Chinese smart watch with android pay support. Smart watches with NFC: an overview and description of technology
Ivanov Sergey
Contactless Payment Technician
Articles written
Smart watches with NFS have long conquered modern society. The so-called smart watch has a number of advantages. For example, they can be used to pay at terminals or communicate with a mobile phone.
A chip is embedded inside the device. Thus, you do not need to constantly carry cash or a bunch of bank cards with you. The watch will carry out any payment transaction without problems. The gadget has long been used on the territory of the Russian Federation.
How to add a bank card and pay for purchases with a smart watch at the checkout with one touch?
Android Pay
Through the Android system is only possible with a smartphone. Smart watches replace this feature. To do this, we associate it with a bank card through the Google Pay payment application. To download the application you must have an account in the system.
Then we perform the following steps:
- in the "Maps" menu, select the "+" sign;
- then click "Add";
- enter data from a bank card (this is done in several ways - either the number is photographed or it is entered manually);
- confirm the action;
- complete the registration.
Apple Pay
The principle of payment is similar to Android, but there are some differences. For this you need:
Samsung Pay
Smart watches from Samsung use mobile phones to carry out all financial transactions.
At the same time, only the official shell from Samsung (Gear S2, Gear S3, Gear Fit 2 and Gear Sport) is installed on the gadget. But paying through other payment systems is quite realistic.
You can use the payment system only if the device has an Android version of at least 4.4 installed, and a RAM of 1.5 GB or more.
The application is configured as follows.
- The Gear connects to the device.
- You need to run the application itself.
- In the settings, select the "Samsung Pay" item.
- Sometimes the system prompts you to confirm the download of the program.
- It is necessary to create a new profile (i.e. pass authorization);
- The next step is to add a new card (for this you need to either take a picture of its number or enter data manually);
- In order for all data to be successfully activated, it is necessary to confirm all actions via SMS.
- Put your signature right on the screen of your smartphone.
- Checking and processing the data will take about 10 minutes.
With a smart watch with a PayPass chip
A smart watch can replace bank cards and a phone only if it has a built-in. In addition, each manufacturer uses its own method. For example, some companies enter into an agreement, and the watch already uses a card of a certain bank. Therefore, when buying a gadget, you should carefully read the review of the model in order to know for sure all its characteristics and payment features.
ATTENTION! In order to carry out financial transactions using the Smart Watch, they must be linked via a SIM card or smartphone to at least one payment card.
Top 7 Key Features
Initially, Smart watches were developed with the aim of conducting contactless banking transactions. But in order to make them comfortable to wear, and the devices did not cause unnecessary suspicion, it was proposed to disguise the device as a watch.
They have the following possibilities:
- Ability to make contactless payments.
- Linking all cards in one place.
- The embedded operating system replaces the tablet (i.e. you can view video photos and listen to music).
- Linking a gadget to a smartphone.
- Support for well-known payment systems.
- Support for other electronic devices (such as PC or laptop).
- One gadget replaces several devices.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any device, smart watches have their advantages and disadvantages. The data is collected regarding the opinions of users of forums and social networks.
Advantages
- does not take up much space;
- operates with multiple accounts;
- replaces multiple devices;
- stylish and pleasant accessory;
- does not attract too much attention;
- many companies have a large selection of appearance;
- allows you to pay for any goods through the terminal;
- contactless payment method;
- the ability to use a gadget instead of a phone;
- the device can be used even if the hands are busy;
- in one device there are many functions of a smartphone (photo and video shooting);
- the presence of a GPS-navigator;
- Wi-Fi receiver support;
- the ability, as in the phone, to download applications from the Internet;
- You can link your smartphone to the gadget.
Flaws
- too expensive accessory;
- the battery runs out quickly;
ATTENTION! In expensive models, the charge lasts about a week. And cheap gadgets can withstand about 3 days.
- there is no headphone output, because of this, the sound quality is lost;
- screen too small
- typing a message turns into a real nightmare because of the small print.
5 most popular smartwatch models that can be used to pay in a store in Russia
Apple Watch
This model is in a leading position, among other Smartwatches.
