Google Wallet faces competition from the payment big-boys!

1-year ago all the discussion around mobile payments centred with Google and their vision for wallet-less payments. A year on and as with all things technology, the landscape has evolved incredibly quickly. 

Paypal has been the first to bring out a rival to NFC technology, the power behind both Google & Vodafone's concepts. With Paypal you wouldn't need anything tangible to complete the transaction, not even your phone. Simply your phone number and PayPal PIN. Alternatively you could pay with your PayPal card. Currently in early trials in the states this will likely have a higher uptake than the other solutions because NFC technology is not widespread yet. 

However! That might be about to change as rumours fuel the message boards with talk of an NFC enabled iPhone 5 this year! Coupled with Vodafone's clear intention to join the NFC party with payment heavyweights, Visa this will be a competitive marketplace from the outset. The partnership between the 2 is fresh and full details on their intentions are scarce but it is likely they will attempt to rival Google directly and with such a large and globally trusted payment provider in tow, there is every chance Vodafone could give the own-branded Wallet of Google a real run. Particularly as even following testing the only major supplier to climb on board with Google is Citibank. 

So while we all wait until Apple tell us what our technology can do in 6 months, we'll have to wait and see if the 350 million-strong user base of Paypal can compete with payment giants like Visa and innovation guru's like Google. Personally I think Vodafone's scoop of Visa as a partner will prove a master-stroke and may leave Google dwindling in their shadow. Something that they are increasingly growing used to these days. 

Watch this space, because how we buy things is about to experience a huge change!

Save the Children ask People to 'Name a Day' in March

Save the Children have launched a new campaign 'Name a Day' for March. This new awareness drive is an interactive way for the public to help spread the word about the current global food crisis. In response Save the Children want David Cameron himself  to name a day announcing a date for a 'World Hunger Summit'.

When one 'Names a Day' they will be contacted on that day with 5 simple actions such as tweeting, cooking etc, they then choose one to perform on that day which in turn will create awareness and as a result hopefully encourage David Cameron to 'Name a Day'. So far 4839 people have entered, however Save the Children are hoping that this number increases further.

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/name-a-day

NSPCC Raising Money for ChildLine with The Gherkin Challenge

On Sunday 4th March for the third year running NSPCC will be once again holding their Step Change 2012 event, otherwise known as The Gherkin Challenge. This challenge involves all entrants climbing '38 floors, 1,037 steps and 180 meters straight up'! This gruelling task is all in aid of ChildLine, NSPCC are hoping to raise money for this service as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

All 'Gherkineers' will enjoy a glass of champagne when they reach the summit alongside the breathtaking views. They are also offering a 'champagne lift pass' for all those wishing to take a more leisurely journey to the top of the gherkin!

To read more about the event: http://step.nspcc.org.uk/#home

Save the Children Launch Campaign for Children in Niger

Save the Children are acting upon an early warning system which predicts that 6 million people will be succumbed to food shortages. The instability in the region has meant that Niger can not rely on cross border trade to curb these looming shortages.

This early response campaign is hoping to reach 1.3 million people this coming year helping to provide them with food, water and medicine.

To read more: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/what-we-do/emergencies/niger-appeal