| Blip: Budget iPhone rears its colourful head again Jul 10th 2013, 13:53, by Hugh Langley 
The budget iPhone is a colourful, mythical beast that just won't quit. Its existence is almost a dead cert, and we've been getting plenty of pictures to prove it. Including another one today. The picture was tweeted by Apple blogger Sonny Dickerson, who told TechRadar that the picture came from a source claiming to have got his or her hands on the fabled budget iPhone. The colours match up with those spotted yesterday, albeit a slightly paler shade. However it's likely that this is nothing more than the lighting. Or someone, somewhere has been having a great time trolling the internet for the past couple of weeks. More blips!Meanwhile, we have an array of colourful blips to gaze upon     |  | Samsung and Intel not giving up on Tizen with $4 million app incentive Jul 10th 2013, 12:05, by John McCann 
While Samsung is clearly focused on the Android ecosystem at its core with the likes of the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 arriving this year, it hasn't forgotten about the feature-smartphone hybrid Tizen. Samsung ditched its home-brew feature phone OS, Bada, a while back as it looked to merge its efforts with Intel to further develop the Tizen platform - although it's all been pretty quiet on this front thus far. But Tizen's back with a brand new rap - well a cash incentive anyway, as a huge prize pot of $4 million (around £2.7 million, AU$4.3 million) has been pooled by Samsung and Intel in a bid to attract app developers to the platform. Show me the moneyThere a various categories into which apps can be submittted, with the top prize in each "game" category totalling a healthy $200,000 (around £135,000, AU$218,000), with two runners-up prizes of $100,000 (around £67,000, AU$109,000) and then a further three $40,000 (around £27,000, AU$43,000) cash pots to be had. Meanwhile developers who enter applications into the "non-game" categories will be jostling for a $120,000 (£80,000, AU$130,000) jackpot in each section, with runners-up prizes totalling $60,000 (£40,000, AU$65,000) and $20,000 (£13,000, AU$22,000). Developers have until November 1 to submit their applications, but it won't be until quite some time after that until we find out if the cash incentives have done enough to get people on board and make Tizen an attractive proposition to consumers. The wait goes on.     | | Blip: Pirate Bay co-founder proposes Prism-proof messenger Jul 10th 2013, 12:04, by Hugh Langley 
Don't think that the whole NSA Prism thing is going away any time soon. And despite Apple telling us that iMessages are highly encrypted, for example, it's hardly convincing people that their chats are safe from prying eyes and ears. Peter Sunde, co-founder of The Pirate Bay, is one of the ones leading the way of snoop-proof communications, designing a secret messaging app named Heml.is that uses end-to-end encryption to keep third parties out of the conversation. However, he needs your help as Heml.is is a croudfunded project. If and when it reaches its target and gets built, the app will be free for the most part, with the option to pay to use additional features such as picture messaging. Also, "Hemlis" is Swedish for "secret". Enjoy that one, fact fans! More blips!We're quite happy for you to snoop on our blips though     | | New Google Maps navigates on to Android, gets lost en route to iOS Jul 10th 2013, 09:29, by Kate Solomon 
Google's major Maps update is currently making its way on to the Google Play store, bringing souped up traffic tools and new exploratory features with it. Although it's not actually available in the iOS App Store yet, the revamped app is based on the design of the existing iPhone Google Maps App. But it brings some new bells and whistles with it, including a dedicated tablet layout which should play nice with both Android tablets and iPads of all sizes. Tablet timesNavigational upgrades include traffic reports that give you more details of incidents ahead of you, plus a dynamic alert system that will let you know if a better route to where you're going becomes available - the latter feature is only on Android at the moment, although Google says it's "coming soon" to iOS. Also included in the upgrade are a couple of Google-friendly features like 'Explore' which pulls up nearby restaurant, bar, hotel and shopping options without you having to physically search for them. Zagat and Offers, both products from the Google stable, are also integrated into the new Maps, while Latitude and check-ins are on the way out. It's also goodbye to offline maps on Android - instead you'll have to type "OK Maps" into the search box when you're at the bit of the map you want to access offline - we're not really sure how this is better, but hey. It's Google's world, we just live in it. The new Google Maps for mobile is currently compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean Android devices, and anything running iOS 6 and above once it hits the App Store.     | | Full HD display all but confirmed for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Jul 10th 2013, 09:26, by John McCann 
