Tulsa World, Okla., Bits & Bytes column

Source: Tulsa World, Okla.迷你倉Oct. 20--It's been 2 1/2 years since Google announced that people could pay for things just by tapping their smartphones.Google Wallet uses a special chip for NFC (near-field communications) to allow specially equipped smartphones to instantly communicate with a payment machine to make an instant transaction.Google's idea sounded great on paper. So why aren't we using it?There have been several major impediments. The biggest, as far as Tulsa is concerned, is the lack of stores using it.Google's service uses MasterCard's PayPass system, and a search of PayPass locations pulls up just a few locations -- McDonald's, Braum's, Taco Bueno, Kum & Go and a smattering of others in the same vein. The list is so limited it's easy to forget paying with a tap is even an option.For many, it's not an option at all.Right now, just 17 basic models of smartphones have NFC chips, including many in the Samsung Galaxy line, the Moto X and the HTC One. There are popular sellers in the list, but it's far from the majority of the market, especially without the iPhone.Finally, there has been a lack of a real push to use the service. Google's M.O. on its non-web services is to release a product, hope other companies think it's great and help them evangelize it.That strategy has worked great on Android smartphones, but it's been less effective with retailers that don't have to install pricey new equipment to keep selling things.The smartphone carriers have been silent about Google Wallet's NFC's capabilities, probably because it doesn't earn them any money.AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have entered into a rare partnership to launch Isis, their own NFC payment system. It just launched nationwide, and they're giving away free Jamba Juice smoothies to try to get people to use it. Tulsa's Jamba Juices are on board with the offer.Fruit drinks are great, though competing standards are never a great way to get new tech off the ground.Fred Menge of Magnir, a Tulsa digital forensics company, suspects people may also be worried about security. Tapping to pay is a new method, and people may fear that opens up way文件倉 to steal your information.Menge said that because one of the NFC requirements is to store your information locally rather than in the cloud, there aren't any glaring security concerns about paying, at least not yet.He also said that NFC payments have taken off in other parts of the world, specifically Japan and South Korea.Will it take off here?I think people are going to need some convincing. It'll probably take a big marketing push by one of the services, more NFC-capable smartphones and more retailers willing to play the game before you'll see many people trading swipes for taps.App of the Week: launch Center Pro (iOS)The Launch Center in iOS 7 is a great idea and a handy tool. Launch Center Pro takes the concept further by allowing you to create your own space and access apps and begin tasks much faster than before.Launch Center Pro can keep task icons on the main screen or put them in groups, which allows you to tap and glide to them quickly. Any app or function can be put in Launch Center Pro, or you can create an action such as start composing an email to a specific contact, send a file to Dropbox or post the last picture you took to Twitter.The price is a little steep, but it's worth it.Contrast, $4.99?? Suggest an app for App of the Week at robert.evatt@tulsaworld.comRumors about new iPad abound ahead of Apple's event TuesdayApple's event Tuesday will no doubt unleash new iPads on the world.What's the rumor mill like this time? Strong indications are the iPad Mini will get a higher-resolution display, though it might gain a tiny amount of weight to accommodate the beefier battery needed to power those visuals.The original iPad might actually lose weight and thickness, according to the ever-reliable leaks from Chinese suppliers, and get a fingerprint sensor and have silver or gold backs.Hey, it worked for the new iPhone.Follow us on TwitterFollow @RobertEvatt to get the latest tech news and insight from World technology writer Robert Evatt.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) Visit Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) at .tulsaworld.com Distributed by MCT Information Services存倉