Plastic may be a thing of the past as handset manufacturers begin integrating computer chips into phones; storing account information necessary to make purchases similar to credit cards.
Already in use in Asia, North American trials are being held in an attempt to bring the technology across the Pacific. Advocates believe consumers will welcome the technology; making small purchases less bothersome.
Due to shifting trends in the banking industry, credit cards companies are migrating towards contact-less payment, allowing users to wave their cards across electronic readers without having to swipe or sign their name.
However, the new technology poses some concerns, particularly security problems. Authorization codes for purchases may need to be implemented to reduce fraud and stolen phones.
Currently two trials had been held: one at Santa Clara University and the other at a corporation in the Midwest. However, infrared technology created by Vivotech had troubles; frustrating users pointing their phones at small sensor targets. Switching to low-level radio signals are planned.
Regardless, cell phone payment devices are already mainstream in Japan with electronic readers at more than 13,000 shops. Although no commitment has been made, U.S. carriers are monitoring the progress closely.
I've heard that people in Finland can use their phone to do everything from open garage doors, to punching in a pin code that releases a candy bar from a vending machine...
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