Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PayPal and Softbank announce new joint venture in Japan, mobile app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/paypal-softbank-joint-venture-japan-paypale-here/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/paypal-softbank-joint-venture-japan-paypale-here/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/paypal-softbank-joint-venture-japan-paypale-here/#comments Image

PayPal has joined forces with Softbank to bring its mobile payment system / digital wallet to Japan. PayPal Here uses an encrypted card reader -- like its BFF Square, and more recently, VeriFone -- to minimize users' cash dependency. There's also a redesigned app that makes it easier for customers to locate participating merchants while they're out and about. The $25 million joint venture targets small businesses, especially those using iPhones (though it also works just fine on Android), and will be made available to the Japanese masses over the next several weeks. We're sure the setup will be used exclusively by the forces of good to stimulate the local economy.

PayPal and Softbank announce new joint venture in Japan, mobile app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VeriFone has decided that calling out claimed security holes and focusing on enterprise-level payment options aren't enough to take on Square. Sail goes more directly for Square's jugular, using its own plug-in dongle to handle major credit card payments in your local coffee shop or a mid-sized outlet. The VeriFone party trick comes through having multiple payment options, where shopkeeps can either choose to pay a flat 2.7 percent cut of every sale, or shell out a $10 monthly fee to lower the transactional take to 1.95 percent. Programming interfaces will let you hook in deals from social networks, too. And as you might expect, the company is still keen to tie Sail to its traditional payment systems, opening the door to NFC readers as well as other payment hardware that isn't quite as mobile. Stores with iPhones will be the only ones using the free Sail mobile apps and readers at first, but Android- and iPad-toting entrepreneurs will have their alternative to Square or PayPal Here as soon as the end of May.

VeriFone outs Sail mobile payment system, gives Square the evil eye originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappscommercehereIOSipadiphonemobile appmobile appsmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobileAppMobileAppsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsmobilepostcrossnear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationNFCpaypalpaypal herePaypalHerereadersailsquareterminalverifoneTue, 08 May 2012 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Square gets a few more Chinese clones, Jack Dorsey may or may not be flattered]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/square-chinese-clones/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/square-chinese-clones/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/square-chinese-clones/#comments Never mind what PayPal has just unveiled today -- look at these mobile phone credit card readers from China instead. If you ask Square CEO Jack Dorsey, we're sure he'll have to a thing or two to say about these familiar-looking dongles (and not to mention the various weibo microblogging services that were inspired by Jack's Twitter platform). Coincidentally, all three of these pictures above showed up on Sina Weibo earlier today, albeit from different accounts with very little detail in each post -- we'd like to think they're trying to make a point one after the other. So who's behind these little plastic bricks from the Far East?

Starting from the left (courtesy of Xiaomi Vice President Li Wanqiang) we have Lakala, a well-known Chinese payment service provider whose POS terminals are featured in major supermarkets and convenience stores. We spoke to the company's CEO Sun Taoran who assured us that this is a booming business in China, as credit cards are more popular than you'd expect these days (most large eateries, supermarkets and even karaoke bars in domestic cities will happily accept them); and of course, he'd certainly want a slice of that massive smartphone pie over there. The Beijing-based company also said its dongle will function even without a phone client installed, but it wouldn't further elaborate at this point. Expect to see Lakala's product launch in May.

Continue reading Square gets a few more Chinese clones, Jack Dorsey may or may not be flattered