The manufacturer gives the buyer the opportunity to choose the design he likes on his own.
It all depends on the client's lifestyle. Two cores make it possible to use internal resources to the maximum in order to quickly make payments through terminals.
Price from 300 to 5000 $.
Gear S3
The gadget is a direct competitor to Apple.
Its strong point is its design and excellent synchronization with smartphones (Android and IOS).
The size of the device is 46 mm. There are several design options to choose from. Payment is made through the Samsung Pay app.
Watch2Pay
In Russia, they were the very first devices that made payments “by air” (PayPass MasterCard).
This is a domestic brand that is becoming popular abroad. The production of the gadget takes place in Austria (Lask company), but the entire assembly belongs to China. A SIM card and a MasterCard bank card are included with the device. Unlike other devices, Watch2Pay is considered the most reliable.
AlfaPay
This is the very first NFS watch in the world. The model is based on the Seiko movement.
The technology supports the ability to make payments through terminals in a contactless way.
The operating system already provides an application that connects the device and a bank card. The security system is debugged impeccably. If the amount exceeds 1000 rubles, then the program asks for a pin code. After each operation, the system is turned off so as not to carry out repeated transfers.
Michael Kors
They are considered an elite and very expensive model. The first thing that catches your eye is the design.
It is worked out to the smallest detail. All watches look very bulky and solid, but are worn very easily.
A Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 210 processor is mounted inside. The Android Wear operating system runs on the base. The classic version has many elements. But the customer can supplement them with various dials or straps.
Conclusion
Smart watch with NFS allows you to make payments without touching the terminal. All operations are carried out through different applications. Each manufacturer maintains its own system, but they all perform the same function - conducting finance through terminals.
Gadgets are very convenient and do not differ from watches, which is much more convenient and solid than bulky phones. Moreover, devices perform all the same functions (video, audio, photo). Only with sound, so far, problems and sensible headphones have not yet been invented for them.
For some, the very idea of a smart watch format seems useless, while others cannot live without these things. Recently, I said that for me personally, there is no sense in a fitness bracelet, but there were many people whom these gadgets help. In general, it's time for a new review of the smartwatch market, because 2018 brought a lot of interesting new products.
I combined all the models described below in a table listing the main characteristics - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O39yMiURI9q5kDArT6orZ7BdmX7LyOW_mp8455W1llU/edit?usp=sharing.
What are smart watches useful for?
Firstly, this is a clock and you can see the time on them. Secondly, they report notifications, “track” all your activity using GPS, monitor health, sleep quality, allow you to pay for goods via NFC, support their own applications and are equipped with voice assistants, some can be used as a phone without a phone itself. .
How are they different from fitness bracelets?
If everything is simplified then primitive, then the simplest bracelets can only show the time (or even not have a screen at all), notifications (without details, in the form of icons), and also track activity and sleep. Well, watches have large touch screens, full-fledged operating systems, support third-party applications, show messages and photos in their entirety, are often equipped with GPS, NFC, and sometimes even slots for a SIM card.
In short, the bracelets "track" walks and workouts, and the smart watch is a multifunctional gadget worn on the wrist.
However, as is often the case, the formats begin to mix. Remember how once it was possible to clearly distinguish between a smartphone and a communicator, then the concepts merged into one and the term “smartphone” survived. Some wearable devices are difficult to attribute to one type or another. For example, a fitness bracelet with a large screen and its own OS, with a minimum number of available applications, without GPS and NFC - but still more functional than conventional micro-bracelets.
How to choose a smart watch?
First, decide on a platform. Now there are four:
watchOS: Apple's operating system for the Apple Watch with user-friendly fitness apps and advanced health monitoring allows the watch to work autonomously without a phone.
Wear OS: Google's OS, formerly called Android Wear. Lots of apps, voice assistant, wireless payment, battery life.
TizenOS: used in Samsung smart watches, has a beautiful design, supports its own payment system Samsung Pay. Minus - a few applications.
Fitbit: proprietary OS, few applications, Fitbit Pay payment system (does not work in the Russian Federation).