Details of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 have appeared on the Korean manufacturer's website, name checking the upcoming phablet and confirming an eye-popping screen. Spotted by Japanese site Ringer's Blue Men (no really, that is the name of the site), the details were picked up on Samsung's UAPROF with the screen resolution listed as 1080 x 1920. Two models were found, both of which are thought to be variants of the Galaxy Note 3, with the SM-N900A and SM-N900T the IDs in question. It's got an arm!The listings also reveal an ARM-based processor will be used inside in the handset, which backs up rumours that the Galaxy Note 3 could sport Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip. We've already seen a report that apparently there's at least four variants of the Note 3 knocking about - probably engineered for specific markets - and now Android Beat has revealed five more model IDs. Those IDs are: SM-N900AI, SM-N900P, SM-N900R4, SM-N900V and SM-N900S, and some suggest that the V, A, T and S models will be assigned to the four major carriers in the US. Right now, all signs are pointing to an IFA 2013 unveiling for the phablet, with September 4 tentatively marked in our diaries.     | | Blip: Reading on BlackBerry 10 gets easier with new Kobo app Jul 10th 2013, 05:56, by Farrha Khan 
Kobo has given BlackBerry 10 a vote in confidence, launching its ebook reading app for the struggling platform. The Kobo ereading app can be downloaded by BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 users for free through BlackBerry World. BlackBerry 10 users who download the app will receive Neil Gaiman's A Calendar Of Tales for free and Forbes.com blogger Jessica Hagy's How to be Interesting After you Graduate exclusively. Kobo is also available on iOS and Android tablets and smartphones, and includes Reading Life, which tracks your reading habits over time. The app also has a customisable display, more than 3.5 million books in its catalogue and is able to synchronise between devices. More Blips!Here are some more blips to get you up and over hump day!     | | Android lands in Aldi again with low-priced smartphone and tablet Jul 10th 2013, 05:00, by Farrha Khan 
Aldi customers will be able to pick up a low-cost dual-SIM Android smartphone and 3G dual-core Android tablet starting from this Saturday. Though Aldi has stocked Bauhn-branded phones before, this is the first time Aldi will be selling a phone after the launch of Aldi Mobile, according to Ausdroid. As a "Special Buy" option, Aldi will be selling a Medion E4002 4-inch smartphone powered by Android 4.1 (Jellybean) for $149. Though we wouldn't sit it next to an iPhone or Galaxy 4S, the handset has reasonable specs for its price, including a the dual-SIM card slot, dual-core 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, WVGA touchscreen with 800×480 resolution, 1500mAh battery a 5MP rear-facing camera, 4GB internal storage and a microSD card slot for up to 32GB expansion. The phone will come with a USB cable, AC adapter and stereo headset, but Aldi will also be selling an accessory pack for $14.99 to boost the handset's street cred. The pack includes a USB car charger, "high-quality in-ear earphones" and a "leather-look" pouch. The tablet rerun Aldi will also be selling the Bauhn WL-101QGC 10-inch tablet as a "Special Buy" from this Saturday for $249. This is the second time that Aldi is offering this tablet for sale this year. The 3G, 10.1-inch tablet has an IPS display with a resolution of 1280x800, 4GB of internal memory, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera. Also running on Android 4.1, the tablet is powered by 1GB of RAM and comes packaged with a 16GB microSD card, boosting its tiny 4GB internal storage. Again, Aldi is selling an accessory pack for $19.99 and includes earphones, a USB charger, car charger and case. Via: Ausdroid   | | LG Optimus G2 described as like the Nexus 4, but thinner Jul 10th 2013, 01:37, by Matt Swider 
