This microSD Card Adds NFC To Any Android, iOS Device

The next big thing in the evolution of mobile devices seems to be near-field communication, or NFC. This essentially allows the user to store financial information on their smartphone or tablet, and then merely tap that device at the checkout register to make an instant purchase. Google's Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" has NFC support baked right in, but the feature can't be used if the device doesn't already sport the hardware needed for NFC transactions, right?

Wrong. Enter moneto, the world’s first commercially available mobile payment solution that provides iPhone and Android users a convenient way to pay while on the go. For iOS users, it's a simple process of inserting a special microSD card, snapping on a patented, protective case, installing the moneto app, and activating the chip. Users can launch the moneto app to view their account balance, check transaction history and make everyday in-store purchases with a tap of their iPhone at any PayPass-enabled contactless payments reader at the point of sale. The moneto pre-paid account can be funded by direct deposit, ACH transfer or through services like MoneyCram and Western Union.

"As this breakthrough mobile wallet launches in the US, it not only makes mobile payments available to iPhone users for the first time but it also opens the door for consumers to adopt NFC while pushing mobile commerce forward," said Deepak Jain, DeviceFidelity President and CEO. "We are excited to partner with MasterCard and SpringCard to break the barriers for a rapid effective rollout that will spur both consumers and merchants to adopt this new wave of electronic commerce."

DeviceFidelity, the company behind moneto, assures consumers that it's completely safe to use, protected by In2Play technology that securely stores the user's PIN on the microSD card. "The sleek and durable case design protects the iPhone and the NFC enabled microSD securely stores and encrypts the card information," the company added. "Additionally, the moneto account is backed by MasterCard’s Zero Liability, which protects consumers against unauthorized purchases."

As for Android devices, DeviceFidelity didn't provide any launch details, only that a number of Android models will also be supported by 2Q12. According to the FAQ, the microSD card can be inserted and used like any other microSD card, as it provides local storage in addition to NFC tech. An additional sticker applicator is required to be placed on the outside of both the Android and iPhone to "boost" the signal that originates from the special card. Unfortunately, iPhone users can't use the moneto card as a storage solution due to Apple restrictions.

Moneto for iPhone will be available for online ordering in the US immediately at moneto.me for $79.95 which includes $10.00 of pre-loaded funds. The moneto mobile wallet iOS app is available in limited release on the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3.

Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

  • WyomingKnott
    Why would I want to make it easier for people to steal money from me?
    Reply
  • jgutz2006
    so money held by a 3rd party like paypal, so they can take another 3% on top of everyone else who takes their cut or have processing fees. I think i'll just use my check card with my picture on it
    Reply
  • hoof_hearted
    Great!?!? Now I am remembering that Visa commercial where everyone is in line at the checkout with the assembly line music playing in the background, then everyone glares at the one who stops everything from running smoothly by paying with a check. Now the same will hold true for the one with the magnetic strip card rather than an NFC enabled phone. They will probably be having circuit races through the checkouts with Olympic music playing.

    I guess it is cool and chic to have money removed from us wallets-with-legs faster than ever.
    Reply
  • house70
    "Here's a way to add NFC technology to your current Android device or iPhone if it doesn't already sport an NFC chip"

    That is, after Apple "invents" the microSD slot on their phones, patents it, and then sues every cell phone maker for having a microSD slot available already on their phones.

    " For iOS users, it's a simple process of inserting a special microSD card, snapping on a patented, protective case, installing the moneto app, and activating the chip."

    Sounds "simple" enough. Only taking 4 steps for what should be an integrated microSD card slot/support. It also "only" takes a special dedicated case.
    Reply
  • southernshark
    I always rub off the magnetic strip on my credit cards so I like this idea. Although I like the other article about the card in a watch better though. I might lose my cell phone, but I'm never going to lose my watch.
    Reply
  • rexoverbey
    I see this slowing down the payment process.

    60 yearl old lady in Walmart 2016...
    OLD LADY:
    "Oh let me get out my phone instead of an ancient fast pass credit/debit card."

    TELLER
    I also need an acient form of I.D. that is a CARD.

    OLD LADY
    Oh crap my phone it is dead! Let me get my husbands phone, he is back in sproting goods... 10 minutes later. His phone's microsd and malware ridden phone is on the fritz, plus he dropped it in the tolied yesterday. Do you take a check? ***PHONE RINGS*** "Hello Nellie. No I am not busy. Oh that church supper sounds great. BLAH BLAH BLAH, etc.
    Reply
  • del35
    'That is, after Apple "invents" the microSD slot on their phones, patents it, and then sues every cell phone maker for having a microSD slot available already on their phones."


    Yes the New York Times genius Mr Jobs invented everything yet to be discovered by the human race. It reminds me of their ex-genius Greenspan, the man responsible for America's financial debacle due to keeping artificially low interest rates. We know the story.

    Reply
  • pacioli
    southernsharkI always rub off the magnetic strip on my credit cards so I like this idea. Although I like the other article about the card in a watch better though. I might lose my cell phone, but I'm never going to lose my watch.
    You use a watch? I didn't think they still had those...
    Reply
  • jonny_76
    Please, please THINK where we are going with this !!!!
    Eventually, if all your money is only accessible by Google wallet, or tapping phones via NFC then the govt or the phone company or the ISP can shatter your life by simply turning off service to you.

    What if the Govt made a mistake by targetting you and you have same name as the actual person they were targetting ? What is your recourse ? Complain to AT&T or the Homeland Security or Google to get your life back ?

    Don't believe the US Govt would do that ?
    Google-Kent State Massacre
    Google-US CIA Confirms implementing "Operation Ajax", overthrow democratically elected President
    Google-US Senator accidentally placed on 'no fly' list
    Reply
  • freggo
    No thanks. I will definitely wait a loooong time to see how hacker proof this is going to turn out.
    For the moment I good old debit card and drivers license will do for me.
    Reply