Edward Bellamy's Predictions Continue Coming To Reality Wrist's In China
/In his 1888 novel Looking Backward 2000-1887, American writer Edward Bellamy predicted a world where cash would be replaced by alternative payment methods. Granted, his predictions came true many years ago with the advent of credit cards, but beginning in just two weeks a major watch brand is paying tribute to the forward thinker by launching their pay-by-the-wrist watch, the BELLAMY, in China.
Swatch has partnered with China UnionPay and the Bank of Communications, and with a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip behind the dial, you'll be able to simply wave your wrist over the POS terminal almost anywhere you shop.
Of course, we've already seen similar technology with other smartwatches and Apple Pay, but I believe this is the first time a major watch brand has released a pay-by-the-wrist device. It's definitely a first in China, even beating Apple Pay, which is scheduled to begin in early 2016, just a few months behind the Swatch BELLAMY. According to various sources, Swatch does about 45% of its business in China.
Unlike the Apple Watch, this one will only set buyers back around $90, or 580 RMB. Initially available in four classically Swatch color options, including a version with the characters 滴答人生 (“tick tick goes life”) on the dial. Swatch is initially releasing the BELLAMY in China, but plans to launch in Switzerland and the USA soon thereafter.
