Apple recently announced "Tap to Pay" - a feature that enables iPhone users to exchange money by tapping their phones together. This function works via the NFC (near field communication) chip, which enables short-range, wireless communication between two devices.
This effectively makes the iPhone a point-of-sale terminal, meaning it can be used to pay for goods and services - similar to contactless transactions made via Apple Pay, but without the need for a card machine. Users will be able to pay via Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard, etc.
This product will put Apple in direct competition with Block (previously Square), who's equipment has been making waves in the payment space for small businesses in recent years - think of the tiny white card readers in shops and restaurants. Block's share price dropped after Apple's announcement. Still, two very strong companies have in your investment portfolio in our opinion🚀
Tap to Pay will be available in the US initially. Stripe will be the first payment operator to be compatible with the platform, suggesting it will be integrated into Shopify stores - like ours! That being said, Apple are notoriously slow at rolling out new features to the rest of the world, so this might not be available in the UK for years.
As is always the primary limitation of Apple products; it's their restrictive programming and incompatibility with third party software. Companies such as MagicCube rely on open payment solutions, meaning their programs require authorised access to Apple's NFC chip. The efficacy of these payment systems, and the propensity of businesses and individuals to adopt them, will be slowed if Apple restrict access to third parties. Imagine running a shop, and using a payment system that only accepts Apple or Android. That's no good is it. Thanks for reading!
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"Oh now you're asking... It's a normal size, about 6 or 7 years old, not an expensive one. I don't use it that much really - just basic stuff; Facebook, shopping, and a few apps."
"There's a model number printed on the back starting with A."
"Oh, let me just get it out the case."
*6 minutes later*
"Nope, no number, just an Apple logo."
"Keep looking..."
"I'm telling you there's no- ah I found it. Wow, that's so small. Let me just get my glasses."
*7 minutes later*
"It's a designed by Apple in California, assembled in China, A1822"
"Great, that's it. What's wrong with it?"
"It's not working."
"..........."
"How long do you think it will take?"
"Sorry we've got another call coming in, just a sec..."
"Hello, this is Talkback."
"Hi. How much to fix an iPhone?"
All part of the fun.
Call us for a repair quote: 01275 390447
Thanks for reading!
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Ah Valentines Day... A 1700 year old pagan tradition that commemorates the death of a Christian Saint. The one day out the year that you can unashamedly uncover your inner romantic by allocating time and money to prove your appreciation for someone.
Whether you and your beloved are enjoying a nice Italian dinner in the city, or just grabbing a coffee together on your lunch break, there's one simple hack that scientists have discovered that will enrich your experience and enhance your connection with your partner: In-person communication and connection is greatly enhanced by the absence of screens.
There's nothing worse than than making plans with people that won't give you their attention because they're lost in their phone. You don't have to catch up on every post, or photograph, filter, edit, caption and post every dish or drink as it arrives. Your food is getting cold, and your dates patience is becoming thin. #DinnerDate#LiveLaughLove
As Saint Valentine himself once famously said, "put your damn phone away for 5 minutes will you".
Here's 3 things you can try:
> Make a rule that neither of you can use your phone during a meal.
> Utilise "Do Not Disturb" or "Focus Mode" on your phone, so that you can silence all notifications other than emergency calls.
> If out for a meal with a group of friends, put all of your phones face down on the table. The first person to grab their phone has to pay the bill. This can be a nightmare if someone spills a drink, but luckily your local Talkback Comms specialises in liquid damage repair.
Or perhaps your appetite vastly exceeds your charm and social skills, so you (I) single-handedly (and quite happily) take advantage of the 2 Dine For £15 deal at Sainsburys, (there's no way that cheesecake serves 2 anyway) - in which case the phone, laptop and TV can all run simultaneously in a glutinous sensory overload.
Thanks for reading!
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The UK is ramping up the cost of living, ruthlessly. Inflation is soaring across the world, but it seems like we are being hit from all angles. The cap on energy costs is about to be increased. The government are increasing taxes, and interest rates could follow. And food and fuel prices - well...
Economically, we are just starting to really feel the effects of Covid and Brexit, which have squeezed the supply of goods and labour. The government did dig pretty deep to support us during the pandemic, and are looking to repair the damage quickly.
Honestly, it's bleak and concerning times for a lot of people, households, and businesses.
Usually, tough economic times cause an increase in demand for repair, and a correlative decrease in demand for new products and luxury goods, as people seek to cut unnecessary costs. This is the case for electronics, utilities, transport, fashion etc.
For us, this might look like an increase in people getting their batteries replaced, rather than upgrading their phone, tablet or laptop. We'd also expect to see an increase in demand for £200 devices - iPhone 7's & 8's, and Samsung Galaxy A-range phones, but a decrease in demand for £400 devices - iPhone 11's and Samsung Galaxy S-range phones.
Most technological gains at the consumer level are pretty marginal year-to-year. In our opinion, most if not all devices released since 2016; by one of the major manufacturers, is sufficient and capable for the vast majority of users. Hence, we continue to aim to extend the product life cycle, for its environmental and economic benefits.
Thanks for reading!
See Our Blog for the latest industry news, tech tips, company updates, and anything else we feel like writing about.