Garmin: proprietary OS, few applications, Garmin Pay payment system (works in Russia).
All platforms, except Apple's, work with both Android and iOS.
Secondly, decide on the design (there are round dials, there are rectangular ones, there are compact gadgets, there are not so much), additional options (do you need the ability to make calls, a SIM card slot, is it important to have GPS and NFC). Of course, the more fancy the watch, the more expensive it is, so in the end it all comes down to how much you're willing to pay.
The best current models
Apple Watch 3, from 22,000 rubles.
Probably the best smart watch you can buy today. Unless, of course, you have an iPhone. They do not differ much from the second generation, except perhaps with more powerful hardware, a more durable battery and support for LTE in some models. But a software SIM eSIM is used, so in Russia such modifications are useless. The watch supports GPS, is protected from moisture (you can easily dive to a depth of 50 meters), perfectly monitors activity, sleep, and heart rate. The battery lasts an average of a couple of days. I also note a huge selection of straps for every taste.
LG Watch Style, from 11,000 rubles.
A beautiful Wear OS watch with water resistance (IP67) and a comfortable control bezel. There is no NFC, no GPS, no heart rate sensor, battery life (up to a day) is not particularly impressive. But beautiful, thin, productive (Snapdragon Wear processor). And relatively inexpensive.
LG Watch Sport, from 25,000 rubles.
Massive watch with a larger screen and, importantly, with a larger battery, GPS, LTE (in selected markets), NFC and an on-board heart rate sensor.
A new model that has just gone on sale. Offers a square screen, nice design, compact size. Platform - Fitbit OS. There is NFC, 2.5 GB of memory for storing music, a heart rate sensor. High-quality tracking of activities and workouts (the watch automatically determines the start of the workout and its type, duration, intensity, gives individual recommendations). Life time from one charge pleases - up to 3-4 days. Protection against water is also declared (diving up to 50 meters, you can swim and “track” workouts in the pool in the watch).
However, someone will consider the design frivolous, and also complain about the lack of GPS. Well, the choice of applications is meager, as well as the capabilities of the software in general.
Fitbit Ionic, from 17,000 rubles.
Previous model from Fitbit. Compared to Versa, it is equipped with a less capacious battery (2-3 days), software runs slower, and is more bulky. And, probably, not the most beautiful, but it's a matter of taste.
Samsung Gear Sport, from 17,000 rubles.
Advanced watches for lovers of an active lifestyle. They are distinguished by a high-quality screen, suitable for swimmers (automatically track workouts in the pool), support GPS and NFC. However, I would like a more capacious battery, the available one lasts a maximum of two days.
Samsung Gear S3, from 20,000 rubles.
One of the best smartwatches today. Runs on TizenOS. Good screens, convenient control due to the bezel (ring on the dial), always-on display option (animated clock is always displayed), confident activity tracking. There is GPS and NFC. Two models are available - Classic and Frontier. Both are protected from water and dust (IP68), and the latter are also shockproof + support 3G / LTE (but they use eSIM, like in Apple, so the connection will not work in Russia). Batteries last for 3-4 days of battery life. The disadvantage is that both models are bulky and heavy.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT, from 27,000 rubles.
A smart watch on its own platform from a manufacturer that has “eaten the dog” on creating gadgets for travelers and athletes. First of all, they are distinguished by a record battery life - up to 11 days. They also perfectly track all types of activities (including triathlon), are suitable for swimming, are protected from shocks, and support player control on the phone. Always display the time in monochrome on a large screen (it is not touch, by the way). There is GPS and NFC. Elevate's proprietary technology continuously monitors your heart rate and gives you accurate readings of calories burned.
Garmin Vivoactive 3, from 24,000 rubles.
Very similar to the 735XT in features, only with a touch screen. The battery is weaker - up to 7 days, but it's still much better than the competition. The watch also features an altimeter to track changes in altitude.
Sony Smart Watch 3, from 7000 rubles.
