Archive - Feb 2011
February 9th
Fingerprint locking wallet
“iWallet” is a hard case wallet, tamper resistant and can only be opened if it recognises your fingerprints. Using Bluetooth technology that connects to your mobile, an alarm goes off if both are about 10ft away from each other.
Why it matters
Digital advancements can now give us heightened security in our everyday lives. Now that high level DNA security is becoming accessible for even an individual’s wallet, will we begin to hand over our private DNA information to brands more readily?
Digital wallets
The clever students at the MIT Media Lab have created Proverbial Wallets – digitally enhanced wallets designed to guide your spending habits. Using Bluetooth technology, the wallet collects your financial data and measures your spending. The wallet then swells and shrinks to reflect your bank balance. It also has the ability to lock if you reach your monthly budget.
Why it matters
A trend often noted is that of consumers gaining control. Could this be the start of the next step whereby control is passed onto our digital gadgets? Will our wallets, mobile phones, cars and other products begin to have a logical say in our lives, bringing order to our impulsive side?
Everyday content for an everyday brand
ING Direct has entered into a partnership with Yahoo to create a new content channel on finance. Accessible via the homepage, “Monnaie Time”, the channel delivers exclusive articles and solutions to common financial questions and concerns.
Why it matters
Anchored into everyday life (thanks to Yahoo), this service has the potential to reverse the sometimes distant and corporate image of banking. Will we see other branded content channels spring up online as other financial brands attempt their own version?
