Google increase security of mobile wallet

Fingerprint sensor will be used as a way to increase the security of Google's NFC payments system. NXP Semiconductors, AuthenTec and DeviceFidelity have announced that Google has tasked them to create an infrastructure to enable the use of the new security measure on their Android smartphones. The system could be ready as early as next year. Larry Ciacca, chief executive of AuthenTec, said: "For the average consumer, knowing that no one can get into their mobile wallet even if something happens to their phone is paramount."

 

The group plan to use fingerprinting with the logic that most consumers will use their fingers to operate the app anyway. Thus, they hope to speed up transaction times.

Make your own NFC iPhone

Too impatient to wait for an NFC-enabled iPhone, one user took matters into their own hands. Vivian Kim simply put a contactless bank card inside that back cover of her iPhone 4. It remains unclear whether or not the iPhone 5 will have contactless payment functionality, despite the technology already being available in Android devices. Another solution for those frustrated at the lack of availabilty of NFC-enabled handsets are the contactless stickers offered by firms such as Citi and Mastercard. Vivian said:

 

"It's a fun and impressive hack that allows you to get just a little bit more out of your iPhone 4."

M6 Toll to go contactless

The UK's M6 Toll road will start accepting contactless payments in a trial beginning in the autumn, according to Midland Expressway who run the toll. The technology will come into full use early in 2012, in time for the London Olympics. Midland Expressway are working with Barclaycard and CreditCall to install the new readers which will allow drivers to simply tap their card as they drive through the toll. It is hoped that the move will make using the toll quicker and easier for drivers.