These watches can be considered rustic, but they are cute and inexpensive. Functionality at the level - NFC, GPS-module, protection against dust and moisture IP68. Cons - up to two days of battery life, no heart rate monitor, weak vibration motor, old version of Android Wear OS (the model is no longer new).
Asus ZenWatch 3, from 12,000 rubles.
This Wear OS 2.0-powered watch stands out in design first and foremost - slim and stylish, with a metal case. They work on the basis of the Snapdragon 2100 processor, are protected from dust and moisture according to the IP67 standard, and are inexpensive. But: they lack a heart rate monitor, GPS and NFC, the choice of straps is poor, their fastening is non-standard.
Huawei Watch 2, from 20,000 rubles.
Like its competitors, the line is divided into two models - Classic and Sport. Although they look identical, except for the straps. And the sports model is more advanced - there is a modification with LTE support (no electronic SIM cards, a regular nanoSIM slot). Watch specifications - Snapdragon Wear 2100, 4 GB of memory, GPS, heart rate sensor (can calculate VO2), water and dust protection IP68. OS - Wear OS 2.0. The battery life is so-so - 1.5-2 days, and the screens are too small by today's standards.
Polar V800 HR, from 25,000 rubles.
The very option when it is difficult to separate a fitness bracelet and a smart watch. Before us is rather a smart fitness bracelet on its own platform. The gadget supports all mobile operating systems, it is designed for tracking activity in various sports (GPS, training profiles, tips for improving the efficiency of classes, swimming, Strava segments, etc.). Cons - battery for 12 hours of active work, monochrome screen 128x128. Continuous heart rate monitoring is possible, but only with the included external Bluetooth sensor.
Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Smartwatch 2, from 12,000 rubles.
A similar gadget from the series "and not yet a watch, and no longer a bracelet." But high-quality and cheap, as it happens with Xiaomi. Looks nice, works from a single charge up to 3-5 days, supports GPS, counts heart rate, suitable for swimmers. The color screen provides decent readability in bright sunlight, there are many watch faces to choose from, MP3 support. For sports fans - 11 training profiles, calculation of oxygen uptake (VO2 max), exercise efficiency, load level and recovery time.
IWO Smart Watch IWO 2, from 5500 rubles.
I will finish the review with a cheap copy of the Apple Watch. It happens, yes. And for very little money. And the reviews about the device are generally good. The device is protected from water splashes (but not recommended for swimming), is equipped with an IPS screen, connects to the phone via Bluetooth, can make calls, has a thermometer, heart rate monitor, voice recorder, MP3 player. The battery lasts for 1-2 days.
P.S. All the above models of smart watches are combinedin the table with their maincharacteristics -
Smart watches with NFC are a unique solution that provides proper identification when using radios that can operate at a distance of literally one millimeter and up to tens of centimeters. In particular, the solution allows you to work exclusively at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, while if the distance to another device is 10 centimeters, data is transmitted at a speed of 424 kbps.
What technology does Smartwatch with NFC work on? In this case, special chips are used, with their subsequent placement in SIM cards. It should be noted that the wide use of these technologies in telephony makes it possible to provide payment for the purchase of a particular product, as well as services, thus classifying the mobile phone as a separate class of reading devices as much as possible.
With the advent of the era of NFC technology, many operators are trying to use this development by expanding the functionality of devices. Recently, this feature has been supported by mobile devices running on Android, Windows Phone, Symbian operating systems, which allows you to guarantee the quality and reliability of money transfers, pay for services and make many other transactions.
Among the main advantages that distinguish "smart watches" with NFC, it is worth mentioning the speed of money transfer, convenience, because one simple unit can replace several separate types of devices, thereby guaranteeing the savings of one's own monetary assets. You can make such services in any conditions, for example, depositing funds in public transport, the subway, wherever such a need arises.
The most popular watch models
It is worth considering the three most popular watch models from manufacturers:
- Apple Watch Sport 42 mm is a smart watch equipped with a shockproof case, with additional moisture protection, high-quality aluminum is used as a material. The screen diagonal is 1.54 inches, the resolution is 312-390 pixels.
