If you make your way around New York, you know how vital taxis can be when you need to get somewhere without having to suffer through taking subways, buses, or even walking to your destination. For years, New York City cabs have had the ability to pay by credit card when you’re strapped for cash, but if you’ve ever wanted to pya by using ultrasound, now you can thanks to VeriFone. (more…)
Way2Ride Lets New York Cab Riders Pay Via Ultrasound original content from Ubergizmo. 
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VeriFone this week launched a new service for NYC taxi passengers, letting customers pay for a cab by tapping any compatible smartphone. Way2ride utilizes Zoosh ultrasound technology, enabling secure payments using the speaker and mic in your device and the payment terminal on the other end. The app, available for Android and iOS devices, lets you pre-select payment info and even a tip amount. To initiate a transaction, you’ll simply tap your phone anytime during the ride, then hop out right when you reach your destination — a receipt will appear within the app. You can even use the app to hail a cab, estimate your fare and report a lost item. Download it now at the source links below.
Filed under: Cellphones
Source: VeriFone, Way2ride (Android), Way2ride (iOS)
Uber has been having a tough time getting a foothold in New York City, and it’s temporarily withdrawing the UberTaxi service it had in beta. The withdrawal isn’t entirely for the reasons you’d expect, however. While Uber claims to have been getting grief from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission for offering a competing (if technically legal) service through its smartphone apps, the program’s end was due to demand rather than any kind of outright ban — the Commission’s pressure reportedly kept Uber from matching interest with enough yellow cabs. Black car service is still on for those who don’t mind the classic ride. Should that uncomfortable balance not be quite good enough, Mayor Bloomberg is promising a truce come February, when a shift in contracts will let New York change the rules and hopefully improve the market for taxi alternatives.
Update: TLC Commissioner David Yassky has weighed in with both an elaboration and claims that the Commission has been in favor of newer technology for awhile. He notes that the contracts expiring in February relate to exclusive payment arrangements with Creative Mobile Technologies and VeriFone, and that apps of all kinds (Uber’s included) can compete for attention at that point. His full statement:
“In recent months, as e-hail apps have emerged, TLC has undertaken serious diligence and is moving toward rule changes that will open the market to app developers and other innovators. Those changes cannot legally take place until our existing exclusive contracts expire in February. We are committed to making it as easy as possible to get a safe, legal ride in a New York City taxi, and are excited to see how emerging technology can improve that process. Our taxis have always been on the cutting edge of technological innovation, from GPS systems to credit card readers.”
Filed under: Transportation
Uber shuts down New York City taxi beta, may see light at the end of the (Lincoln) tunnel in February (update: TLC responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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There’s little doubt that mobile payments hold a ton of potential for the future of commerce, but without proper direction (and willingness for adoption), the technology remains little more than an impractical curiosity for the majority of consumers. In an effort to define a way forward for the mobile payment industry, a large number of heavy hitters have banded together under the umbrella of the Electronic Transactions Association to form the Mobile Payments Committee. Not only does the group include all four of the top US carriers, but also Google, Isis, VeriFone and PayPal. Add to that financial institutions such as Wells Fargo and Capital One, along with American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa, and you’ll quickly realize that this group is playing to win.
Primary goals of the Mobile Payments Committee include fostering relationships with merchants, ensuring consumer access to modern payment methods, exploring best practices and ensuring interoperability of networks, equipment and financial institutions. The group will also engage in lobbying activities with legislators and regulators, and will additionally work to educate both merchants and consumers about the potential of mobile payments. With so many key players (and competitors) sitting around one big table, what wouldn’t you give to be a fly on the wall during those meetings? For a little extra insight, just hop the break for the full PR.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc. Gadgets, Wireless
Google, PayPal, VeriFone and US carriers band together to form Mobile Payments Committee originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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