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Apple and Android aren’t the only ones giving users the option to pay from the palm of their hand.
With some research (thanks to Forbes, ZDNet, and The Verge) we found that Microsoft is adding the convenient feature to their new Microsoft Wallet 2.0 update.
According to a recent article by Forbes, Microsoft launched a tap-to-pay feature with select Windows 10 devices. This feature will be accessed through the Microsoft Wallet app and used at participating retail stores.
Like its competitors, Microsoft Wallet allows you store Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards, as well as membership and reward cards from your mobile device. According to an article by ZDNet, the current banks supporting the feature include Bank of America, People’s United Bank. Chase, U.S. Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and more will follow in their footsteps in the near future.
Newer phones like the Microsoft Lumia 950, 950 XL and 650 are currently the only devices with access to the feature. Microsoft stated that Windows 10 tap-to-pay will be available to use at over a million U.S. retail stores, with participating retailers identifying themselves through the contactless payment symbol or the Microsoft Wallet logo at the register.
Want to easily use Microsoft programs on mobile? Learn more about Windows phones.
The feature has been a long time coming as the idea was originally introduced under the name OnePay, over a year ago. However, as of last month, the feature has only been released to Microsoft Insider members to test out. The official release date has yet to be announced, but is rumored to be unveiled near the Windows Anniversary Update on August 2.
Ultimately, this feature could bring some hope to Windows’ mobile market. Microsoft only contributed to 0.7% of the global smartphone market share last year, being the first time they’ve dropped below 1%.
We look forward to seeing the impact this new feature has on Microsoft’s mobile devices, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated when the feature is released to the public.
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Photo Credit: RGS Computing
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