These are the Friday “High Five” stories in the digital product innovation space during the week of 2/28/2016 to 3/4/2016 we noticed were trending:
1) Google’s new digital wallets program
When you go to a store, how often do you have to dig for your wallet to pay? Perhaps you have adopted the practice of paying with your phone. But what if your phone is out of reach? What can you do?
Google has introduced a new way to pay with its revolutionary new mobile payments service. Instead of paying with a credit card, cash or even using your phone, you can now pay with facial recognition.
The new application is conveniently called “Hands Free,” and it’s designed for the iPhone and Android phones. It uses your phone’s bluetooth, WiFi and location services to see whether you’re near a participating store.
Here’s the scenario:
- You collect the groceries at your local grocery store and head to the cash register.
- When the cashier asks you how you want to pay, you simply say: “I’ll pay with Google.”
- You’ll give the cashier your initials, and the cashier will compare you to the picture you added to your Hands Free app.
- Once the cashier has confirmed your identity, you’re done!
Google has plans on making this process even easier and more reliable by adding cameras to do the identity confirmation. If you’re worried about them storing your picture, don’t worry. All images will be deleted immediately, according to Google.
If you’re revved up for this new product, you’ll have to wait. It’s only available in a limited area as a pilot program. Hopefully it’ll be ready for a wide release soon.
Learn more about the Hands Free app.
Image credit: Google Commerce Blog
2) HTC’s new virtual reality system – Vive
There has been a lot of attention going towards virtual reality equipment and capabilities this past year or so. Several companies have entered the market with their own products, but none have reached the same level as the HTC Vive Pre. Although it’s still a work in progress, this VR system has a huge advantage over its competition.
As a joint investment between HTC and gaming company Valve, this system is leading the pack with its innovative features. The headset and cameras are effective in giving you the VR experience you’d hope for.
Adi Robertson of The Verve explains her experience with the HTC Vive by explaining the pros and cons in detail. Here’s a summary:
Pros:
- The equipment setup works well for VR as you have room to move around
- The controllers track effectively
- The controller batteries last a long time
- The screen quality is excellent
- The VR experience is comfortable, to an extent
Cons:
- The headset is bulky
- The controllers are heavy
- The Home button is placed too close to one’s thumb joint
- The headset can get soaked with sweat, making sharing unlikely
- Your existing furniture, pets or roommate can cause hazards while using the system
If you want to check this system out, get excited. First shipment comes out next month.
Image credit: Endgadget
3) The growth of mobile app marketing
Companies have been trying to get their brands out there by using social media, email, blogging and search engine optimization. However, it’s time to accept the fact that consumers are using their mobile apps far more than ever before. Thus, marketers face a huge challenge.
How do you get consumers to notice and commit to your brand through mobile apps?
The researchers at BI Intelligence created a thorough report of this trend of consumers moving away from mobile web towards apps instead. In it, they explain the statistics and other evidence as to what is happening, why, and how marketers can adapt.
4) The increasing popularity of mobile payments
The competition is fierce with the ever-growing mobile payments industry. Apple, Samsung, Google and others have created their own mobile payments platforms. Each has their own pros and cons, and it’s up for debate who leads the pack.
- Apple Pay is great if you have an iPhone and shop at participating stores. Otherwise, it’s useless.
- Android Pay is great if you have a phone with that runs on Android, and it’s supported by many financial institutions. However, it’s difficult to apply a different card than your default when at the register. This can become incredibly inconvenient and annoying when shopping with multiple payment methods.
- Samsung Pay is great because it’s available in more locations than any of its competition. However, its poor acceptance by financial institutions and the fact that it only comes with select phones makes it hard to apply.
Technology is increasing its presence in our everyday lives. Younger generations especially have adopted new ways of doing things. Mobile payments will likely be an integral part of this technology growth as time goes on.
Image credit: Time Money
5) Internet of Things developments
Some may say the Internet of Things, or IoT, is nowhere near ready for adoption. With all the past failures and present skepticism, people aren’t quick to adopt this idea.
However, what people don’t always realize is that IoTs have existed in our lives for over a decade.
- Do you have a security system set up in your home?
- Do you use a “Smart” Refrigerator?
These are all IoT developments.
Last year, we saw a burst of IoT developments:
- We now have apps on our phone that can control the lights in our home.
- We now have other apps that can lock or unlock our home.
- We now have fitness trackers we can wear on our wrist and record our stats on our phone.
It won’t be long before we see things like:
- Smart walls that assist you throughout your home by keeping you safe, for example
- Home devices that track the health of the elderly to help them stay home longer
IoTs are a part of our world now. It’s a growing industry that you could find great benefit in both as a consumer and company.
Image Credit: NBC News
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Have you been following these trends? They are all big advancements in the digital product innovation space, and it would be in your best interest as a company to take part in this growth.
That’s where we come in.
After helping Facebook back in 2007, Stuzo has built hundreds of apps for a wide range of companies. We specialize in accelerating business through digital product innovation across in mobile, web, IoTs and wearables, and we’re here to help you. Take a look at some of the great work we’ve done recently:
Let’s build something great together. Contact us today!
