So, you don’t have a smartwatch yet. But, the Apple and Samsung NFC-based payment systems look and sound so easy. Just tap a phone or smartwatch to the designated card reader or terminal and voilà! Payment made.
Don’t be down about it! A new Sydney startup, dubbed “Inamo” has developed the Curl, a waterproof wearable containing a prepaid NFC chip that can bring tap-and-go payments to any regular watch, fitness tracker or even jewelry.
The wristworn device has a rubber case to keep water away from the NFC chip embedded inside, and two flexible loops attach the Curl to the band of whatever you’re wearing—a watch, fitness tracker, bracelet, keyring, etc. Going on a tropical vaca for the holidays? Since it’s waterproof, you can wear it in the pool or ocean without worrying about whether or not your wallet is safe back on dry land.
Your funds are added through an app or online account, and the Curl acts just like a debit card when you pay. The device is enabled by your typical NFC system, allowing the user to hold the device over a machine that accepts VISA Paywave for an instant transaction.
Want more added security? No problem! You also have the option to require a PIN to authorize purchases over $100. Much like your debit and credit cards, if your Curl is lost or stolen, you can lock and/or cancel the account to ensure no one is using it to make unauthorized purchases. In addition, you can use your account to make online purchases via the 16-digit account number and three-digit security code.
Inamo plans to extend Curls functionality over the next 18 months, integrating it into public transportation systems, building access, festival tickets, and gym memberships. And, although it works with VISA Paywave, Curl preorders are currently only available to residents of Australia! The device will cost AU$20, plus a regular monthly account fee of $5 (ouch!). Shipments of the Curl will begin in January 2017.
Filed Under: M2M (machine to machine)