Today in the Connected Economy: Apple Readies AR Device, Unveils BNPL Tool

Today in the connected economy, Apple launches its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where it is expected to discuss its augmented reality device, while also unveiling a buy now, pay later (BNPL) product. Plus, cryptocurrency platform CoinZoom launches a partnership with Visa, and IBM hopes to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities with its acquisition of Randori.

Apple Kicks Off WWDC with an Eye on Connecting Everyone, Everything

Apple’s yearly Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicked off this week, with the company expected to discuss its augmented reality (AR) device ahead of its anticipated launch in the fall. The $3 trillion tech giant bought Vrvana from Bertrand Nepveu for $30 million in 2017, one of several purchases by Apple in the field of virtual reality (VR) and AR. While not much is known about Apple’s yet-to-be-released product, Vrvana’s video system and its “pass through” technology is expected to be a crucial feature, with the goal of letting users see the physical world around them overlaid with digital images.

Why Apple Says Now’s the Time for Pay Later

Apple is joining the BNPL crowd. The iPhone maker has launched Apple Pay Later, an Apple Pay feature that lets users in the United States split the cost of an Apple Pay transaction into four installment payments over six weeks, with no attendant interest charged or fees levied. Payments are carried, tracked and repaid using its digital wallet. Pay Later is available for online or in-app purchases and provided through the Mastercard network.

CoinZoom Instant Debuts Outside US Through Visa Direct

FinTech platform and cryptocurrency exchange CoinZoom is working with Visa to integrate its services with real-time push payments network Visa Direct. In doing so, it will allow real-time disbursements to customers’ eligible cards in 194 countries outside the U.S. CoinZoom’s U.S. customers have had access to CoinZoom Instant for the last year. The service lets users convert cryptocurrency to fiat and send fiat funds to eligible cards.

IBM Acquiring Randori to Ramp up Cybersecurity

IBM is strengthening its cybersecurity innovation with its acquisition of attack surface management (ASM) and cybersecurity platform Randori. Randori “helps clients continuously identify external-facing assets, both on-premise or in the cloud, that are visible to attackers — and prioritize exposures which pose the greatest risk,” the companies said. IBM said it’s the next step in its Hybrid Cloud strategy and bolsters its portfolio of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cybersecurity products and services.

New Stripe Tool Aims to Improve EU Payment Authentications

Financial infrastructure provider Stripe has debuted a delegated authentication feature that will help improve payment conversion rates in Europe. Businesses that use the Dublin-based company’s services can now allow their customers to authenticate purchases inside a checkout flow. The rollout is happening against the backdrop of the European Union’s recent strong customer authentication (SCA) regulation, designed to curb payment fraud.

Luma Health Debuts LumaPay, Patients Can Pay Via Text

Luma Health has launched a healthcare-focused service called LumaPay, the first module in the company’s financial product, LumaFinancial. LumaPay lets patients pay their bills through text messages or their providers’ websites. It’s part of the company’s Patient Success Platform, which gives healthcare providers an integrated portal that connects the clinical, operational, access and financial components of a patient’s journey.