Google, Apple gear up for e-billing

Google and Apple are both making moves to ensure smooth financial transactions on their mobile platforms, reports eWeek.

Google and PayPal are brokering a deal to let the search engine use the e-commerce service as a payment option for applications purchased through Google's Android market.

Apple, meanwhile, has hired an expert in near field communication (NFC) technology as its new product manager for mobile commerce and has published a number of NFC-related patents in recent months.

JP Morgan Chase has introduced an application for the Apple iPhone that allows consumers to deposit cheques with the smartphone, states Business Lansing.com.

Customers at Chase simply use their phones' cameras to snap pictures of the front and back of the endorsed cheques and electronically send them to Chase.

The technology, called 'remote deposit capture' is gaining popularity among many banks and credit unions. Users also can use their mobile phones to make personal payments via online billing service PayPal instead of writing cheques.

Canadian wireless operator, Telus Mobility, has announced plans to discourage customers from receiving paper bills in an effort to cut costs and safeguard the environment, says Teleclick.

Beginning 21 September, the company will charge customers $2 for each paper bill they receive.

“Paper bills are more expensive. You've got to produce them, print them, and mail them. The $2 charge represents the cost to us to produce a paper bill,” explained Telus spokesman, Shawn Hall, in an interview.