Sure you want a ‘Pass’?
Apple’s latest technology called the PASSBOOK, an app which is specifically designed for the iOS 6 users to make use of store coupons, boarding passes, movie tickets or passes of any other kind to make payments or get discounts, is now moving next level by upgrading the technology.
Information has it that Apple intends on creating a computer readable storage medium to receive and redeem coupons.
Incorporating Near-field Communication or NFC, gives the pre-existing technology an upper hand by allowing users to receive location based or relevant information on passes or gift cards, that is, users simply walk into a store and get to make informed decisions for their purchase. The store employee can scan the 2D bar code and allow the discounted payment to be done.
This new app is also time sensitive, hence it can be programmed to present itself, when we need it, as in the case of movie tickets or boarding passes. It is very specific to the point that it gives details on which platform you board or which screen your movie runs in.
The most important and interesting aspect of this app is that it keeps giving alerts on details of coupon expiry which indeed is necessary for the shoppers. Passes can be updated using the Apple Push Notification Service from the pass provider, or manually done by the users. This makes the job of retailers simple, as well.
One negative aspect remains that it cannot be incorporated in iPads.
So all you proud owners of an Apple iPhone with iOS 6 or later, don’t miss out on shopping because you don’t have enough time to collect physical coupons or passes, the Passbook will remind you to stop by the beauty aisle.
Abhiraami Kannan Iyer
