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Telecommunications Visa chooses Android for mobile services launch
Telecommunications Visa chooses Android for mobile services launch | Visa chooses Android for mobile services launch |
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| by Stuart Corner | |
| Friday, 26 September 2008 | |
  
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However, she did not explain why Visa had chosen a new handset platform with zero market penetration as the one on which to launch its new applications. The Visa mobile applications will be available for download to Android-powered handsets and initially available to Chase Visa cardholders. The first applications will allow cardholders to receive notifications to their mobile devices about transaction activity on their accounts; obtain offers from a range of merchants; and use the built-in location-based technology developed by Google to map nearby merchants where they can redeem Visa offers and locate ATMs that accept Visa. Next year Visa says it will work with other card-issuing financial institutions to extend these services to their Visa account holders. Visa says it is also developing a payment application that will enable consumers with Visa accounts to make mobile payments in retail locations nationwide, or while on the go, over wireless networks. With the Visa Alert service, consumers will be able receive near real-time notification of purchase activity based on customised cardholder preferences. They will be able to personalise the types of alerts delivered to their mobile device according to pre-selected parameters, such as the size of the transaction, or whether the transaction is in foreign currency. Visa says that, "Because these alerts are triggered by the transaction as it passes through the Visa network, consumers will receive notifications almost immediately, typically before they even leave the store. This adds a new layer of peace of mind when using Visa, and a new way to combat fraud." Offers from merchants, delivered direct to the phone, could range from discounts to loyalty offers, and could be based on a consumer's previous purchase activity. "For consumers and merchants alike, this service will ensure the most relevant offers are sent in a timely manner, helping increase merchant traffic, loyalty and customer satisfaction," Visa claims. The Locator service is expected to integrate with technology developed by Google, such as Google Maps and Google location-based services, to show consumers nearby locations of merchants sending them offers, or of an ATM that accepts Visa. The location would be called out on a map displayed on the mobile device screen. Visa says that, over the last two years, it has "actively engaged with financial institutions, wireless operators, handset manufacturers, and technology providers to develop and test innovative mobile services," and is testing mobile payments, money transfer and value-added services with consumers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and the US. |
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