Google Play market this week. The poorly explained test app befuddled users, but also exposed some of the tensions that will emerge as mobile wallet competition becomes serious.

A high percentage of people expecting to buy a car in the next year are already using their devices to shop for them, according to a new survey. Curiously, Facebook is among the chief sources of information for car shoppers.

Sprint will become (no kidding ) "New Sprint" in this deal. How and where they spread their money around remains to be seen, but Sprint clearly needed something that would change the game for them.

When it comes to one of the most fundamental media behaviors in modern American life -- TV viewing -- mobile devices are poised to have a deep and complex impact on many levels.

Researchers argue that the annual ritual of waiting on endless lines for an iPhone is driven by a desire for validating our desire. Apparently the need for self-esteem trumps fear of silliness.

The rate of worldwide growth in mobile payment for physical goods will enjoy a steep curve in the next five years, Juniper Research projects. In fact, retailers themselves -- not consumers -- may be the limiting factor.

Perhaps a bit late to the game, Google is encouraging app developers to target the Android tablet screens. The company issued a checklist for tablet compatibility. but is this push just too little too late?

Microsoft's retail presence rolled into my local mall recently. Standing literally yards from the Apple Store, it begged for comparison.

AOL probably doesn't get enough credit for some of its creative forays into mobile over the years. Its new extension of the growing AOL On video network to devices is laudably simple.

Shoppers are not wanting for mobile app solutions. Now the in-mall video ad network Adspace is getting into the act, giving the company two screens on which to address mall-walkers.