Forget your Wallet: Pay with your Phone
Bling Nation is a start up with bold ambitions. They are attempting to change the way we pay for everyday transactions. The service links to PayPal through a small sticker called a ‘BingTag’ that can be easily attached to your cell phone. At participating retailers, the cashier enters the total and your phone number. You then simply tap your cell phone to the Bing sensor and the transaction automatically deducts from your PayPal account. Nearly immediately you are notified by text message with a receipt for the transaction.
Now available in San Fransisco and the surrounding Bay Area, the service is beginning an expansion to cities nationwide in the coming months. The tag uses NFC technology, Near Field Communication, which uses a small chip, held beneath the adhesive of the sticker to verify the transaction. The service has special features such as allowing retailers to have loyalty points programs that replace the old punch cards. Furthermore, the service can link with your Facebook and Foursquare. Besides announcing your location, the feature will allow retailers to further connect with customers.
Perhaps the best feature of Bling is that it is so easy to get started. Tags can be picked up for free at participating retailers and can be set up in minutes.
-Ben Albright