The LG Optimus G2 is being compared to the company's well-reviewed Nexus 4 smartphone, only it's said to be thinner in a new leaked video that was uploaded to YouTube. "Very comfortable in the hand, reminiscent of the Nexus 4 dims, except even thinner," noted the minute-long video description by fittingly-named 4Leakz. LG won't officially confirm the Optimus G2 until its August 7 launch event, if that's indeed what it announces, but the description backs up a slew of photos that a tipster also sent Engadget today. The pictures show off this phone's ultra-sleek body as well as its launcher, camera interface and lockscreen. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRtCJmcw-6ALG Optimus G2 specsToday's reports support many of the previously rumored LG Optimus G2 specs that we have heard before. The inside is supposed to have a Snapdragon 800 clocked at 2.3GHz and 2GB RAM, and the latest information points Sprint as the U.S. carrier for the device and a 16-megapixel camera onboard. The LG Optimus G2 is also said to have a 5.2-inch display that's 1080p with a thin bezel, Android 4.2.2, and an volume rocker on the back. The oddly placed volume rocker may be off-putting, but any phone that's compared to the Nexus 4 but thinner stands a chance next to its likely competitors, including Samsung's Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone 5S this fall.     | | Vodafone switches on 4G for everyone Jul 9th 2013, 23:51, by Nick Broughall 
Last month, the switch was flicked and Vodafone turned on its LTE network for existing customers. Today, the telco has opened the new network up to everybody. The only 4G network in Australia with 20MHz of contiguous spectrum, which should help handle congestion and boost download speeds, Vodafone's LTE network has been in development for the past 18 months and is set to grow rapidly over the course of the year. Vodafone has already announced its plans to triple the number of 4G network sites by the end of 2013. To accompany the new network, Vodafone has already updated its tablet plans and data add-on pack pricing for customers. Network checkedVodafone has new, updated coverage maps that outline exactly where to expect 4G reception around the country. Given the horrendous time Vodafone had surrounding its coverage back in 2010 and 2011, it's no surprise that the telco is doing its best to try and ensure that customers know exactly what to expect if they sign up to its 4G network. Vodafone is also continuing its network guarantee, which offers new customers 30 days to test that the network meets their needs.   | | Will the iPhone 5S swipe from the Galaxy S4 with a slow-mo camera? Jul 9th 2013, 23:26, by Michael Rougeau 
According to some analysis of the code that makes up the latest beta of iOS 7, Apple's still-unreleased OS update, the next iPhone's camera could feature slow-motion video capture. 9to5Mac was alerted to the "hidden references" to the slow motion video capture in the latest iOS 7 beta code by Twitter user and iOS tinkerer Hamza Sood. The settings suggest that an upcoming iPhone, be it the iPhones 5S or other, might feature a 120-frames-per-second video recording mode known currently as "Mogul" mode. Although the feature appears to be referenced in the iOS 7 beta code, current iPhone hardware does not support video capture at that speed, and the feature has not been formally announced for iOS 7. Take it slooowThe iPhone 5 is currently capable of recording 720p video at 30 frames per second, though developers reportedly have access to tools that bump that up to 60FPS in iOS 7. Still, the current iPhone's camera is simply not capable of recording video at 120FPS. Video captured at that rate can be slowed down without becoming choppy, or played at normal speed to reduce motion blur. Even if the feature is real, though, it's unknown how high Apple could get the resolution at that speed. The iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S before it can record video at full HD 1080p, but the resolution might have to be scaled down to accommodate all those extra frames per second. Despite these doubts, 9to5Mac makes it clear that based on what it sees in the iOS 7 code, it thinks "Apple is actively working on" slow-mo video for an upcoming version of the iPhone. The elephant in the galaxyOf course, while Apple may indeed look to slow-mo video capture as a sexy "cool factor" for its next iPhone, Samsung's Galaxy S4 already does it. Another possibly new iOS feature - offline dictation - also emerged recently from the iOS 7 beta smoke screen. But Android already has that, as well. The last few new iPhones have been more iterative than revolutionary, despite the iPhone 5's increased screen real estate. And Apple will have to do better than playing second fiddle to the Galaxy S4 if it wants to regain its lion's share of the market from Android.     | | Blip: A day before T-Mobile's event, AT&T says big wireless news due July 16 Jul 9th 2013, 20:43, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