- Samsung Gear S2 - belongs to the category of smart watches, with additional protection against moisture and a steel case. The design also provides for a high-quality touch screen with a diagonal of 1.2 inches and a resolution of 360x360 pixels.
- Sony Smart Watch 3 SWR50 - provide protection against moisture, have a steel case. The touch screen diagonal is 1.6 inches, the resolution is within 320x320 pixels.
Apple Watch Sport 42 mm on Yandex Market
Samsung Gear S2 on Yandex Market
Sony Smart Watch 3 SWR50 on Yandex Market
Representatives of watches with NFC technology
It is worth considering a separate NFC-enabled watch that can be easily used today in any conditions. For example, all the latest Apple developments are equipped with such technology, offering potential consumers a truly maximum functioning unit. One of the first such developments was the model of mobile devices Smart Watch 2, which was offered to the market by the famous company Sony.
After a while, the development of Watch2play was born, it was released to the market of the Russian Federation by AK BARS. In particular, such a solution has become an excellent development in the upcoming Universiade, excellently demonstrating all its operational properties. Of course, the first developments could not be fully called "smart watches", but operational operations were carried out in this direction, which made it possible to turn poorly functioning mobile devices into a real work of modern technology.
Recently, almost all mobile developments in this direction have been able to equip phones with NFC modules. To pay, you need to bring the device to the required distance to another unit, after which the identification and subsequent transaction takes place.
An increasing number of smart gadgets can be used to pay for anything, whether it's paying utility bills or paying at grocery stores.
This was to be expected, especially since the rise of a new era of payment systems was to be expected, given the growing popularity of wearable electronics.
It would be nice to grab a cold drink or two after your morning run without having to lug your wallet around with you, right? Imagine paying your gas or water bills with just your fitness tracker or NFC-enabled smartwatch!
With platforms such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, bPay and Google Wallet gaining popularity, it is likely that this technology will be used more and more in stores and markets.
Not to mention, MasterCard, a major lending company, is now working closely with smart technology makers Ringly and Nymi to introduce contactless payment chips into gadget cases.
Soon, paying at the checkout using wearable devices will become commonplace.
It's a surprisingly convenient way to pay for anything without having to agonize through your wallet or purse to find the right debit or credit card.
Most payment platforms like Apple and Google Wallet allow you to store multiple payment sources under one account, and you can easily switch between them with the click of a button.
The best top-end wearables to help you pay your bills
Unfortunately, even the best smart devices are not equipped with such technology as contactless payments. How can you be sure that the device you buy will allow you to pay for purchases or bills?
That is why it was decided to compile a list of smart gadget models with the ability to pay bills and purchases.
Jawbone UP4
One of the best wearables for tracking fitness and activity levels is the Jawbone. Jawbone fitness trackers are on par with Fitbit and Apple devices and a few other brands.
The Jawbone UP4 came into the spotlight precisely because the Jawbone UP3 was heavily discussed in the blogosphere. Moreover, the criticism was ambiguous, although not unfounded. In addition to the usual functions, tracking your level of activity, you get the opportunity to pay from your American Express account.
See Jawbone UP3 here:
In order to use the feature, you must first authenticate your American Express card account through the included Jawbone app, which is downloaded to your smartphone. Once you have passed the verification process, you can pay any invoice at any retailer that accepts American Express cards.
Of course, where you plan to pay contactless, there must be proper equipment to facilitate the contactless payment process. But as this kind of technology becomes more popular, you'd be surprised how many places will accept contactless payments via smartwatches or fitness trackers.
Support for UP4 contactless payments is currently only available in the US, but is planned to be rolled out to other countries in the future.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch needs no introduction. Moreover, not a single device from the wearable electronics category will be able to compete with them on an equal footing - they will always outweigh them in some way.
What you probably didn't know is that Apple watches can accept contactless payments at some retail stores. And all thanks to an exclusive service called Apple Pay, which is currently being actively implemented in the US and UK.
The system sends requests to the iPhone and Apple Watch, which allow you to make payments directly from the devices.
