Barclaycard is to roll out a range of wearable payment devices that can be used to make ‘touch and go’ contactless payments across the UK, following the launch of its bPay wristband last year. The card issuer's announcement yesterday notes that each device - an updated wristband, key fob and sticker - will use contactless payment technology and be powered by a secure digital wallet. Barclaycard - part of Barclays Retail and Business Banking - is a global payment business. The devices can … [Read more...] about Barclays expands contactless wearables
Archives for June 2015
FIR #814: You’re Underusing LinkedIn
Intro: Welcome to Linked Conversations host Chuck Hester, our final guest co-host as Neville's month-long hiatus draws to a close. Quick News: How Apple won a PR victory with help from Taylor Swift, one of Hollywood's biggest publicity agencies gets caught with its hand in the Wikipedia cookie jar, why Netflix reigns supreme in the cord-cutting movement, a top creative executive from the world of advertising proclaims the power of print. News That Fits: An in-depth conversation about … [Read more...] about FIR #814: You’re Underusing LinkedIn
#FC15 Call to Action: Let the journey begin
One of the difficulties for an event that's intended to look at the future of communication is delivering on the promise and expectation established in the description of and communication about the event. FutureComms15 in London - hashtag #FC15 - that took place on June 18 was a one-day event organized by MyNewsDesk, and described thus: PR & Comms are evolving. With content marketers taking centre stage in digital, is there a place for PR? Is PR actually dead? Do PR pros need to turn … [Read more...] about #FC15 Call to Action: Let the journey begin
FIR #813: Periscope in PR, News and Politics
Intro: Welcome to Higher Education host Kevin Anselmo, who takes over the co-hosting chair while Neville enjoys his month-long hiatus. Quick News: FIFA's communications director resigns as the crisis continues, Google will spotlight sites that load slowly in its mobile search results, UK campaign to raise awareness of the need for blood donations deletes blood types from signs and storefronts, Australia's Sky News experiments with selfie-sticks for field reporting; the Media Monitoring Minute … [Read more...] about FIR #813: Periscope in PR, News and Politics
Shell’s big QR code experiment
When I called in to a Shell station in Reading on Saturday to fill up my car with fuel, I noticed this banner attached to the side of the pump I was using. "Fill up and go here with our speedy payment service," it says. "Powered by PayPal." And there's a big QR code in the middle of the sign. It's called Fill Up And Go and the usage idea is simple: You’ll be able to use it through the Shell Motorist App. Select a pump on the forecourt, enter the maximum amount you wish to spend, then scan … [Read more...] about Shell’s big QR code experiment
FIR Interview: IABC 2015-16 Chair Michael Ambjorn
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) held its 2015 World Conference in San Francisco this week. Amidst the keynote talks, breakout sessions, receptions, and a host of other events, 2014-15 Chair Russell Grossman passed the gavel to 2015-16 Chair Michael Ambjorn. Ambjorn takes over the lead volunteer role as the association continues to recover from some turbulence. In the picture above, Ambjorn (right) discusses his vision for his term during the Annual General … [Read more...] about FIR Interview: IABC 2015-16 Chair Michael Ambjorn
FIR #812: Algorithms vs Trusted Human Editors
Intro: Welcome to FIR B2B co-host Paul Gillin; first episode of Digital India has been published; Quick News: What does Twitter's future hold with the departure of CEO Dick Costolo?; marketers should follow The New York Times' lead which is closing staff access to the desktop version of the newspaper's home page, forcing them to use mobile devices; training former NFL players provided Paul with some surprises; Harris Poll data reinforces the importance of internal communication; the Media … [Read more...] about FIR #812: Algorithms vs Trusted Human Editors
Why Magna Carta matters
Today, June 15, 2015, marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a document that to this day is widely considered part of the so-called unwritten constitution of the United Kingdom; and continues to be honoured in the United States as an antecedent of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. While there still are many voices who question the truth of what exactly happened on that day in 1215, and what led up to and happened after it - notably this good 'reality … [Read more...] about Why Magna Carta matters