NFC still too "Fiddly and Geeky"?

This article is rather insightful in terms of the challenges that NFC faces in high traffic situations that one encounters in day to day life. 

Also, implicitly it highlights the impact of decisions (such as placement of the secure element) on the customer experience. Furthermore, the notion of TSM needs to be ironed out and the options whittled down to make the overall approach particle.

Based on the current perception, it would probably be fair to say that the initial estimate of ubiquitous acceptance in the next 2-3 years is more like 3-5. The caveat would be the emergence of a player (like Apple) that can standardize the current standards based proprietary extensions with one path forward. Ofcourse, as Apple has demonstrated it may resemble a closed system, though makes for a consistent experience and a modular way for the ecosystem to plug in to (once Apple gets its cut).

Interesting times indeed. 

Paypal's Foray into In-store Payments

Seems that Google Wallet and the traditonal payment networks push into digital payments (ala NFC) have Paypal playing defense by extending its reach to physical retail locations. 

It is going to be a challenge as Paypal offers no major incentive to merchants. Originally it allowed ‘casual’ merchants to accept payments without the overhead of traditional commercial banking facilities. However, that advantage is being eliminated as processors streamline their offerings and vendors like Square emerge.

The reduced risk of fraud by use of Paypal (i.e., merchant does not receive the payment card information) is also being mitigated via new digital wallets (with aid from technologies such as NFC) and programs like V.me from Visa.

To stay relevant, Paypal needs to revamp its pricing strategy to encompass nuances specific to a multi-channel world, while providing capabilities that will differentiate it in the eyes of merchants and consumers in realm of physical retail.

That transformation is yet to be seen…

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