A new implementation guide published by GlobalPlatform is designed to support the rollout of secure payment-enabled wearables such as rings and wristbands.
GlobalPlatform is a non-profit organisation that develops specifications for secure chip technology. Its latest Financial Configuration supersedes the previous version which was created primarily for banking smart cards, and enables the deployment of secure elements (SEs) in contactless-enabled wearables.
Chip and device makers, banks and app developers can use the guide to launch wearables that can be remotely updated and support multiple applications including payment, access control and transport ticketing.
GlobalPlatform’s technical director Gil Bernabeu said: “Contactless payment cards have made us familiar with tap & go, and smartphones have made the convenience of multi-function devices desirable. Wearables such as smart rings and smart wristbands are bridging the gap between simple cards and feature-rich smartphones by enabling consumers to pay, unlock and travel with a tap.
“This new configuration standardises all of this, saving implementers time and money, increasing revenue opportunities and enriching the experience for consumers.”
Financial Configuration 1.0 sets out the minimum implementation requirements of the GlobalPlatform Card Specification for financial products, and enables users to identify the exact specifications relevant to their particular project.
“Configurations give them the focused subset of specs they need, reducing the time needed to develop and deploy new devices and services,” Bernabeu explained.
“More broadly, with the Financial Configuration, device makers embedding SEs now have a consistent approach, regardless of whether they are launching a payment card, a contactless wearable or a feature-rich smartphone. This gives the financial community a single point of reference to protect all of their devices and services.”
Tags: Mobile payments, mobile retail, mobile payments apps, wearables
