4 ms·

Well, as a happy Google Wallet user, I'm more than happy to take my business to Walgreens, instead. Apple's marketing engine is one of the best in the world. I

by cheald 12y ago

Well, as a happy Google Wallet user, I'm more than happy to take my business to Walgreens, instead. Apple's marketing engine is one of the best in the world. It seems borderline suicidal to go up against them by intentionally hamstringing a new iPhone feature in order to promote an inferior alternative when people have an easy alternative. Google Wallet I could understand - it's been woefully underpromoted, and carrier shenanigans have really stood in the way of adoption, but Apple drives adoption like nobody else - I was excited for Apple Pay specifically because I expected it to drive the adoption of NFC at more retailers (which means more Google Wallet support for me!) I wonder who greenlit this thing.

rtpg 12y ago
Like you, I'm super glad that Apple Pay is using the same underlying standard as Google Wallet (now all I need is a good Android phone with something Touch ID-esque). The greenlighting probably came from the entire Business Intelligence department of these retailers who are going to lose the names of the people they're recording. If everyone went to NFC tomorrow loads of people will have to find new ways to do their jobs (ironically Apple is also pushing iBeacon for tracking consumers, so the solution is already there really).
- cheald 12y ago
  > going to lose the names of the people they're recording. I just don't buy this. Loyalty cards are a thing specifically because they give those retailers customer information and associated purchase histories completely independent of payment method. Crank a few prices up and "reduce" them with a swipe of the loyalty card and you've got all the data you need.
  - rtpg 12y ago
    loyalty cards give them the right to spam you with ads (through snail mail) as well though. I'm not saying this is a right action, but this is one thing they lose. I don't know about adoption rates of loyalty cards at stores in the US.

by cheald 12y ago

rtpg 12y ago

Like you, I'm super glad that Apple Pay is using the same underlying standard as Google Wallet (now all I need is a good Android phone with something Touch ID-esque). The greenlighting probably came from the entire Business Intelligence department of these retailers who are going to lose the names of the people they're recording. If everyone went to NFC tomorrow loads of people will have to find new ways to do their jobs (ironically Apple is also pushing iBeacon for tracking consumers, so the solution is already there really).

cheald 12y ago
> going to lose the names of the people they're recording. I just don't buy this. Loyalty cards are a thing specifically because they give those retailers customer information and associated purchase histories completely independent of payment method. Crank a few prices up and "reduce" them with a swipe of the loyalty card and you've got all the data you need.
- rtpg 12y ago
  loyalty cards give them the right to spam you with ads (through snail mail) as well though. I'm not saying this is a right action, but this is one thing they lose. I don't know about adoption rates of loyalty cards at stores in the US.