The latest mobile news August: Barclays introduces voice payments, Samsung unveil Galaxy Note 8, Tesco bank expands their app offering and more…

At Sonin we feel it’s important that we deliver the latest mobile news to our readers from an industry that is constantly evolving. Whether you’re new to mobile, an industry leader, a start-up or a multinational brand, it’s important to keep on top of what’s happening around you.

Here’s the latest mobile news August…

Last updated: 31/08/2017

Barclays introduces iPhone voice payments via Siri

 

Barclays has teamed up with Apple to become the first UK high street bank to introduce voice payments. This is the first mobile banking app to integrate with Siri. Meaning iPhone and iPad-using Barclays customers no longer need to open the app to pay existing payees and mobile contacts. Customers simply have to ask Siri to to “pay [recipient and amount] with Barclays.” Payments are then authenticated by the user with Apple’s TouchID fingerprint recognition.

Source: Mobile Marketing Magazine

Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 8

 

Last week, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 8. The new release sees the return of the much-loved stylus, the S Pen. Now with a thinner tip and increased pressure sensitivity for more accuracy. Samsung has said a major consideration in development of the Note 8 is safety. The company announced they have switched their battery suppliers and have been working with american safety consulting company UL to conduct independent reviews of the phone.

Samsung’s new phone also has the DeX docking feature included in its S8 model. Allowing users to pair their phone with a standard monitor, mouse and keyboard to run a special desktop version of Android. As seen in this demonstration, users can simply plug their phones into the DeX docking station to use Microsoft Office apps and selected G-Suite apps among many others.

The Note 8 will start shipping in the UK on the 15th September and is currently priced at £869.00.

Source: TechCrunch

Tesco bank expands mobile app functionality to help with lost cards

 

Tesco Bank launch a new feature for its mobile banking app, allowing customers to easily report their card lost or stolen. Users can then easily unblock the card from within the app if they find it or, if necessary, completely cancel it and order a replacement.

According to Tesco, over 300,000 customers  reported their card either missing or stolen. This new feature significantly improves the customer experience and reduces the stress of losing your card. It also helps filter requests for Tesco’s customer service team so they can focus on cases that require a more immediate response.

Source: Mobile Marketing Magazine

What’s new in Android Oreo

 

Android recently revealed the final version of its OS Android 8.0, known as Oreo. Android Oreo’s features includes:

  • Halved the booting speed
  • Auto-filling details for app logins
  • ‘Notification dots’ which quickly show which of your apps have new notifications
  • ‘Picture-in-Picture’ which lets you see two apps at the same time
  • Android Instant Apps launch instantly from your browser without the need to install first
  • Google Play Protect will scan apps to keep your device and data
  • Improved battery life

Users on the public beta were updated last week. Android has been working closely with major phone manufactures to launch the OS by the end of 2017.

Source: Tech Advisor