Today in the Connected Economy: WhatsApp Looks to Attract More Users in India

Today in the connected economy, WhatsApp is offering cash back rewards on peer-to-peer (P2P) payments in an effort to entice new customers in India. Plus, Charter Communications and Comcast team up to launch a new streaming service, and Klarna hopes to expand its buy now, pay later (BNPL) offering into Canada with help from Global-e.

WhatsApp Launches Cash Back Rewards on Peer Payments in India

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is hoping to attract more users in India to the app by offering cash back rewards for P2P payments. WhatsApp is also planning a cash back rewards pilot program with merchants, a move that will position WhatsApp to better compete with rivals such as Google. Indian regulators recently gave WhatsApp approval to more than double its payments offering to its 100 million users in India, which is the app’s largest customer base, with more than a half-billion users.

Charter, Comcast Partner for Next-Gen Streaming Platform

Charter Communications and Comcast have formed a 50-50 joint venture to launch a new streaming platform. The new platform will work on 4K streaming devices and smart TVs, and the venture will “offer app developers, streamers, retailers, operators and hardware manufacturers the opportunity to reach customers in major markets across the country with the platform,” the companies said.

Klarna Teams With Global-e for Canadian Expansion

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) firm Klarna is extending its partnership with cross-border eCommerce provider Global-e to expand its installment payment offering into Canada. Merchants selling in Canada using Global-e’s platform can access Klarna’s installment payment options. Global-e’s clients include Reformation, SKIMS, Fenty Beauty, Rimowa, Versace, Marc Jacobs and Marks & Spencer.

Flexa Launches Flexa Payments for App-Based Digital Currency Payment Acceptance

Digital payments network Flexa has debuted Flexa Payments, a set of tools that lets merchants instantly accept 99 digital currencies from any app or wallet. Flexa Payments includes real-time authorizations and regulatory compliance, flexible settlement options, and is compatible with all digital currency wallets across 12 blockchain networks. In addition, Flexa Payments lets merchants accept digital currency anywhere they receive payments — online, in store and through their mobile app — and lets users pick the right network and digital currency.