Host Card Emulation for NFC payments on W10

[Jorge Holguin]

With this news MS just confirmed that they are and will play game to the high level. Yes I was one of those that was worry about NFC payment system and got really pissed when Google bought Softcard http://forums.windowscentral.com/wi...hould-outbid-google-softcard-negotiation.html but with this move MS just not shut our mouths, it showed us that it is listening and that they are really serious about W10 mobile. This are really good news; it made my weekend.

Let me ask you again. Are you happy now?​

Windows 10 for Phone will take away the dependency on Carriers and secure chips by bringing HCE (Host Card Emulation) support. This was you can use your NFC enabled device on any supported POS without any restrictions and without need of a specialist app like “Softcard” or without needing a secure Sim from AT&T. As the PPT reveals Microsoft has aligned with VISA, MaterCard and AMEX already for this

Windows 10 to bring HCE support (tap to pay). Demo video. Details more NFC changes | NPU​

 

[KarmaEcrivain94]

What exactly is HCE?

 

[Jorge Holguin]

HCE

Host card emulation (HCE) is the software architecture that provides exact virtual representation of various electronic identity cards using only software. Prior to the HCE architecture, NFC transactions were mainly carried out using secure elements, which were integrated into carrier-issued SIM cards.[1] HCE enables the merchants to offer payment cards solutions more easily through mobile closed-loop contactless payment solutions, offers real-time distribution of payment cards and, more tactically, allows for an easy deployment scenario that does not require changes to the software inside payment terminals. Host card emulation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[KeegdnaB42]

If I understand correctly, this implementation should be pretty much fully interoperable with apple pay, at least on the POS side. If a store already supports that, they don't need to do anything else. That means the only question mark is whether partnering with visa and mc means universal support or will individual banks will have to opt-in, which is the case with apple pay right now. Given the current soap opera with chase and bofa, doesn't leave me with much confidence (at least until I move to wells fargo in the near future). At least it shouldn't be an issue with amex.

 

[tgp]

If I understand correctly, this implementation should be pretty much fully interoperable with apple pay, at least on the POS side.

The vendors' technology isn't really Apple Pay; it's NFC tap to pay that the vendors have. Apple Pay is one of the solutions to utilize it, as Google Wallet has been for a couple years now, and Softcard too (well, for a few days yet!) As far as I know, any place that takes Apple Pay also takes Google Wallet and Softcard, and will take whatever Microsoft's version is, if and when it appears. It doesn't really make any difference to the vendor.

A rough analogy would be something like this: my phone can be called by any other phone. It doesn't matter if you have a WP, an iPhone, an Android, a Symbian, a landline, a satellite phone, or a PC with Skype and a headset. My phone accepts calls, and as long as you have something to place that call, it makes no difference to me. The end result is the same.

An iPhone with Apple Pay, an Android with Google Wallet, and a WP with Softcard can all transmit the data to the NFC reader. It doesn't matter to the reader what's sending it. As long as all the necessary information is sent, it works.

 

[Jorge Holguin]

If I understand correctly, this implementation should be pretty much fully interoperable with apple pay, at least on the POS side. If a store already supports that, they don't need to do anything else. That means the only question mark is whether partnering with visa and mc means universal support or will individual banks will have to opt-in, which is the case with apple pay right now. Given the current soap opera with chase and bofa, doesn't leave me with much confidence (at least until I move to wells fargo in the near future). At least it shouldn't be an issue with amex.

I see your point. But I believe MS basically will build this for the banks. You know beg them to come back; citing they have nothing to lose but everything to win. And if MS executes this just without any bumps I believe it will be big.