We’ve posted several times about how in the future (and the future is today in some casrs), users will be able to flash a code on their mobile device screen and board a plane or train, purchase a product, or even checkout books from a library using a cameraphone.

Last year we posted how Qantas Airlines was running a test using this type of technology and something similar was going on in the UK with paying for a parking space at a meter using your mobile device or smartphone.

So why bring this up again today?

The San Francisco Business Journal reports that Sprint is allowing a small group of riders to pay for train rides on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) using their cell phones.

The public transit agency is experimenting with specially equipped Sprint mobile phones that riders use to pay for a trip. The phones contain a microchip that stores value like a debit card. The value is subtracted when users swipe the phone over optical readers atop BART fare gates. Users can add value to the chips with a credit card.

We don’t think it will be too long before library materials will be able to be checked-out using a phone (for those who have them). Just scan with your cameraphone and go. At the same time the user will be able to see what they have checked-out, it’s due date, overdue fees, perhaps related materials of interest, etc. all in a single location no matter where they are located. They will also be able to download or stream a/v materials directly to their mobile. device.

For sure one to watch.

See Also: Point and Search: Cameraphone Search from Microsoft Or What MSFT Calls Mobile Navigator
A very cool demo!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.