Visa labels digital wallet "V.me," plans dev program
updated 11:15 pm EST, Tue November 15, 2011
V.me aims for app, website integration
Visa has reportedly chosen the label V.me to represent its upcoming digital wallet service, which will be paired with a developer program. The service aims to compete with PayPal and other alternatives, providing users with a quick way to make web-based payments without typing in a full credit-card number.
The developer program is geared for a wide range of potential V.me implementations, with APIs for mobile apps and JavaScript code for websites. The company is currently offering tools to enable developers to integrate the payment system to be ready by the time the service officially launches.
Visa recently detailed its plans to support near-field communication (NFC) for mobile payments, which are eventually expected to eliminate the need to enter PIN codes and signatures without compromising security.
Although PayPal currently dominates the market, American Express earlier this year unveiled its own competing service. Like V.me, Amex's Serve system will enable users to fund their account using bank accounts or credit cards from various companies.
V.me is expected to launch sometime early next year. [via AllThingsD]
