Sci/Tech Retailers disabling NFC readers to shut out Apple Pay; Android/iPhone/Win users rallying to protest

[tom_mai78101]

There's a lot of hype around Apple Pay right now, but not everyone is on board with the new mobile payments system. In fact, a significant number of merchants, including heavyweights like Walmart, Kmart, 7-Eleven, and Best Buy, are in outright competition with Apple Pay. The retailers, through a joint venture formed in 2012, are building their own mobile payment app, called CurrentC. It's expected to launch next year. In the meantime, these retailers have no intention to support Apple Pay.

Following Apple's announcement last month, both Wal-Mart and Best Buy confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that customers would not be able to use the system in their stores. Earlier this week, a leaked internal memo from Rite Aid revealed that the drug store chain was modifying or disabling its NFC readers, preventing access to Apple Pay (and other systems, like Google Wallet and wireless carrier-backed SoftCard, which also depend on the contact-less technology). A representative later confirmed the news to iMore. Today, CVS followed suit and shut out Apple Pay, according to reports. Both will support CurrentC on launch next year. The companies have not immediately returned requests for comment.

Controversial debate here. (A thread merged by /r/apple, /r/android, and /r/windowsphone)

Read more here. (The Verge)

 

[Accname]

I dont even know what you are talking about.

 

[Varine]

The fuck kind of war is this? Over how to pay?

 

[Slapshot136]

CurrentC is quite more intrusive as far as information.. they ask for a person's social security number AND drivers license.. vs just a credit card/address for the others, I hope it gets shut down

 

[Varine]

Why would that get shut down? Welcome to the digital age bitch - privacy is for the criminals.

So are opinions.

 

[tom_mai78101]

Why would that get shut down? Welcome to the digital age bitch - privacy is for the criminals.

So are opinions.

And the hivemind of course.

 

[Varine]

Only if you don't have the proper licenses.

 

[The Helper]

Will use none of this stuff. I let them track me the old fashioned way - through my debit card. Frack the thumbprint stuff. Everyone wants your information now - such big money in it.