Wow, a trial for the three Windows Phone users, great!
Microsoft hops onboard bonk-to-pay bandwagon
Microsoft has launched its entry into the near-field communications (NFC) mobile payments space. The Microsoft Wallet app will allow Windows Mobile users whose phones are equipped with NFC hardware to link their bank accounts and credit cards to their handsets for retail transactions. Currently, the Wallet app is limited to a …
COMMENTS
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Wednesday 22nd June 2016 19:32 GMT Stephen Hurd
Ah, it's finally back then?
When I first got my Windows 8 phone, it came with ISIS (later renamed to SoftCard) which allowed NFC payments at most retailers. People were amazed when I paid with my phone. Later, I got an email that said "We are pleased to let you know that Google has acquired technology from Softcard to power the next generation of mobile wallets. What does that mean for you? As of 3/31 [2015] your Softcard app will no longer work."
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Wednesday 22nd June 2016 19:42 GMT David 132
Re: Ah, it's finally back then?
Later, I got an email that said "We are pleased to let you know..."
Ah yes, the universal Weasel wording of big companies. Shaft the customer, but put a cherry on it and make it sound like you're doing them the biggest favour.
See also:
"To better serve you..." (we are raising our prices)
"We'd like to thank you for your loyal custom..." (by offering you a chance to spend even more money with us)
"We have some exciting news for you..." (your current service plan is being cancelled/raised in price)
Just once, I'd like to see a company be honest.
"We're not making enough money on this service, so we're raising your price. You're welcome to cancel if you want, but we know you have no realistic alternatives. Sucks to be you. Hahaha."
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Thursday 23rd June 2016 05:29 GMT Anonymous Coward
Re: Credit card number
Yes, Microsoft adopting mobile payments now seems like they are trying to do what Google is doing. Get access to all that juicy purchase data, which they can correlate to Bing searches etc.
The big problem is, they seem to be doing everything they can to kill Windows Phone.
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Thursday 23rd June 2016 05:15 GMT Anonymous Coward
Re: So Windows Mobile has a future?
the words
Dead Cat Bounce come to mind.
On a recent trip to the USA and in Washington State which happens to be the home of MS (apart from Tax Purposes when it is Nevada) I did not see anyone with a Windows mobile device. It was mostly Apple and in second place Android.
I saw one Surface Book in Oregon (Starbucks in Portland)
Yes, I know Starbucks is overpriced hipster juice but have you tried Gas Station Coffee at 06:00 in the morning? Be honest now.
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Thursday 23rd June 2016 07:19 GMT Bod
Re: So Windows Mobile has a future?
Been declared dead for years but it's still there and very much being actively developed.
But yes, in terms actual phones being manufactured, Microsoft has essentially ended the Lumia line (Nokia phones). Lumia's were/are quite nice but too many very similar phones at the budget end. That doesn't stop them developing the OS, especially as it's the same core as desktop Windows 10 and others.
The only phone hardware from MS will likely be a Surface phone next year which will stand as a reference or single top end phone.
MS aren't looking to compete in the consumer market. They have no hope. That doesn't meant they can't still release a nice phone though, plus it may appeal more to the Surface market of professionals and corporates who are tied to MS.
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Thursday 23rd June 2016 00:04 GMT joed
all eggs in one basket
I was wary to give Apply my cc info, gifted gift card worked well for that. Years later I'm even less inclined to hand off my payment info to a universal bully - not only would they try control my computing experience but also leverage their position into my finances. Sure.
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Thursday 23rd June 2016 09:02 GMT 0laf
And the point is?
Even those of us that liked Winpho have given up on it.
We're even giving up on it Corporately.
MS couldn't have done anything more to piss off it's customers if it tried. It's been a 5yr long bait and switch to get more customers for Apple and Google.
I hope Nadella's brown envelopes from Google are nice and thick, he's earned it.