How Technology is Sold to Goobers Like Me I must have amazing risk tolerance. One minute after IOS8.1 was released today I was downloading it, even though the last update Apple issued had to be recalled because it bricked everyones phones. I was willing to take the chance because I wanted to try out ApplePay. After all, Id been staring at my Passport app for years, and never knew what to do with it. With IOS8.1, I could now tap my phone on a terminal and pay by phone without pulling out a wallet. It sounded easy and futuristic. Entering my credit cards was indeed easy. One was already on file to pay for my Apple Store purchases. My debit card was entered with a photograph. I hit the first speed bump trying to enter my Chase card, which is vertical and didnt fit the photographic frame. Feeling cheated, I typed in its numbers to validate it. Once I had it set up, I had to go out and buy something. So I ran over to Macys, the nearest store to announce that it was an Apple partner from day one. That was where the rubber met the road. I picked out my purchases and went to the register. I actually saw the Tap 2 Pay terminal attached to the card swiper. But I put my phone on it and nothing happened. I asked the dude at the register what I was doing wrong, and he told me he didnt know, since I was the first customer ever to use that in the housewares department. He got on the phone and called his manager. In the mean time, I tried to figure it out. After about three taps, the phone asked me if I wanted to pay with Touch ID. I couldnt say yes, because Touch ID doesnt work well for me. My fingerprints are pretty worn away and difficult to read even though Ive reset them three times already on the phone. So it gave me the opportunity to pay with the passcode. I had already spent more time doing this than I would have if I had pulled out my card and given it to the guy, but I was determined to see it through, so I entered my passcode, tapped the terminal again and my card was finally recognized. The salesman was very impressed. Here the problem became Macys and not Apples. The machine wouldnt take my card as a debit, and made me pay with credit. But first it made me enter my pin. And then it went through the usual rigamarole that old terminals do, in which it asks you if the amount is correct and if you want a paper receipt or email. I selected email, and then had to enter my email address, which I know Macys already has on file because I buy from them online. I finally finished the transaction and went home to write this. Heres the bottom line. Ill never leave the house without a wallet because I carry a global entry card and a health insurance card and a drivers license in addition to credit cards. And I cant abandon my credit cards until EVERY retailer switches to NFC payment. Its whats known as an integration problem. So Apple Pay is okay, but it just isnt good enough. Yet. I do, however, have 6 new towels.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 19:06:19 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015