O2 Wallet: Oyster card, Barclaycard and phone in one

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What concerns us most about O2 Wallet isn't all the technical details, most of which will be solved somehow. No, what worries us is that in order to use this system you have to pull your mobile out all the time. Whether it's to pay for a pack of chewing gum or leave a station, you have to show your phone to the world, and as Londoners know, exposing your expensive gadgetry to all and sundry isn't always advisable.

But O2 Wallet doesn't have to be a complete replacement and most likely won't be. It was clear from the launch today that how this system is finally used is still up in the air. Will this virtual wallet replace your current wallet? Probably not -- but it will come in very handy when you've forgotten your credit card at home or lost your Oyster card and need a quick and easy backup solution. -Andrew Lim

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Comments

AnonymousWed 28 November, 2007 9:17pm

I can't wait, because my N95 is still not popular enough with the huge amounts of pick-pocketers in London...

AnonymousThu 29 November, 2007 12:13pm

Ultimately, I will wait until this is released as they made promises about Oyster that I haven't seen materialise. The main selling point pre-release was that you could just wave a bag over the reader/sensor and pass through - no more fiddling for your pass. People who use the system now know that you have to take the card out and hold the card/card holder directly over the sensor. Not a major inconvenience, but the point is that it's not what was promised.

Being able to add funds to your card at home over the Internet as you currently can with an Oyster card would be useful. Surely technology is supposed to take us forward? So, let us do what we can do with Oyster cards now, and add functionality on top - don't take useful functionality away and tell us it's an upgrade.

Also, when inspectors check you Oyster card now, they insist on seeing a photo card. In future will we have to carry that around as well? If so, there's little advantage to having the Oyster card on your mobile as you will still have to carry around the accompanying photo ID. For me, that would just leave the micropayments feature of the new chip as a selling point as I hate carrying cash and ATMs no longer allow you to withdraw £5 for small purchases - but that's another rant!

ryan at lgThu 29 November, 2007 2:46pm

the above commenter makes some false comments. It is untrue for instance that you need to hold the card directly on the reader when using the machines.

This project as whole whilst on the cards for a long time is never the less valid and useful. I personally hope something comes of it. Convergence is fast becoming a key feature of technology.

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