First, you add credit and debit card details to the app on your device using your phone, and then you must verify your identity. You can also manage your payment sources through the app for your iPhone.
Once you're ready, you can make a payment with a swipe of your wrist while wearing your Apple Watch. The watch screen displays a preview of the payment source you have selected, in which you will also see whether your payment has been processed or declined.
All you have to do is set everything up once and then pay your bills at participating retailers with peace of mind. And you don't even have to take out your wallet, or rummage through your purse.
The list of stores that allow you to pay with Apple Pay is growing every day. There is currently a huge selection of brands including Best Buy, Disney, GameStop, McDonalds, Sports Authority, Staples, Subway and more. For a detailed list of participating stores, visit the Apple website.
Samsung Gear S2
Following Apple and Google, Samsung has introduced an exclusive contactless payment service implemented on the best models of wearable electronics called Samsung Pay.
Samsung Pay is supported by the Gear S2 line.
You can see this model here:
All Gear S2 models include built-in NFC chips that can be used to make contactless payments, the same technique used in Apple watches and other smart gadgets.
This chip works similarly to other payment systems. You add payment sources through an app on your smartphone and then simply make payments from your watch. Currently, Samsung Pay is only available on select Android devices, with iOS support planned for the near future.
To use this service, simply select Samsung Gear S2 models that support contactless payment technology, such as the Gear S2 Classic.
Nymi Band
For the Nymi Band fitness bracelet to start accepting payments in all retail stores. This is because the Canadian start-up company that developed this device is currently testing the technology.
Still, Nymi Band was developed with the support of MasterCard, the main sponsor. This means that with Nymi Band you can pay your bills with the support of an NFC chip, which allows you to make mobile payments using your MasterCard account.
In the near future, pilot releases are being launched in the US and UK, which means you should be able to see how the service works soon, as many retailers support contactless payment technology.
Moreover, the Nymi Band has another very important function - a biometric security system. The fitness bracelet measures your heart rate, makes a picture of your heart rate, which allows the system to determine that you are the owner of this device. Thus, your heartbeat will act as an authentication system.
It is amazing.
Sony Wena
Believe it or not, Sony has its own crowdfunding company in Japan called First Flight. Sony FES smartwatches were among the first to appear on this platform, and Sony Wena followed suit.
The first thing you notice about Sony Wena watches is their sheer beauty and style. In style, they are more reminiscent of a traditional watch than a smart gadget.
The Sony Wena watch line focuses on three main elements - vibration notifications and seven multi-colored LEDs; tracking the level of activity and fitness achievements through an application tailored for iOS; and, finally, the most important element is the NFC chip, which is designed to process mobile contactless payments through the FeliCa payment system.
Useful reading material:
It is the latter feature that will interest you the most. FeliCa is a popular payment system in Japan, similar to Barclaycard, which is actively used in the UK.
It is possible that Sony will relocate Wena to the States soon, but keep in mind that this will require a lot of work with mobile payment standards that are used for payment. But don't expect it to happen anytime soon.
Alibaba Pay Watch
Alibaba, a well-known trading platform from China, has teamed up with FiiSmart, a Chinese manufacturer of wearable electronics, to create Alibaba Pay Watch, a contactless mobile payment system.
Both of these Asian companies are aiming to strengthen their presence in the US and UK in the near future, so it is possible that this watch will be available in the US soon. For now, this is nothing more than a pipe dream.
But it's worth discussing.
Alibaba Pay Watch supports a customized version of Android called YunOS or YunOS that allows you to do a bunch of smart things.
Alibaba Pay Watch with 1.63-inch AMOLED Display, Dual-Core CPU (video):
Alibaba's mobile payment system is estimated to have over 900 million users. So, this thing will surely be very popular among knowledgeable people.
The best bPay-enabled wearables
Barclaycard or bPay is a mobile standard similar to those used by Apple or Google that was created to standardize mobile payments. Because of this, there are several different wearable devices that take advantage of bPay's mobile payment services.
In addition, it is likely that we will see many more wearable devices supporting this technology in the near future.
