Author: Sam Lambert

Australian QR codes take the brunt of parent frustration

Sam Lambert
QR codes - Playground

Melbourne playgrounds have had their signs torn down and defaced in protest of city regulations. Playgrounds across Melbourne have had their signage featuring QR codes vandalized only a week after they were installed at the various locations. Vandals defaced the barcodes or tore them down altogether at parks throughout the city. According to reports, the majority of the damage to the signs with QR codes has been done by parents whose children use the playgrounds. The incidents were most pronounced in Melbourne suburbs, with the city’s Bayside City Council addressing…

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Starbucks mobile payment app is second most popular in-person

Sam Lambert
Mobile payment app - Starbucks Store

When it comes to in-store digital wallet transactions, the coffee chain remains a leader. Starbucks has always been a leader among mobile payment app users, but even as digital wallets become more commonplace, it has managed to cling to a top spot among users, according to a new eMarketer report. The application established itself among consumers early and has managed to ride the trend. According to eMarketer data, the Starbucks mobile payment app brings in more transactions in-person than Google Pay and Samsung Pay. The only digital wallet that has…

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By 2025 mobile commerce sales will pass $700 billion

Sam Lambert
Mobile commerce sales - pennies on top of phone

A new eMarketer report has shown that last year saw 41.4 percent growth over the year before. Mobile commerce sales have reached the point that they are absolutely explosive, to the point that they will be doubling by 2025 according to eMarketer data. Last year saw a growth rate of 41.4 percent, and this year’s is expected to be 15.2 percent, which will bring it to $359.3 billion. People have become exceptionally comfortable with shopping online using their smartphones. “Smartphones have historically been primarily consumption devices, but they’re becoming much…

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French city launches Android-compatible NFC ticketing service

Sam Lambert
NFC ticketing - Person using phone on public transit

In Strasbourg, all Android phones enabled with near field communication technology can use the service. Android smartphone owners with near field communication in their devices can use a new NFC ticketing service in Strasbourg to purchase, store and validate digital tickets and passes. The service can be used across the French city for monthly or annual bus passes and other transportation. The NFC ticketing service works for riders of buses, trams, and other forms of public transportation in Strasbourg, France, including regional rail services. The system was implemented by the…

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Mobile wallets using NFC technology need new regulations, says Dutch market authority

Sam Lambert
NFC technology - mobile wallet payments

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets wants updates to contactless technology access regulations. Dutch market authority Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is calling for new rules to control anticompetitive practices in NFC technology using mobile payments apps such as Apple Pay. The ACM is seeking changes to the rules following an access investigation it recently conducted. The ACM issued a media release in which it stated its concerns regarding NFC technology mobile payments apps access and making a call for a change in regulations. “The Netherlands Authority…

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