Canadian startup Zaptap will create a more social experience for shoppers with its new NFC platform that blends mobile commerce with social media.
The platform features social sharing and YouTube integration so shoppers can share updates, create videos about their purchases or view promotional videos inside the store on their smartphones.
The platform uses near field communication, technology that the new iPhone 5 will not come equipped with, despite wide speculation that it would.
Zaptap however, is not daunted by Apple’s revelation at the new phone’s unveiling yesterday.
The Canadian company will move ahead with plans to launch the new app which will provide unique services to retailers, including the
ability to push content to customers like incentives, personalized notifications, product information and reviews.
Shoppers can get all that data by simply aiming their smartphone at certain products in the store.
Live customer help and responses to customer feedback is also a feature of the application, and merchants will get real-time metrics on all their products and store locations.
In a news release, Zaptap said its platform stands out because it does not require special software that may discourage consumers who don’t want a time consuming download or app installation. The company adds that it has deals pending to deploy their NFC platform with over 15 global retail brands this fall and winter.
Fredericton, N.B.-based Zaptap was one of 15 Canadian startups chosen from a field of 61 applicants to have their products showcased during an opening day reception at the 2011 GROW Conference in Vancouver.
Source: www.itbusiness.ca