We love surprises as much as the next person, and AT&T gave us a heads up today that it's got some big, secret news planned for July 16. While the carrier wasn't willing to share details yet, a teaser image implored "Get ready for what's next in wireless." There's a batch of bullet points highlighting AT&T's 4G/4G LTE accomplishments, with words like faster, performance and largest bolded and italicized. You know, for extra oomph. The wink from Ma Bell comes one day before a scheduled T-Mobile event where the carrier will announce its "boldest moves yet." In a plot twist, some print ads T-Mo published in Sunday's Wall Street Journal (as reported by TmoNews) take direct aim at AT&T and its lengthened upgrade periods. T-Mobile's event is strikingly still shrouded in mystery, despite kicking off in less than 24 hours. Chances are we're in for more Un-carrier chatter as well as an aim on upgrade time frames. AT&T, sensing an attack, may be planning its own counterstrike, perhaps by flashing some LTE-Advanced news our way. More blips!No two-year contract required to read our blips.     | | Lumia 1020 leaks don't let up as AT&T inventory listing spouts 3 shades Jul 9th 2013, 18:46, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
As if you weren't already jazzed for Nokia's Thursday event, what with all the name drops, spec leaks and blurting of renders for what is very likely the Lumia 1020, we have yet more to share. An AT&T inventory listing sent WP Central's way potentially tells us two things about the phone that's supposed to house 41MP: it is indeed headed to the U.S. carrier and it will come in (count 'em) three colors. The site published a render yesterday that showed the new Nokia in yellow, white and black, and sure enough that's how it's listed in AT&T's line up. This also matches a Microsoft Store inventory spread outed July 5. Employees of Ma Bell reportedly have the phone in hand for testing, according to WPC's tipster, and a release is expected by the end of the month on the network. It's the final 1020 countdownAT&T has been floated around as a U.S. destination for the phone before, but we should know exactly where the Lumia 1020, alternately called the Nokia 909 and Nokia EOS, will land come Thursday. Rumor has it the handset will launch in the U.K. as well, and we wouldn't be surprised if there are other locales yet mentioned on the Lumia's itinerary. The still-unconfirmed-but-pretty-much-is handset is believed to carry a 4.5-inch display, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage in addition to that 41MP camera sensor. A holder/charging pack is also said to be on deck for $70 (about UK£46, AU$76) to provide juicing on the go. We'll be in New York City to bring you the latest out of Nokia's fete starting at 8 a.m.PT/11 a.m. ET/4 p.m BST, so check back in to find out once and for all what the darn phone is called. - We've got the rundown on some Lumia 1020 camera specifics for you right here
    | | Blip: Sprint's big week rolls on as HTC 8XT gets a release date Jul 9th 2013, 17:59, by Michelle Fitzsimmons 
With Clearwire now fully under its belt and a Softbank merger expected to finish up tomorrow, Sprint has managed to find time to squeeze a little smartphone news into this still-young week. The carrier today revealed that the HTC 8XT, one of two Windows Phone 8 devices announced last month for Sprint, is due to go on sale Friday, July 19. The standard Beats Audio is there, but the 8XT also comes packing BoomSound, a hip term for dual front-facing stereo speakers with a dedicated amplifier for bigger sound, more detail and cut-down distortion. A 1.4GHz dual-core Snapdragon, 4.3-inch screen and 8MP camera are all nestled in the $99.99 (after $50 mail-in rebate) phone. The other WP8 phone unveiled June 28 - Samsung's Ativ S Neo - is still holding onto its mysterious "this summer" release. We're not going anywhere, Sprint, so feel free to pass that info along anytime. More blips!Want more news? No "coming soon" guises here when it comes to consuming our blips.     | | iOS 7 beta 3 finding and patent point to Apple's growing vehicular ambitions Jul 9th 2013, 16:45, by JR Bookwalter 
