And by trannys I mean transactions. Like for everyday items.
Yes, this exists in more forward thinking places like Japan and Europe, but we need it here, too.
The Trib had an article about how the RTA is thinking about implementing it. That means that you can swipe your card at a sensor that automatically deducts money from your account securely. Meaning you don’t have to have a card, a paper ticket, paper money, or anything to use the train. Just your phone! yay!
Just imagine if this was implemented anywhere. Forget your wallet? Who cares…you can hit up Starbies with your celly, get that frappucino and be on the bus going to the movies, all paid for with your phone. Your phone becomes even more of a all-in-once device, keeping track of texts, calls, emails, GPS, appointments, music, and now your cash.
I really like this idea but it’s not without its potential pitfalls. It only works in a few types of phones, first of all. So manufacturers will have to see a demand/need for this type of technology before they’re all on board to build them in automatically into phones. Secondly, what happens when you lose your phone? Or run out of batteries (happens a lot with an iPhone or android phone!)? How do we accomodate those who cannot afford or do not have the technology to use these types of devices?
Clearly these are speedbumps on a fast track to greater integrating our devices into an automated society. If more companies in the US can get on board with 2D codes we will truly have one device for everything.
