Payments in the CES Spotlight

Electronic payments are stealing the show at this year’s CES, and partnerships are driving innovation.

Health-conscious consumers will soon be able to use their Atlas, Moov, and Omate wearable devices not just for counting steps, but also for making purchases. MasterCard announced a partnership with Coin to bring payments to fitness trackers; fitness-tracking devices have enjoyed widespread adoption, and with the added payments incentive, look for even more consumers to jump on the trend.

Payments are also taking a fashion-forward step: the Samsung Gear S2, already noted as one of the sharpest looking smartwatches on the market, will soon be offered in chic new finishes: rose gold and platinum. Samsung also confirmed that Samsung Pay will be available to U.S. consumers early this year, and announced that Gear S2 / iOS compatibility will come to market later in 2016.

Wearables aren’t the only way payments are staying cool and fresh — Samsung and MasterCard announced a new service called “Groceries by MasterCard,” which will enable consumers to order groceries directly from their Samsung Family Hub Smart Refrigerators. Betty DeVita, Chief Commercial Officer of MasterCard Labs, said, “we’re developing compelling, safe and seamless commerce experiences for consumers across channels and devices as we continue to eliminate the boundaries between how we shop and how we pay.” Users will shop partnering grocers FreshDirect or ShopRite, and orders will be delivered directly to their doorsteps. In addition to from-fridge payments, a companion smartphone app will allow users to add items to the family grocery list from any location.

Another innovation focused on seamless living is Neura, the smartphone software integrating machine that works to create a “map of your life,” while providing smart notifications helpful to the user throughout the day. Creator Gilad Meiri touts the concept as an alternative to a Google-style data collection, instead granting consumers ownership of their data and empowering them to transform the information into a form that they can opt to sell back to companies. Meiri said of the technology, “we facilitate transactions, and our currency is your digital identity.”

Expect the launch of more exciting and innovative electronic payments technologies live from the TRANSACT 16 show floor, April 19-21.

For media inquires, contact Meghan Cieslak, 202-677-7406, [email protected].

About ETA
The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the global trade association representing more than 550 payments and technology companies. ETA members make commerce possible by processing more than $5 trillion in purchases in the U.S. and deploying payments innovations to merchants and consumers. For more information visit www.electran.org.