Square gets a few more Chinese clones, Jack Dorsey may or may not be flattered originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>99billchinacredit cardcredit card readerCreditCardCreditCardReaderiBoxPaylakalamobile card readermobile paymentMobileCardReaderMobilePaymentmobilepostcrossmoneypaymentpoint of salePointOfSalePOSQianDaiPaysmartphonesquareswipeunionpayYeahKaThu, 15 Mar 2012 17:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Square takes on New York taxis with new iPad-based payment system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/square-takes-on-new-york-taxis-with-new-ipad-based-payment-syste/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/square-takes-on-new-york-taxis-with-new-ipad-based-payment-syste/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/square-takes-on-new-york-taxis-with-new-ipad-based-payment-syste/#comments
Anyone who finds themselves in a New York taxi over the next few weeks stands a slim chance of getting their hands on Square's latest experiment. As The New York Times reports, the company will soon begin rolling out the first phase of its new mobile payment system for taxis, which will see 30 cabs equipped with an iPad encased in a metal housing that also includes a credit card reader. That will let folks swipe their card, sign their name on the screen with their finger, and then receive a receipt on their phone either by text or email; taxi drivers are also able to interact with the system, dubbed "Checker," using their own iPhone app. Unfortunately, details beyond that initial roll out remain a bit light, although Square is happy to point out that the system is completely silent and offers no other distractions.

Square takes on New York taxis with new iPad-based payment system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabcabsmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynycsquaretaxitaxisTue, 06 Mar 2012 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Square's new Register app turns the iPad into a full-on point of sale terminal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/squares-new-register-app-turns-the-ipad-into-a-full-on-point-of/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/squares-new-register-app-turns-the-ipad-into-a-full-on-point-of/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/squares-new-register-app-turns-the-ipad-into-a-full-on-point-of/#comments Square's Register app turns the iPad into a full on point of sale terminalSquare continues to add functionality to its mobile payment platform, and the latest addition is its new Register app for iPad. The refresh brings a sleeker interface and greater Card Case integration along with analytics to break down sales by transaction type and chronology to track your business' performance. Additionally, you can set up custom permissions to limit employee access, create customer loyalty programs and there's an improved inventory system feature as well. Naturally, it still relies on Square's trusty card reader for swiping cards and charges 2.75 percent per transaction using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Small businessmen, your payment chariot awaits, so check out a video of the new Square Register in action after the break.

Continue reading Square's new Register app turns the iPad into a full-on point of sale terminal

Square's new Register app turns the iPad into a full-on point of sale terminal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile is throwing some of its weight behind the mobile payment movement this morning, becoming the first carrier to offer Square credit card readers to a handful of retail outlets. Under the company's new campaign, stores equipped with T-Mobile smartphones will be able to use Jack Dorsey's readers to finalize transactions from the comfort of their palms. This should come in handy for cash-only businesses, in particular, as T-Mobile emphasized in its announcement today. It's all part of the provider's lineup of small business offerings, though not every retailer will be involved at launch. To see the full list of Squared-up outlets, check out the source link below.

Continue reading T-Mobile brings Square to select small businesses, does the mobile payment thing

T-Mobile brings Square to select small businesses, does the mobile payment thing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscashcommerceconsumercredit cardcredit card readerCreditCardCreditCardReadercustomermobile paymentMobilePaymentmobilepostcrossmoneypaymentreadersmall businessSmallBusinesssquareT-MobiletransactionwalletTue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square's perimeter gets larger, now sold at UPS and OfficeMax locations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/square-officemax-ups-partnership-ios-mobile-payments/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/square-officemax-ups-partnership-ios-mobile-payments/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/square-officemax-ups-partnership-ios-mobile-payments/#commentsWhat's a company to do once it grabs a million merchants? Grab a million more, naturally. Following an online rollout and a wider spread to Apple Stores, Jack Dorsey's own Square is expanding to OfficeMax and UPS locations. A couple of months back, the outfit announced that it was handling some $11 million in payments per day (a wild increase from $4 million per day in July), and with the new agreements, Square payment devices are being sold at 10,000 retail locations. The hardware itself will sell for $9.99 in stores, but each buyer can redeem a $10 credit to their bank account. Beyond this? It's reportedly hoping to "upgrade the experience of running a business, end-to-end, on the iPad," with the outfit adding "in-depth merchant analytics to its iPad experience, allowing merchants to access information about which inventory is selling well, and what they can do to help make more money." Oh, and in case you couldn't guess, Square's also looking to staff up even more to tackle all of 2012's goals -- three cheers for job creation, yeah?

