Mobile payments

Mass transit usage cratered during the coronavirus pandemic, but there’s signs of recovery based on how people are paying for their fares.

While the use of behavioral biometrics such as keystroke patterns has become commonplace for web-based security, this has less applicability to mobile commerce given the different form factor and interface of a smartphone, says Incognia's André Ferraz.

The coronavirus pandemic has generated more interest in pay-at-the-pump apps, a growing segment of the payments industry that may not have grown fast enough to be ready for the sudden surge of interest in contactless payments.

Called the Dash Cart, Amazon’s new device uses a mix of cameras and sensors to identify items placed inside it — harnessing the power of its Amazon Go convenience stores in something much more portable.

Traditionally, consumers take summer vacations to recharge from the hustle and bustle of daily life, as well as to reconnect with families and friends, before moving on to the next phase of their lives such as the restart of schools or going back to work – but not this year.

Mobile payments provider Judopay is partnering with marketing specialist Thyngs to provide touch-free payments for pubs and restaurants that just reopened in the U.K.

The technology addresses both security and hygiene concerns, says Fingerprints' Lina Andolf-Orup.

COVID-19 has been a major accelerator in the shift to digital for most of us; how we take classes, do our jobs, connect with friends, and definitely how we shop, says PPRO's James Booth.

Amazon's Dash devices were an early, blunt take on the internet of things. But over the years Amazon has gradually phased out its Dash product line in favor of voice-based Alexa shopping and other alternatives.

It's not enough to just get rid of cash or go contactless. There's an entire experience to consider, says Tappit's Jason Thomas.