Apple's iOS in the Car may be parked in the garage for now, but the iPhone maker is revving up its engines with hidden iOS 7 beta settings and a new patent that puts its mobile operating system firmly in the driver's seat. AppleInsider reported today on a pair of automotive-related doings that offer a peek at where Apple may be headed with iOS 7's forthcoming iOS in the Car feature. The first report deals with the just-released iOS 7 beta 3, which features hidden "Accessory Developer" settings, a trio of new toggle switches offering connectivity via USB and Wi-Fi as well as AirPlay support. The third setting, "iAP over Wi-Fi," appears to offer the ability to wirelessly beam music, Maps, Siri and other content to the dashboard, even while an iPhone is nestled inside its owner's pocket or a bag. Touchy feely dashboardA separate report describes a new patent awarded to Apple today for a touchscreen display that would offer drivers tactile feedback while keeping their eyes on the road ahead. U.S. Patent No. 8,482,535 covers "programmable tactile touch screen displays and man-machine interfaces for improved vehicle instrumentation and telematics," a fancy name for a touchscreen interface that replaces traditional knobs, sliders and switches. First filed more than 20 years ago by a Canadian inventor, the multi-touch patent now awarded to Apple specifically adapts the technology for automobile dashboards and communication with mobile phones. Apple showed off a comparatively modest version of iOS in the Car at its annual developer conference last month, but this latest patent filing provides a glimpse at where Cupertino may be planning to steer the technology in the months to come.     | | iPhone 5S casing leaks alongside more colourful budget iPhone shells Jul 9th 2013, 16:36, by Kate Solomon 
The cheery array of budget iPhone cases are becoming a familiar sight round these parts, with yet another supplier leak showcasing the spectrum of colour options. Red, yellow, white, blue and green are all represented in plastic in this latest leak which comes alongside an iPhone 5S case all in aluminium. Designwise, the new images seem to confirm what we've all suspected: that the iPhone 5S will be pretty much the same as the iPhone 5. 
The same, but more soNot much else to report from this round of leaks, which come from undisclosed sources talking to Apple Daily - so not really ones to print out and put on your wall, let's say. We're expecting Apple to unveil the iPhone 5S at an event in September, at which point it will unleash iOS 7 on the world too. Some say we could see a fingerprint reader baked into the handset, others expect a better battery, a 13MP camera and some other minor improvements over the iPhone 5. As for the oft-discussed budget iPhone, we could possibly see Apple throw a curve ball and bust the thing out over the summer months. At this point, who knows.     | | Updated: Ofcom opens 4G door for O2, Three and Vodafone to go hard on 4G Jul 9th 2013, 14:36, by John McCann 
Ofcom has today confirmed that it will be liberalising various mobile spectrums, allowing carriers to choose which service they run on them. This means that 4G and now be rolled out on the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands, and gives networks the choice of which service to run on particular bands - be it 2G, 3G or 4G. The reason for this decision is that it will remove regulatory barriers and allow the latest mobile technology to be deployed as quickly as possible - although networks aren't likely to take advantage of it just yet. No more hoopsIt also removes the need for carriers to go through any further processes when it comes to moving 4G technology onto the new bands, as well as being able to extend the reach of their 4G services. This is good news for the likes of O2, Three and Vodafone, who are all playing catch up to EE - currently the only network in the UK which offers 4G at the moment, but who will also benefit from the move. We already knew this liberalisation was on the cards as Ofcom proposed the plan back in February after Vodafone and Hutchison 3G (parent company of Three) requested bands become free to aid 4G advancement. That said the freeing up of spectrum doesn't have huge short term impact, with the changes more geared towards opening the door to future development. Three has its saysUpdate: A Three spokesperson told TechRadar: "The Ofcom announcement isn't massively significant for Three. We don't have a 2G network like the other carriers, so we don't need to refarm that. "In terms of 4G we're focussing on the 1800MHz spectrum from Vodafone and the 800MHz we got from the auction. "It's useful to have the freedom in the future and it's good to get it out the way now, but doesn't really effect our business at the moment." Vodafone not phased eitherUpdate: These feelings seem to be echoed over at Vodafone, with a spokesperson telling us: "This is part of Ofcom's stated ambition to move towards being technology-neutral when it comes to licensed spectrum. This has long been trailed and is the last step towards achieving that ambition. "It has no bearing on our 4G launch. We always wanted to run 4G on new 800MHz spectrum as it provides the level of indoor coverage our customers expect from us. "As yet, there is very little kit available to run 4G on our existing 900MHz or 2100MHz spectrum and we only have a very small part of the 1800MHz spectrum." We've contacted EE and O2 as well to find out what this means for them and their 4G plans, and we'll update this article once we hear back.     | | Google patches 'Master Key' Android hole, already on its way to Samsungs Jul 9th 2013, 14:23, by Kate Solomon 
