'Google Glass' comes to the UAE; device showcased at Gitex

For the first time, a Google Glass has been officially featured in the UAE and it was none other than Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who was first introduced to the gadget.

But surprisingly, it was not Google which brought the Glass here. MasterCard is displaying the device to showcase how its latest cardless initiative called ‘MasterPass’ which can be used through Google Glass for digital shopping’.

MasterCard Labs, which has been working on the technology, has initiated several measures to incorporate the new features on wearable technology. “We have enabled Google Glass with our MasterPass to make payments. It will allow consumers to take the digital details and out it on their Glass,” said Kevin O’Connell, Vice President (Incubation) at MasterCard Worldwide.

According to him, users will be able to search for a nearby restaurant, for example, go through the menu and even pay for the product with MasterPass that is enabled on a wearable device.

“So when I walk in to the restaurant all I need to do is just collect the product I would have ordered,” he said.

Youtube Video Link https://youtu.be/euMQMD7kkpI

The MasterPass is a digital wallet which users can use to make payments online without having to type in the card details every time they shop. The facility is currently available in several countries including the US, Canada and the UK and could soon be introduced in many other countries including Brazil, Singapore and some European markets.

MasterCard was present at the etisalat stand at the Gitex Technology Week as the two companies tried to showcase the future of mobile technology.

Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Digital Services Officer at Etisalat Group. "We're now looking at ways to build on this successful partnership with MasterCard using the technologies of tomorrow such as this innovative payment product we are showcasing today."

The two companies could in future utilise innovative machine-to-machine technology to bring it to the market. Gitex 2013 marked the first international demonstration of Google Glass by MasterCard as a next generation payments solution.

"With technology such as Google Glass coming to the market soon, MasterCard and Etisalat are exploring many more opportunities to build on a successful history of partnering that has already brought innovative solutions in mobile commerce to the market," said Brian Lang, senior vice-president, Market Development, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard.
 

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