Lyle & Scott bPay Jacket
When you think of wearable electronics, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is either smartwatches or fitness trackers. However, not all of the best wearable technology is meant to be worn on the wrist.
Take the Lyle & Scott bPay Jacket for example. This is nothing more than a stylish jacket with an NFC chip embedded in the right sleeve. You can link this chip to your bPay account and pay for goods or services by swiping your right hand over the payment system device.
Jonathan Briggs, innovation project manager at Lyle & Scott, explains what inspired him and his company to create the contactless jacket.
“We are proud to partner with bPay and to be able to launch the world's first contactless trigger. The jacket can be used to pay at any contactless terminal for transactions up to £30.”
The jacket costs about $150, and so far it can only be purchased at the company store, which is located on Carnaby Street in London, or ordered through the online store.
bPay Band
One interesting fact that you might not know about Barclays' bPay technology is that you can register a debit or credit card with any bank to use the service. You don't have to be a Barclaycard customer to take full advantage of the technology.
This information will be especially useful to you if you purchase a bPay Band as a bracelet for making contactless mobile payments.
Considering that bPay is primarily a UK-based service, it is logical to assume that there are around 300,000 retailers in the UK that accept payments through it. It is not so popular in the USA, but it has every chance to conquer the overseas market.
So if you are looking for a more versatile smartwatch, then you should look at other models. However, if you want a great fitness bracelet option for making contactless payments without all the bells and whistles, take a look at the bPay Band. This payment system will not reach Russia soon, but if you often visit Foggy Albion, it may be worth buying this gadget for yourself (or at least for a collection!).
bPay Fob and bPay Sticker
Not to mention two more amazing bPay-enabled devices that allow you to make contactless payments - a keychain and a universal sticker.
Ultimately, the key fob can be attached to a keychain and used as a payment key. The sticker can also be pasted anywhere and used as a universal means of payment.
There are many ways to use these contactless payment tools. For example, you could put a sticker on your hat. And then, when you need to pay for something, all you have to do is take off your hat and swipe it across the terminal. If the idea of sticking a sticker on a hat seems silly to you, you can think of something a little more original.
The point is, you can use these tools to create your own brand that mimics even some of the very best wearable technology on this list – at least when it comes to mobile payments.
Widget from SocialMart Thank you for the likes on the site! Be a happy, athletic and active person always! Write what you think about this, what gadgets do you use and why?Wearable devices can do more than just show notifications, track physical activity, and display the time. An increasing number of them allow you to pay for shopping in malls, purchases in grocery stores or restaurant bills.
Agree, it sounds very tempting to not carry a wallet or credit cards with you, but instead just bring your smartwatch or fitness tracker closer to a contactless terminal to pay for purchases.
With Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, bPay, and Google Wallet gaining momentum, terminals that support wearable payments will appear in stores more and more often. This is also evidenced by the cooperation of the Mastercard payment system with Ringly smart jewelry and Nymi bracelets.
At this rate, the ability to pay with wearable devices will become more accessible and everyday, like paying with credit cards - plastic card terminals are now in all supermarkets, boutiques, restaurants, etc.
Services such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet already allow you to link multiple accounts to one account at once. Instead of rummaging through a pile of plastic cards, it will be enough to select a payment method on the device screen and bring it to the terminal.
Unfortunately, so far, not all manufacturers have equipped their gadgets with this technology. We will look at the best wearable devices that support contactless payments and their features.
Jawbone UP4
Jawbone is one of the strongest wearable device companies in the world today. They compete strongly with brands like Samsung and Apple, especially in the field of health tracking. In addition to the wide functionality of tracking physical activity, Jawbone UP4 also allows you to make payments from your American Express account.
To use this feature, you need to verify your American Express card in the Jawbone app on your smartphone. After that, you can pay for purchases at any place equipped with a contactless payment terminal. And these are not some highly specialized stores - the number of places that support this technology is growing every day.
Jawbone UP4 currently only supports contactless payments in the US.
Apple Watch
Apple needs no introduction. Their Apple Watch is one of the best wearables on the market.