The sky was falling last week when it emerged that there was a major security hole that could mean 900 million Android devices could be vulnerable to hack attacks - but Google has now rolled out a patch. It was quite a dramatic state of affairs, with security firm Bluebox reckoning that 99 per cent of Android handsets were vulnerable - there was the potential for nefarious devs to modify app update code. That would mean that users could be merrily installing what appears to be a legit app update, but is actually riddled with nasty code courtesy of nefarious developers. PatchworkHowever, Google has been working to close the hole since February and has now succeeded. Exactly when you'll get the update will depend on your phone make, with individual manufacturers responsible for rolling out the update. Samsung owners are quids in though, as Google confirmed to ZDNet that "a patch has been provided to our partners" with "some OEMs, like Samsung… already shipping the fix to Android devices". Google says that it's been a bit of a storm in a teacup though, adding, "We have not seen any evidence of exploitation in Google Play or other app stores via our security scanning tools. Google Play scans for this issue - and Verify Apps provides protection for Android users who download apps to their devices outside of Play."     | | Samsung Galaxy S4 Active hits UK stores Jul 9th 2013, 12:45, by Hugh Langley 
Good news for intrepid explorers - the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active has gone on sale on British shores today. Unlocked Mobiles appears to have the cheapest deal on the water- and dust-proof handset for now, pricing the SIM-free version of the phone at £495. Carphone Warehouse, meanwhile, has the phone pegged at a slightly higher £529.95 for those who still like to pick up their phones on the high street. All in all, the phone is a still cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S4, part of which may be down to the S4 Active's 8-megapixel camera, which is a step down from the 13-megapixel snapper found on the S4 standard. Samsung, Activate!Amazon has an even more premium price on its pre-orders of £676.27 although the phone won't be available until August 1. Bear in mind that Amazon's price guarantee means there's a good chance the price will drop before then. The Active's USP is that it can be submerged up to three feet under water for up to 30 minutes. It's also designed to keep dust particles well away from the interior. The phone is available in Urban Gray, Dive Blue and Orange Flame. Just in case you needed some mental illustrations to draw upon.   | | Optus boosts Adelaide's 3G and 4G network Jul 9th 2013, 06:39, by Farrha Khan 
In addition to launching its TD-LTE network in Canberra in May, Optus is continuing to expand its 3G and FD-LTE 4G network across the country. The telco today announced that it had switched on 25 new 4G sites in Adelaide and upgraded more than 150 mobile 3G network sites across the city. "We made the promise earlier this year that we will be delivering some major initiatives that improve the coverage, speed and capacity of our 4G network, and enhance the strength and consistency of our 3G network," said David Epstein, Optus' vice president of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs. Optus upgradedOptus launched its 4G network in Adelaide last year, and currently has 4G coverage in the CBD, a number of surrounding suburbs, AAMI Stadium and Adelaide International Airport. "We're excited by the feedback from our Adelaide customers, who are already noticing the improvements of the enhanced Optus network," Epstein said. Over the next 24 months, the telco promises to add another 100 mobile sites in and around Adelaide for additional 4G and 3G coverage. It will also continue to upgrade 100 of its current 3G and 4G mobile sites.   | | Visa to launch V.me global digital wallet in Australia before Xmas Jul 9th 2013, 05:25, by Farrha Khan 
