We recently saw a whole batch of great innovations while we were covering the RetailTech 2010 conference for a client. Over the next few days we are going to introduce a selection for you all on this blog.
These days we are weighed down by our numerous e-money IC cards, and it can be hard to keep track how much you have charged on which one. Enter the Relet, a device that quickly tells you how much money you have when you touch it to your card.
While it might not look so sophisticated (though you can mask the device with a choice of four special leather or plastic cases), the makers sensibly have made it compatible with all of the multitude of e-money IC cards in Japan (Waon, Pasmo, Suica, Nanaco, Edy etc), so whatever one you use you can always find out the charge remaining.
It is actually a little bit bulky and the idea of carrying one around might be off-putting for some consumers. However, we suspect it won’t be too long before this technology is integrated directly into your wallet or bag.
On sale from April 1, the Relet is priced a rather high 8,379 JPY ($90), plus extra for the cases, and the makers hope to shift 25,000 units in the first year.
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