Square's perimeter gets larger, now sold at UPS and OfficeMax locations originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brick and mortarBrickAndMortarbusinesscard caseCardCaseexpansioniosjack dorseyJackDorseyminipostmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsofficemaxpaymentpaymentsretailsquaretransactionsupsSun, 08 Jan 2012 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Square ditches $1,000 per week limits, has 800,000 merchants processing $2 billion per year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/square-ditches-1-000-per-week-limits-has-800-000-merchants-pro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/square-ditches-1-000-per-week-limits-has-800-000-merchants-pro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/square-ditches-1-000-per-week-limits-has-800-000-merchants-pro/#comments Square Until now, when a merchant using Square racked up over $1,000 in payments in the course of a week, everything above that limit was held for a period of time, ranging from just a few hours up to a whole month. As of today, roughly a year and a half after the company's founding, that restriction has been lifted. Now all payments will be processed immediately and merchants will have access to the funds the next day. Square also announced that, in the year or so since it started offering its wares to the public, it has signed up 800,000 merchants who have processed over $2 billion in transactions. After ditching the $0.15 per-transaction charge and with the $1,000 per-week restriction limit lifted, we're sure those numbers will only increase in the year ahead.

Square ditches $1,000 per week limits, has 800,000 merchants processing $2 billion per year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit cardcredit cardsCreditCardCreditCardsiphonemobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsmobilepostcrosssquaresquare mobile payment systemSquareMobilePaymentSystemMon, 10 Oct 2011 23:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Square app update lets iOS users buy cookies on credit, sans signature]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/square-2-1-app-update-lets-ios-users-buy-cookies-on-credit-sans/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/square-2-1-app-update-lets-ios-users-buy-cookies-on-credit-sans/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/square-2-1-app-update-lets-ios-users-buy-cookies-on-credit-sans/#comments
Heads up, card swipers, because Square has just issued an update to its iOS credit card app. Version 2.1 brings enhanced transaction speeds and a streamlined tipping interface to iPhone and iPad users, along with added support for $0.00 price points. Plus, any purchases below $25 will no longer require a signature, meaning you can safely buy that latte while keeping human interaction to a bare minimum. If you're interested in making the jump, hit up the source link below.

[Thanks, Chris]

Square app update lets iOS users buy cookies on credit, sans signature originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.1appapplicationcredit cardCreditCardfinanceiosipadiphoneitunesmobile paymentMobilePaymentmobilepostcrossmoneypaymentpurchasesignaturesoftwaresquaresquare credit card readerSquareCreditCardReaderswipetiptippingupdateversion 2.1Version2.1Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[VeriFone's new Payware Mobile Enterprise for Tablets looks a little Square]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/verifones-new-payware-mobile-enterprise-for-tablets-looks-a-lit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/verifones-new-payware-mobile-enterprise-for-tablets-looks-a-lit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/verifones-new-payware-mobile-enterprise-for-tablets-looks-a-lit/#comments
VeriFone added a new wrinkle to its ongoing battle for mobile payment supremacy yesterday, with the announcement of Payware Mobile Enterprise for Tablets -- a peripheral that will allow retailers to process transactions directly from any slate. Much like the company's Payware Mobile system, VeriFone's latest product involves a magnetic card reader and accompanying app that can turn any iPad or Android tablet into a handheld checkout unit. Geared toward larger enterprises, the new device also supports PIN verification for debit cards and NFC payments, rendering it compatible with Google Wallet, though it likely won't see a widespread release until 2012. Perhaps more intriguing is what this move could mean for the company's notoriously heated rivalry with Square. By explicitly targeting bigger retailers, VeriFone seems to be distinguishing itself from the small business-focused Square, despite the fact that its new product looks a lot like one of Jack Dorsey's creations -- or, as some CEOs would call them, "skimming devices."

