Orange UK Launches Mobile Phone Instant Payments (but you'll have to use a Samsung Tocco for now)

UK network Orange has launched the nation's first widespread mobile-phone payments system - in partnership with Barclaycard.

Orange will be releasing specially adapted phones - the first one is the Samsung Tocco Lite - and retailers must sign up for the "Quick Tap" system.

You set up a "Quick Tap" account, then on your adapted phone you can pay for goods and services under £15 by tapping your phone on a terminal.

Orange says Pret A Manger, Eat and Subway are among merchants signed up so far.

Let's not forget Google and Apple, among others, have plans for their own payments systems using Near Field Technology. Whoever wins the race to dominate the market will make a mint.

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