Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. log (v.) [lawg, log] – to record a single or series of
events or transactions
Example: The computer will log all the transactions
automatically.
2. tap (v.) [tap] – to
lightly hit (your fingers, feet, etc.) against something
Example: Tap his shoulder to call his attention.
3. digitize (v.) [dij-i-tahyz] –
to change data into digital form for processing on a computer
Example: Our professor wanted our group to digitize our written
report.
4. trend (n.) [trend] – something that is currently popular
or fashionable
Example: Fashion trends change every season.
5. inconvenient (adj.) [in-kuhn-veen-yuhnt] – causing trouble or problems
Example: It is quite inconvenient to live far from your
workplace.
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
Google
has recently launched its Electronic Wallet Application, which allows buyers to
pay using their mobile phones instead of cash or credit cards.
Logging payments
is done simply by tapping the phone on an NFC reader and
entering a PIN for security. NFC reader is a device that allows wireless
transaction between two devices.
Product manager
of Google Wallet Marc Freed-Finnega said the app aims to digitize everything
that can be found in people’s pockets—cash, credit cards, driver’s licenses, and
house keys, among others—by putting them together into one mobile device.
Electronic
wallet became a trend in South Korea and Japan five years
ago. It became a reality in the US when Google introduced Wallet App for
Nexus S smartphones on September 6. Although few people currently use the
application, Google considers this the start of a new technology.
Will
Stofega, an expert on mobile technology from the analyst firm IDC, said
electronic wallet technology will be a significant part of the mobile phones.
But despite
its functionality, some reviewers find the system inconvenient compared
to easier and quicker forms of payment. Jeff Blyskal, senior editor at Consumer
Reports, has tried the application and said that electronic wallets are not
going to replace real wallets. In addition, major changes in hardware must be
done before electronic wallets can be used extensively.
In the
future, Google plans to include loyalty cards and digital coupons into the phone
app so buyers can avail of discounts from store loyalty programs using their
phones. The company also plans to further develop the application, such that
mobile phones with the app can function as identification cards, train or bus
passes, and even house keys.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of paying through cash?
·
Do you think that payment by mobile
phone would be more convenient? Why or why not?
Discussion B
·
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of using multi-functional gadgets?
If you were to create a new phone application,
what would it be and why?