Samsung Partners with Amex & KB Kookmin for New IoT Card
In an exciting move at the intersection of finance and technology, Samsung has partnered with American Express and South Korea’s KB Kookmin Card to develop a cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) credit card. This innovative card will empower users to connect it to their Samsung Galaxy smartphones and track its location through Samsung’s Bluetooth Low Energy-enabled SmartThings Find platform.
The collaboration between Samsung Electronics, KB Kookmin Card, and American Express aims to revolutionise how we interact with our credit cards. This groundbreaking IoT credit card promises to bring convenience and security to cardholders’ lives.
SmartThings Find: Transforming Credit Cards
At the heart of this development is Samsung’s SmartThings Find, a location confirmation service that harnesses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Originally designed to help users quickly locate various Samsung devices like Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and wearables, SmartThings Find has now found a new purpose.
When applied to a credit card and linked to a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, SmartThings Find offers several valuable functions:
Locate Your IoT Card: Users can check the real-time location of their IoT credit card, both domestically and internationally.
Instant Separation Notifications: The system notifies cardholders when their smartphone and IoT cards are separated, helping prevent loss or theft.
Find Your Smartphone: In the event of misplacing their wallet while travelling, users can quickly locate their smartphone through the SmartThings Find service on their Galaxy device.
This synergy of technology and finance promises to redefine how we interact with our credit cards. It transforms a traditional financial tool into a versatile, connected device that enhances security and convenience for users.
Collaboration and Responsibilities
Samsung Electronics will play a pivotal role in this partnership by providing the technological expertise to link IoT cards with SmartThings Find. On the other hand, KB Kookmin Card and American Express will focus on developing, issuing, and managing IoT credit cards.
This division of responsibilities ensures that each partner leverages its unique strengths to bring this revolutionary concept to fruition. Samsung’s technological prowess and the financial expertise of KB Kookmin Card and American Express promise a seamless user experience.
Galaxy Foldable Phones Get Personalised
In another stride towards personalisation, Samsung has introduced NFC-enabled inserts for selected Galaxy foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Flip 5. These inserts allow users to customise their phone screens, aligning them with Samsung’s Eco-Friends range accessories.
The Eco-Friends range of accessories incorporates sustainability using at least 40% recycled materials. It also features designs inspired by Disney, Marvel, Minions, Pokémon, and famous K-pop artists, offering users various customisation options.
NFC Technology for Seamless Customisation
With near-field communication (NFC) technology and QR codes, Samsung users can now harmonise their foldable phone screens with Samsung Eco-Friends accessories. This enables a unified design experience that extends from the case to the screen.
For instance, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 introduces the Flipsuit case with an NFC-based Flipsuit card. When inserted into the product, this card triggers automatic screen theme changes, offering a fresh and engaging user experience. Users can easily switch screen themes by replacing the Flipsuit card provided by Samsung Eco-Friends, tailoring their devices to their preferences.
This innovative feature gives Samsung users a unique opportunity to express themselves through their smartphones, showcasing their style and preferences.
Global Availability
At launch, the Eco-Friends range of accessories will be available in over 40 countries, including South Korea, China, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, the UAE, and the US. This broad availability ensures that Samsung users worldwide can enjoy the benefits of NFC customisation.
A Glimpse into the Past
It’s worth noting that Google introduced a similar feature for its Nexus phones in 2016. Google’s Live Case users could match their wallpaper image with a custom case design using an embedded NFC chip. This early implementation of NFC technology foreshadowed the personalised experiences that tech enthusiasts can now enjoy with Samsung’s foldable phones.
In conclusion, Samsung’s collaboration with American Express and KB Kookmin Card is set to transform credit cards into smart, connected devices. Integrating SmartThings Find technology and NFC-enabled customisation for Galaxy foldable phones marks a significant leap in personalisation and convenience. As the world of finance and technology continues to merge, innovations like these promise to redefine our everyday interactions with devices and payments.