VeriFone's new Payware Mobile Enterprise for Tablets looks a little Square originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscommerceenterprisejack dorseyJackDorseymobile paymentMobilePaymentmoneypaywarepayware mobile enterprise for tabletsPaywareMobileEnterpriseForTabletsperipheralretailerrivalryskimming deviceSkimmingDevicesquaretabletverifoneThu, 30 Jun 2011 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[NetSecure Kudos Payments announced for Canada, is the half-circle to Square]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/netsecure-kudos-payments-announced-for-canada-is-the-half-circl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/netsecure-kudos-payments-announced-for-canada-is-the-half-circl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/netsecure-kudos-payments-announced-for-canada-is-the-half-circl/#comments Canada may be moving to polymer-based currency, but mobile payment services like Square -- which cater to classic plastic -- haven't yet taken time to trek to the Great White North. NetSecure is looking to offer similar convenience to the region with its new Kudos Payments service, which just so happens to ship with a shockingly curvy swiping dongle. Similar to Square, it creates a secure 'point of sale' without a hard-wired transaction terminal, and charges a slightly higher 2.9-percent fee to users' accounts for each exchange. Kudos has iOS, Android, and Blackberry apps to tap into the functionality and, even a version for Mac and PC -- in other words, you and yours should be suitably covered. Any roving entrepreneurs who are interested in the service will be able to snag the $49.99 kit free of charge from the company's website for a "limited time," which may or may not expire before Google decides to open its own Wallet a few miles kilometers north.

Continue reading NetSecure Kudos Payments announced for Canada, is the half-circle to Square

NetSecure Kudos Payments announced for Canada, is the half-circle to Square originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberrybusinesscanadacanadiancanadian dollarCanadianDollarcashcreditcredit cardcredit cardsCreditCardCreditCardsencryptionentrepenursentrepreneurgoogle walletGoogleWalletioskudoskudos paymentsKudosPaymentsmacmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsnet secureNetSecurenfcpcplasticpoint of salePointOfSalesmall businessSmallBusinesssmart swipeSmartSwipesoftwaresquareWed, 22 Jun 2011 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Register and Card Case hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/square-register-and-card-case-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/square-register-and-card-case-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/square-register-and-card-case-hands-on/#comments It looks like Square's little headphone jack-connected credit card reader has some company. The mobile payment startup introduced two new additions to its unique stable of payment options in San Francisco this morning that do away with credit cards, paper receipts, and even the bantam reader itself (to some degree). First up is the Square Register, an app that allows merchants to accept payments by way of the card reader or through a card-less (no, it's not NFC) tab -- like, "put it on my tab" -- system, and uses Google-style analytics to keep track of payments, receipts, and trends. The second announcement, the Square Card Case, is a virtual wallet that holds a series of "cards," each relating to a participating outlet, that let you put your purchases on the aforementioned tab. Each shop has its own virtual credit card, and enables shoppers to make and track purchases with a single click of a button. We got a chance to give the setup a try, and it's just about as simple as Square would have you believe.

To get started, you make a regular, Square-enabled purchase at a participating store, at which point a text-message receipt is sent to your phone that prompts you to install Card Case -- we skipped this step, as this was just a demo. Once set up, we were introduced to the Card Case, holding cards for the participating stores -- only 50 spots in five cities, for now -- and an "Explore Places" button that offers access to a directory of participating outlets. We selected a nearby cupcake stand, clicked "open tab" and picked our poison: a miniature red velvet cupcake, in this case. The merchant picked our name from a list of open tabs, charged the tiny treat to our card, and a receipt was promptly pushed our way. After the transaction was complete, we went back to the cupcake card in the Card Case, and there was the receipt. All in all it was a painless process, but, then, so is whipping out a real wallet to make a purchase. The new Square setup is available now at 50 different establishments in New York, LA, Saint Louis, San Francisco, and DC, and the company says it will curate the list of participating stores, much like Apple does apps.

