What Does Passbook Mean For NFC?

The debut version of Apple’s Passbook digital wallet will display QR and barcodes on the device’s screen to initiate transactions. But could this be the start of something bigger?

Our readers are split down the middle: on one side, a member of the media and a transit expert in London say NFC is the next step. On the other: an entrepreneur and a project manager at Discover think this is the end of the line. Their comments and more are shared below.

What’s your take?

We already looked at the API and found this is a barcode-based closed payment and voucher application. Good enough for 90% of the wallet apps, it just does not replace a credit or debit card. AND it provides a 100% infrastructure that is already in place. Good move from Apple – we are not surprised here at Charismathics. Yet it does not require to be an Apple account holder to be used. My bets on NFC are getting even lower…

Sven Gossel, CEO and Owner, Charismathics

If Passbook provides a great user experience, many will follow, meaning NFC could phase out before it takes off.

Greg Zheng, Project Manager, Discover Financial Services

Seems like NFC would be easy next step with this new integration. They are also testing a new Bluetooth tool for this. Will be an interesting announcement this fall.

Glenn Tinley, Founder, Mexia Interactive Media

I think there is more to this. Apple will be involved in this space and they have the money to do it as well as the user base. Interesting times for Google and possibly FB.

Saadi Hussain, Wisys

Surely this just paves the way for an NFC enabled iPhone iteration?

Jonathan Hill, Business Process and Requirements Analyst at Transport for London

Jon, carrier and banks are blocking the access to the secure element. There isn’t much left for Apple to offer then. Plus they lose leverage in dealing for other reasons. My best bet is Apple following the others only if NFC really takes of. Unless it does, why not using infrastructure that is in place and trying to evangelize the market all over again for almost the same stuff? I was attending a post conference meeting in Burlingame the other week, and I can truly say this will never happen. Especially because everybody tries so hard, mainly the vendors. However, the moment the carriers will allow other applets aside of their wallets, this may – repeat: may – change the ballgame. But allowing a competing applet, say of another payment scheme, say Paypal? The sun will turn into a supernova before that happens, don’t you think?

Sven Gossel, CEO and Owner, Charismathics