Samsung is planning to include a mobile payments feature in its next smartwatch, according to a new report.
The Economic Times claims we’ll see this new capability in an as yet unconfirmed device tipped for launch in the second half of the year.
The report cites unnamed sources that suggest the system will operate using NFC technology.
That’s the same technology that powers the Apple Pay capability inside the Apple Watch, as well as the iPhone 6.
It’s expected that Samsung’s wearable will work with the company’s recently announced Samsung Pay service, its Apple Pay rival.
Samsung Pay is set to become available with ‘select partners’ starting in July, although the tech giant has made no comment on its compatibility with an upcoming wearable thus far.
Related: Android Pay vs Apple Pay
Apple Pay, meanwhile, launched back in October 2014, and is currently only available for use in the US. Recent reports suggest a UK launch is imminent, however.
Google also entered the mobile payments fray recently, showing off Android Pay at the Google I/O developer conference last month.
It’s not clear exactly when Samsung’s next wearable will be announced or released, but we’ve heard some leaked details ahead of the launch.
The device is purportedly being developed under the codename ‘Orbis’, and could feature a rotating bezel that will let users browse and zoom.
It’s also rumoured that it will use a 1.65-inch circular display with a 360 x 360 pixel resolution, ship with Wi-Fi, GPS, and a heart-rate monitor, and will offer cellular connectivity.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