Gallery: Square Register and Card Case hands-on

Filed under: ,

Square Register and Card Case hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscard casecard readerCardCaseCardReaderCredit cardcredit card paymentcredit card paymentscredit card readerCreditCardCreditCardPaymentCreditCardPaymentsCreditCardReaderdonglehands-oniphone credit card paymentIphoneCreditCardPaymentjack dorseyJackDorseymobile paymentMobilePaymentpoint of salePointOfSaleregisterSquaresquare card casesquare registerSquareCardCaseSquareRegisterMon, 23 May 2011 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Square to add encryption to mobile card reader, skimmers put on notice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/square-to-add-encryption-to-mobile-card-reader-skimmers-put-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/square-to-add-encryption-to-mobile-card-reader-skimmers-put-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/square-to-add-encryption-to-mobile-card-reader-skimmers-put-on/#comments
It's only been a couple days since we first heard about Visa's involvement with Square, but the credit card giant is already making its mark on the mobile payment startup. At the Visa Global Security Summit on Wednesday, Square Security Lead Sam Quigley revealed that the company will distribute an encrypted card reader this summer, which will work exclusively with its mobile payment app. The current reader theoretically scans credit card data to any app, but the encrypted version will only work with Square, which should alleviate VeriFone's concern that the company was essentially distributing "card skimmers" to anyone with a social security number. Luckily, the new encrypted reader will remain free, giving Square a colossal advantage over VeriFone's Payware Mobile product, which carries a $49 activation fee, in addition to standard merchant fees. Not to mention, it isn't available in white.

Square to add encryption to mobile card reader, skimmers put on notice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecreditcredit cardcredit card readerCreditCardCreditCardReaderencryptioniPhonejack dorseyJackDorseymobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentssam quigleySamQuigleysquaresquare enSquareEnverifoneVeriFone Payware MobileVerifonePaywareMobilevisaVisa Global Security SummitVisaGlobalSecuritySummitFri, 29 Apr 2011 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[iZettle's chip-reading Square competitor will take your money, no swipes required (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/izettles-chip-reading-square-competitor-will-take-your-money-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/izettles-chip-reading-square-competitor-will-take-your-money-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/izettles-chip-reading-square-competitor-will-take-your-money-n/#comments
Everyone seems to be getting on board with Square's iPhone credit card reader -- Apple started selling the device in its stores last week, and even Visa has taken a financial interest in the company. However, due to the popularity of fraud-fighting chip-enabled smart cards on the other side of the pond, Square's offering doesn't quite fit the bill. iZettle has a similar solution for Europe that includes the ever-so-necessary smart card reader, which the company is launching in Sweden this June. Not only does it enable you to accept credit card payments from friends or customers, the app adds a social twist. Merchants can email a photograph and receipt to buyers, who can then share their latest spoils on Facebook. Of course, if this starts to catch on, it could make explaining that "awesome deal" you scored on a new laptop that much more difficult when it pops up on your significant other's news feed.

[Thanks, David]

Continue reading iZettle's chip-reading Square competitor will take your money, no swipes required (video)

iZettle's chip-reading Square competitor will take your money, no swipes required (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple iphoneAppleIphonechip and pinchip and pin fraudChipAndPinChipAndPinFraudeuropeeuropean unionEuropeanUnioniphone appIphoneAppizettlemicro transactionsMicroTransactionsmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentspaymentsmart cardSmartCardsquareswedenvideoThu, 28 Apr 2011 23:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Square gets financial backing from Visa, asks to see some ID]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/square-gets-financial-backing-from-visa-asks-to-see-some-id/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/square-gets-financial-backing-from-visa-asks-to-see-some-id/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/square-gets-financial-backing-from-visa-asks-to-see-some-id/#comments
Everything's coming up Jack Dorsey these days. Last week Apple started stocking Square's iPhone credit card readers in its 235 US retail locations, and now, according to Reuters, Visa has put its plastic where its mouth is. The credit card giant has invested in the personal payments startup, scoring itself a spot on Square's advisory board in the process. No word on how much Visa is actually dropping on the company, but one thing stands to reason: it probably didn't make the deposit via Verifone. If you would like to invest in a Square reader, it'll cost you a lot less -- the company is still offering smartphone plug-ins for free on its site.

