Apple seems to be on the move lately. Not only are they expected to announce their iPhone 6 and/or iWatch (don’t hold me to that; that’s just what I’m hearing), but their coming up with a new mobile payment system. Two major shopping chains have linked up with them.
Pharmacy store kings CVS and Walgreens are expected to accept the iPhone payment system. Keep in mind there are over 15,000 of these stores. Keep in mind how often people go there not only for prescriptions, but for groceries, cosmetics, magazines, snacks, toiletries, household items. Many of it’s customers come by several times a week, especially if it’s in their neighborhoods. Walgreens and CVS aren’t talking (I think I know why). But soon, iPhone users can tap this app at checkout terminals using an NFC system. No, that’s not the National Football Conference. I’m talking about near field communication, technology allowing payment transfers form your phone to a store’s check out counter. This technology could even include fingerprint technology for added security.
So this is a great thing, right? Three major companies coming together to make life a little easier, right? Not so fast. So far, not too many Americans have embraced NFC technology. Look at what a flop Google Wallet is turning into. And there’s the celebrity hacking story that’s keeping people further on edge when it comes it this kind of technology. Like I said before, I don’t know what’s going to be said on September 9. This merger of sorts may or may not even be brought up. Maybe they’re talking about this technical opportunity to get people’s mind off the recent scandal. One must admit, this is an opportune time to do so.? So Apple, CVS and Walgreens better make a good, compelling story to the American consumers if they want this experiment to work. Will it?