Australians love online shopping. But with more users connecting to the internet to buy their goods and services, it could mean having to sign up or register with a number of websites, and entering or storing your credit card information with multiple vendors. While PayPal has provided an extra layer of security for online purchases, the truth is that digital wallet choices for Aussies are actually few and far between. Today, however, Visa announced that its e-wallet solution V.me will head to Australia "just in time for Christmas". V.me, as described by Visa, will work just like a digitised version of your wallet, securely storing all personal details and major payment card information – which not only includes Visa debit and credit cards, but MasterCard and American Express cards as well. "It's a digital manifestation of what's in your pocket," said Greg Storey, Visa's head of V.me for Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa. Making shopping easierStorey said that at least 33 per cent of smartphone users have shopped online using their phone, and Vipin Kalra, Visa's country manager for Australia said that research showed that 72 per cent of all Australians had shopped online at least once in the past 12 months. But while these numbers have shown to be increasing, Kalra went on to add that research in the US showed that customers were most likely to abandon their purchase at the time of payment because the process required a lengthy form to be filled out. "It addresses some consumer desires, which is for ease, convenience and simplicity when purchasing online," Storey said. Similar to PayPal's solution, after storing all your cards and personal information in V.me, users will be able to make purchases by simply putting in a username and password, which will then let users choose a preselected "default" card or any other card. Visa has a number of merchants already on board, including JB Hi-Fi, Cotton On, City Beach and Lorna Jane, and is in talks with other merchants, including e-commerce and bricks and mortar stores, as well as for travel and bill payments. Visa secureLike PayPal, merchants will not be able to see all your details, nor will Visa be able to track your transactions. But unlike PayPal, users will not be able to store funds with V.me, just link credit and debit cards to the service. Payments will be made through the financial institutions involved with the transaction, with V.me acting simply as a gateway to your stored information. Visa believes that consumers will feel confident of V.me as it has backing from over 40 financial institutions locally, with three of the four "big banks" named as partners. Though Commonwealth Bank was not named, it may be included by launch later this year. As only a username and password will be needed for most transactions, when asked further about the security of the service, Kalra said that Visa's many layers of encryption, "strong authentication" and device identification will be used to prevent fraud, as well as the ability to set transaction alerts for Visa cards. In any case, Visa cards stored on V.me will also come with the Visa's zero liability policy, where cardholders will not be held responsible for unauthorised or fraudulent transactions. 
V.globalVisa had a small launch for V.me in the US last year and began trialing the new service in Europe late last year. Currently, users in the US, UK, Canada, Spain and France can sign up for the service. Visa is hoping that as it rolls V.me to other regions, online shopping across countries will be made easier and secure as well. "Our vision is to make it a global service… if the [US-based] merchant ships to Australia and if they're accepting V.me on their website, then there is no reason why an Australian consumer can't use their V.me wallet. Our goal is to create that experience for every other country," Kalra said. "Any debit card that is accepted online, could be used in the V.me wallet… Merchants at the end have to decide which cards they accept," he added. From its launch date in Australia, Greg Storey said that users will be able to use V.me essentially straight away with any online stores that utilises Visa's service and ships to Australia. NFC, PayWave and the futureStorey went on to say that with the emergence of e-commerce, V.me will be a platform that evolves with new technologies and consumer trends. One such trend, Kalra said, was that more and more Australians are moving away from cash. Visa sees a future where everyone instead uses NFC-enabled mobile devices for in-store payments through PayWave in conjunction with V.me. "PayWave will move from a piece of plastic to your mobile device, and that's starting to happen already in Australia. At the same time, V.me will come from a PC world to a more mobile world," Kalra said. Storey said that one of the perks of V.me will be that users will still get the visual experience of using their card in this kind of setting, though it will just be in digital form on your mobile device. Loyalty cards and rewards will also be implemented in the future. Storey indicated that further down the road, users could also store prepaid currency cards on V.me as a debit card for use in other countries.   | |
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