Square gets financial backing from Visa, asks to see some ID originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecreditcredit cardcredit card readerCreditCardCreditCardReaderinvestmentiPhonejack dorseyJackDorseymobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentssquaretwitterverifonevisaWed, 27 Apr 2011 21:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Square's Jack Dorsey calls VeriFone's vulnerability claims 'not fair or accurate']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/squares-jack-dorsey-calls-verifones-vulnerability-claims-not/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/squares-jack-dorsey-calls-verifones-vulnerability-claims-not/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/squares-jack-dorsey-calls-verifones-vulnerability-claims-not/#comments We had a feeling that Square wouldn't let VeriFone call it out without issuing some sort of statement, and CEO Jack Dorsey has responded to the claims of a gaping security hole in the form of an open letter on the company's website. Dorsey calls its competitor's accusations "not fair or accurate" and says that many of the necessary security measures are already built-in to your credit card itself. He also points out that this sort of credit card number thievery is possible every time you hand your plastic over to a waiter or salesperson, and that its partner bank, JPMorgan Chase, stands behinds all aspects of the service. To us, it seems like Verifone is more than a little scared at the prospect of Square undercutting its fees and potentially upending the POS business -- but we're just theorizing. One thing is for sure though, we'll be hearing a lot more about this as the mobile payment war heats up in the future.

Square's Jack Dorsey calls VeriFone's vulnerability claims 'not fair or accurate' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dorseyflawjack dorseyJackDorseymobile paymentMobilePaymentpaymentsecuritysecurity flawsecurity holeSecurityFlawSecurityHolesquareverifoneThu, 10 Mar 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Square mobile payment system gets simpler pricing, keeps angular shape]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/square-mobile-payment-system-gets-simpler-pricing-keeps-angular/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/square-mobile-payment-system-gets-simpler-pricing-keeps-angular/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/square-mobile-payment-system-gets-simpler-pricing-keeps-angular/#commentsSquare mobile payment system gets simpler pricing, keeps angular shape If you hate doing math and you run a small business then surely you've looked longingly at mobile credit card systems like Square's longingly. No handling of cash certainly would make life easier, but Square's system of fees and surcharges weren't exactly easy to figure out themselves. Now the company has simplified things, dropping the $.15 per-transaction fee for swiped purchases, charging a simple 2.75 percent on each transaction. If, however, that transaction is being made without swiping the actual card the $.15 transaction fee sadly comes back, but the percentage fee has gone down from 4.0 percent to 3.5. So, a little less of your handiwork will be absorbed by the man.

[Thanks, Brent]

Square mobile payment system gets simpler pricing, keeps angular shape originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecredit cardcredit cardsCreditCardCreditCardsiphonemobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentssquaresquare mobile payment systemSquareMobilePaymentSystemWed, 23 Feb 2011 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dispute over Square card reader patent gets litigious]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/dispute-over-square-card-reader-patent-gets-litigious/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/dispute-over-square-card-reader-patent-gets-litigious/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/dispute-over-square-card-reader-patent-gets-litigious/#comments As folks who follow such things may be aware, there's been some dispute over the origin of Square's card reader technology more or less since the company (led by Twitter's Jack Dorsey) went public with it last year. That dispute has now gotten even more contentious, however, with Square and its chairman, James McKelvey, taking aim at REM Holdings and Robert Morley, who actually holds the patent to the technology. The key issue is that McKelvey is not listed as one of the inventors in the patent, despite claims that he was the one that actually conceived the idea in a "flash of inventive insight," and that he and Morley worked together to develop the idea (and later discussed obtaining patent protection with Jack Dorsey). And that's pretty much where things stand at the moment -- Square is requesting a court order to add McKelvey as a co-inventor on the patent, but there's no indication as to when or if that will happen.

