Benjamin Vigier, a Near Field Communications (NFC) expert, has recently joined Apple as their Product Manager for Mobile Commerce. This move could indicate that Apple is looking to step into allowing the iPhone to be used as a mobile wallet, a significant step forward in the realm of mobile payments and digital transactions.
Together with a number of patents, all NFC-related, recently filed by Apple, this development adds weight to the speculation that Apple is gearing up to revolutionize the way we use our smartphones for financial transactions.
The Expertise of Benjamin Vigier
Most recently, Vigier was the product manager for mobile wallet, payment, and NFC at US mobile payments specialist mFoundry. There, he conceived and managed both the PayPal Mobile service and Starbucks’ barcode-based mobile payments service. He was also responsible for the development of mobile wallet applications for two top US mobile network operators and an NFC wallet application for a top three US bank.
Vigier’s extensive experience in the field of mobile payments and NFC technology makes him a valuable asset to Apple. His work at mFoundry demonstrates his ability to innovate and manage complex projects that integrate seamlessly into everyday consumer experiences. For instance, the Starbucks mobile payment system allows customers to pay for their coffee with a simple scan of a barcode, streamlining the transaction process and enhancing customer convenience.
Potential Implications for Apple’s Future
Of course, Apple hasn’t released any information as to exactly what Benjamin Vigier will be working on at Apple. However, together with the patents, it will be interesting to see what commercial products become reality from Apple. The integration of NFC technology into the iPhone could open up a myriad of possibilities, from contactless payments to secure access control and beyond.
One potential application could be the enhancement of Apple Pay, Apple’s existing mobile payment service. With Vigier’s expertise, Apple Pay could evolve to include more advanced features such as peer-to-peer payments, loyalty program integration, and even broader acceptance across various retail and service industries. Additionally, NFC technology could be used to improve the security of transactions, making it even more difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or manipulate payment data.
Moreover, the use of NFC could extend beyond payments. For example, NFC-enabled iPhones could be used for secure access to buildings, public transportation systems, and even personal vehicles. This would not only increase the utility of the iPhone but also position Apple as a leader in the burgeoning field of IoT (Internet of Things) and smart technology.
The hiring of Benjamin Vigier and the recent NFC-related patents filed by Apple suggest that the company is poised to make significant advancements in mobile commerce. While the specifics of Vigier’s role at Apple remain under wraps, his track record and expertise indicate that exciting developments are on the horizon. As Apple continues to innovate, consumers can look forward to more seamless, secure, and convenient ways to manage their financial transactions and interact with the world around them.
Via Macrumours
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