As Chinese internet giants are fighting to own people on mobile payment, Alibaba has announced a way to make its payments service Alipay even more secure on a smartphone — with the introduction of fingerprinting technology in a deal that it inked with smartphone manufacturer Huawei.
Alipay Wallet, the e-payment app relaunched last year to handle online-to-offline payments, will be integrated into Huawei’s soon-to-be-launched smartphone, the Mate 7, which boasts biometric security technology.
Other than a fingerprint reader, the technology includes encryption and authentication managed by Huawei. This means that instead of entering passwords and codes, all that users have to do now is swipe a digit to confirm payments for a variety of goods and services.
In a bid to reassure those concerned that even fingerprint readers can be hacked, Alipay notes that Huawei is providing what is known as “chip-level security” for the Mate 7, which means fingerprint data is saved and stored on the phone — but it is encrypted and can’t be accessed. Huawei is also going to use “high-level” encryption and verification to make sure only approved third-party apps like Alipay Wallet can access the fingerprint information for transactions.
There are no details on when the Mate 7 will be launched yet, and no indication on the pricing. However, with Alipay taking this step to assure its mobile users of the security (and convenience) of paying via its wallet app, it could very well kickstart the adoption of fingerprinting technology for payments in the world’s largest smartphone market.
Indeed, Alipay says that its partnership with Huawei will give it “a way to fast-track biometric payment technology in China.”
Alibaba has been increasing its focus on Alipay as it seeks to fend off the threat posed by Tencent’s e-commerce and mobile payment ambitions. Recently Alibaba even decided to push mobile shopping within Alipay Wallet by letting retailers create online storefronts in the app, in a bid to help accelerate its growth beyond the current 100 million users it has.
Headline image via Aaron Tam/AFP/Getty Images
Mozilla is launching its first Firefox OS smartphone in India this week
Slowly but surely, Mozilla is pushing its Firefox OS mobile operating system into new markets. Although the nonprofit had already discussed its approach for India, today it announced it will be launching its first smartphone in the region this week.
The Cloud FX , developed by Intex Technologies, sports a 3.5-inch display, a 1GHz processor and a 2-megapixel rear-facing camera. The memory is expandable up to 4GB and it supports a dual-SIM setup, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Mozilla has packed in various data monitoring features and several languages are supported out of the box, including Hindi and Tamil. It will be sold to consumers exclusively through Snapdealom.
Back in June , Intex Technologies said the handset would retail for under 2000 Rs ($33 USD), targeting first-time smartphone users. This is an area Mozilla has always been keen to focus on; aside from its Flame developer handset, we’re yet to see mid-range or high-end hardware running Firefox OS. If there’s a market for the platform, Mozilla believes it’s at the low-end.
Firefox OS faces stiff competition in the region, however. Nokia is still pushing its Asha and Nokia X handsets, with plans to release cheaper Lumia devices. Affordable Android handsets are everywhere and newcomers such as Xiaomi are entering the region with fiercely competitive hardware. If Firefox OS wants to carve out some market share, it’ll have to do it with tooth and nail.
➤ Mozilla (Blog Post)
11 Ideal Gifts: Our staff picks for the holidays this year
Last week, The Next Web’s editorial team put together their personal gift recommendations for this holiday season. If you’re looking for ideas, browse our favorites below to find the perfect present for your loved one.
Practicality is the name of the game – well, at least for our Asia reporter Abhimanyu Ghoshal . The Mi Power Bank is a compact battery pack that fits into any gadgeteer’s lifestyle.
➤ The Mi Power Bank charges up your devices in style
The Google Chromecast may be a household name in the states, but its arrival in Canada, the United Kingdom and nine other European countries this year makes Chromecast an ideal gift for cord-cutters.
➤ Chromecast can change your TV viewing habits
For those who can still appreciate the charm of print magazines, our UK reporter Mic Wright ‘s got you covered. A subscription to Stack Magazines helps keep independent publishing in print alive and exposes you to interesting, beautiful magazines.
➤ Stack Magazines delivers a monthly dose of beautiful analog reading
With a new and improved battery life and fashionable array of colors, UK editor Ben Woods chose the Sol Republic Tracks Air headphones as his pick for the holidays.
➤ Sol Republic’s Tracks Air deliver the ultimate in headphone convenience
If over-the-ear headphones aren’t quite your style, NY reporter Napier Lopez recommends the RHA MA750i earbuds for a mix of quality sound and beautiful construction.
➤ The RHA MA750i earphones have portable audiophile-grade sound and stainless steel construction
If you’re looking to gift a fascinating read this year, Editor-in-Chief Martin Byrant recommends ‘Our Final Invention,’ which explores the world where Artificial Intelligence may just be the very thing that eradicates the human race.
➤ ‘Our Final Invention’ – the perfect guide to how AI could kill us all
I went for the anti-Snapchat route and wanted a gift that found a happy middle between modern tech and nostalgia. The Fujifilm Instax 90 , a retro-inspired instant camera, is just what the (hipster) doctor ordered.
➤ Fujifilm Instax 90 reminds you that memories are not disposable
As our lifestyles become more portable, so do the tools around us. Don’t mistake this Bose’s SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker for a toy, however. This machine may be travel-sized, but its sound is anything but small.
➤ The Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker packs a punch
An avid outdoorsman, SF reporter Roberto Baldwin wants you to shut the laptop, put down your phone and get exploring with this Timbuk2 Command backpack that’s stylish, functional and TSA-complaint.
➤ Send your friends on a trip with the Timbuk2 Command backpack
A great tool for creatives, Creativity Editor Jackie Dove recommends the Adobe Ink & Slide digital stylus and ruler for a more precise art editing experience.
➤ Adobe Ink & Slide pen-ruler set is the ultimate digital artist’s tool
If you’re looking to gift a Kindle this holiday season, the Paperwhite is the model to go, along with NZ reporter Owen Williams ‘ recommendation to pre-load the device with “The Circle,” by Dave Eggers. If your recipient already has a Kindle, gift just the e-book.
➤ Rekindle your love of reading with Kindle Paperwhite and The Circle by Dave Eggers
Don’t miss: Our holiday gadget gift guide 2014