Dispute over Square card reader patent gets litigious originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disputeiphonelawlawsuitmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentspatentpatent disputepatent lawsuitPatentDisputePatentLawsuitsquaresquare card readerSquareCardReaderFri, 03 Dec 2010 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Square mobile payment readers now shipping again to tiny transaction tycoons]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/square-mobile-payment-readers-now-shipping-again-to-tiny-transac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/square-mobile-payment-readers-now-shipping-again-to-tiny-transac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/square-mobile-payment-readers-now-shipping-again-to-tiny-transac/#comments The Square payment system hasn't exactly had a smooth road to availability, with deliveries put on hold back in June due to an ominous "credit processing and risk issue." If that didn't scare you away from accepting small payments from the company's tiny credit card swipers, rejoice, because they appear to be shipping again -- at least to some. Sally over at the Square support forums posted that she was sent the following message:
We started rolling out Square card readers and one is now coming your way from our fulfillment center in Saint Louis. It will arrive on your doorstep in the next few days.
A few others it seems have also received the same note. How about you? Is your little, different credit card reader on the way?

[Thanks, Sam]

Square mobile payment readers now shipping again to tiny transaction tycoons originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphonecredit card readerCreditCardReaderiphonemobile paymentmobile transactionMobilePaymentMobileTransactionpaymentpayment systemPaymentSystemsquareFri, 13 Aug 2010 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Square working on 'a credit processing and risk issue' before shipping more card readers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/square-working-on-a-credit-processing-and-risk-issue-before-sh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/square-working-on-a-credit-processing-and-risk-issue-before-sh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/square-working-on-a-credit-processing-and-risk-issue-before-sh/#comments If you've tried to get in on Square's mobile payment system, you know that a critical part of the whole setup is the tiny credit card reader that plugs into your phone's headphone jack -- and in all likelihood, you don't have it. The company just sent out a message to those who've signed up for their service today, saying that a prior hardware shortage is resolved but that it's only half of the problem; the other half, and arguably a more serious one, is that the company needs to find a way to "handle the huge demand for readers and still manage the risk of chargebacks and fraud." So far, those risks have been mitigated by setting limits very low, but customers have apparently complained that they're too low, which is requiring a "rethinking and expanding" of the company's underwriting. Everyone's being assured that they'll be good to go once this whole process is over and clients go through a credit check -- but in the meantime, Square readers might be a little scarce, so it's back to IOUs and pocket change for a while. See the full letter after the break.

Continue reading Square working on 'a credit processing and risk issue' before shipping more card readers

Square working on 'a credit processing and risk issue' before shipping more card readers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentspaymentpaymentssquareSat, 19 Jun 2010 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Square mobile payment system goes live on iPhone, iPad, and Android this week (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/square-mobile-payment-system-goes-live-on-iphone-ipad-and-andr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/square-mobile-payment-system-goes-live-on-iphone-ipad-and-andr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/square-mobile-payment-system-goes-live-on-iphone-ipad-and-andr/#commentsSquare mobile payment system goes live on iPhone, iPad, and Android this week (video) We've been intrigued by the Square Payment System since it first ditched its Squirrel costume back in 2009, and now it appears we're on the eve (or eve of the eve, or pretty close anyway) to its release for not only the iPhone, but for the iPad and for Android as well. The software is said to be hitting App Stores and Markets this week, working with a sugar cube-sized card reader that pops into the 3.5mm headphone jack, a device that the company is giving away for free to those who sign up. Using it will not be free, with retailers paying fees starting at 2.75 percent plus a 15 cent surcharge, but that's considerably cheaper than many other options out there (which often require costly hardware to boot). There's another new video after the break, and we can't wait for these things to start showing up at the farmer's market. No more early morning ATM runs!

Update: Apps for the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices are now live in their respective download abodes. None will require that you enter a single digit of your credit card.

[Thanks, Ed]

Continue reading Square mobile payment system goes live on iPhone, iPad, and Android this week (video)

Square mobile payment system goes live on iPhone, iPad, and Android this week (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapple ipadapple iphoneAppleIpadAppleIphoneipadiphonemobile paymentmobile payment systemmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsMobilePaymentSystemsquaresquare upSquareUpvideoTue, 11 May 2010 09:08:00 EST