However, you might not know that Apple Watch also supports contactless payment technology. This is done thanks to the Apple Pay service, uniquely designed for this smartwatch. Apple Pay is currently only available in the US and UK.
To start using the technology, you need to link payment cards to your iPhone and verify your identity. A special application on the smartphone allows you to manage the means of payment.
Samsung Gear S2
Another leader in the wearable market, Samsung smartwatches use the exclusive contactless payment service Samsung Pay. So far, it is only used in the Samsung Gear S2, but it will most likely be supported by the upcoming Gear S3.
All variants of the Gear S2 are equipped with an NFC chip, among the many features of which is the possibility of contactless payments. This technology works similarly to Apple Pay, but Samsung Pay is currently only compatible with Android smartphones.
Nymi Band
Nymi Band is a promising development of a Canadian startup. The bracelet is planned to be used for fast carrier authentication in various systems, including contactless payments. While it is at the testing stage.
However, Nymi Band has a serious scope. The startup enlisted the support of the international financial corporation MasterCard, which serves plastic cards around the world. This means that Nymi Band can be used wherever there is a contactless MasterCard terminal.
Also worth noting is Nymi Band's unique and advanced approach to security. The bracelet will recognize the wearer by biometric data, checking the pulse pattern for authentication.
It will be released in the US and UK in the near future. Then we will be able to look at the operation of the service and the speed of emergence of points that support contactless payment technology and other systems using Nymi Band authentication.
Maybe you didn't know, but Sony has its own crowdfunding platform in Japan called First Flight. And it was on it that they announced the Sony Wena.
What immediately catches the eye is that these smartwatches are made in the traditional style of wrist chronometers, which already makes them unique from other "geeky" wearable devices.
Sony Wena has three main features: notifications through various vibrations and 7-color LEDs on the bracelet, activity tracking through the watch and iOS app, NFC chip for contactless payments using the Japanese FeliCa payment system.
It appears that Sony is looking to make a big impact in the wearables market in Japan, in part by supporting contactless payment technology through the country's popular payment standard. However, the release of Sony Wena with this function to the markets of other countries should not be expected in the near future, since the developers will have to adapt the device to other payment systems, as well as compete with other companies.
Alibaba, a Chinese commerce portal, and Chinese wearable brand FiiSmart have jointly developed the Alibaba Pay Watch, a contactless payment smartwatch.
Alibaba Pay Watch runs on the YunOS operating system, which is based on Android Wear. This means they provide the rest of the smartwatch features, although they focus on payments.
The mobile payment system from Alibaba is used by about 900 million users. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the device will be in high demand in the Asian market. Also, both companies that created Alibaba Pay Watch plan to expand their influence in global markets.
bPay-enabled wearables
Barclaycard (bPay) is a mobile payment standard similar to Apple Pay and Google Wallet. There are several different wearable devices that support the bPay service. It is likely that their list will be replenished in the future.
A feature of Barclaycard is the ability to link a card of any bank to your account. Which, of course, is the advantage of this service, which allows you to unite users in a single system of contactless payments.
Wearable devices are not only smart watches, bracelets and other items worn on the arm, right?
A prime example is the Lyle & Scott bPay Jacket. This is nothing more than a stylish jacket with an NFC chip sewn into the sleeve. Simply link the chip to your bPay account and make purchases with a wave of your hand.
The jacket sells for $229. You can buy it both in the Lyle & Scott store in London and in the online store. However, the bPay service is currently only available in the UK.
bPay Band is a bracelet for making contactless payments, it has no other functions. And the purchase of such a device may well justify itself, because in the UK there are already more than 300 thousand retail outlets that support payment using bPay. The price of such a bracelet makes it affordable for those who just want to enjoy the delights of contactless payments without buying a smart watch for this.
Keychain, sticker and loop bPay
Barclaycard strives to provide a variety of wearable options that enable contactless payments. In addition to the bracelet, there is also a keychain with an NFC chip, a phone sticker and a special loop that can be put on a watch strap (including smartwatches that lack this technology).
The main idea is to provide every user with affordable, simple and convenient ways to make contactless payments.