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Sony takes on Face ID
Apple's Face ID came about as a way to improve upon the authentication provided by fingerprint sensors, and it's not alone. Sony plans to increase production of the chips that power 3D cameras for facial recognition,
Sony's approach is different from Apple's, which maps users' faces with a grid of unseen dots, the article states. In Sony's version, the tech uses laser pulses that mimic the process of echolocation. This improves accuracy and the distance at which the tech works, according to Sony.
Ultimately this tech could replace fingerprint ID for payment authentication, as smartphone makers look for ways to remove fingerprint sensors, headphone jacks, and any other tech in the pursuit of creating an all-screen device.
Handy hackers
Vein authentication is often marketed as more secure than fingerprint authentication, since it looks more than skin deep to identify a user's unique traits. But even this can be spoofed.
A method demonstrated at Germany’s annual Chaos Communication Congress used wax hands to trick biometric scanners made by Hitachi and Fujitsu,
Vein authentication isn't used in any consumer smartphones, The Verge notes, but the same research team compromised Apple's Touch ID back in 2013.
Funneling data to Facebook
Many of the most popular Android apps are sending information to Facebook without requesting users' permission first,
The apps include Kayak, Skyscanner, TripAdvisor and MyFitnessPal (an Under Armour app that was
Even if that information can't be used for identity theft or payment fraud, it might run afoul of Europe's GDPR rules, the article notes.
Swift adoption
NBK's footprint includes most of the Middle East, and it will join a global network that includes about 300 banks, which can execute cross-border transactions in a few seconds. The bank also recently began supporting
Swift has set a goal of universal adoption of GPI by the end of 2020, which would require the participation of about 10,000 banks.
From the Web
Reuters | Wed January 2, 2018 - Large financial institutions including JP Morgan Chase & Co, Citigroup Inc, and American Express Co are cutting back or altering some of the rewards plans that their credit card businesses offer borrowers. The financial institutions don’t plan to end rewards entirely, but want to alter them in ways that boost credit card usage and reduce upfront rewards bonuses, people familiar with the matter said.
CNBC | Tue January 1, 2018 - In any competition, there are winners and losers. And among retailers competing for customers, the winners of 2018 beat their rivals by providing faster delivery, better online and mobile shopping options, and the trendiest products.
finews.asia | Wed January 2, 2018 - As the use of cash dwindles in China, the authorities are now stepping up pressure for retailers to accept cash. China's retailers must accept cash, even though many of their customers choose to pay via Alipay, WeChat Pay or other popular third-party payment apps.
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Poni Card has signed up some big-name U.S. and Mexican partners for its remittance service enabling unbanked recipients to withdraw funds at any Mexican ATM. The U.S. fintech hopes its service will help encourage financial inclusion in Mexico, where 65 percent of the population is in the informal economy.
