Microsoft is working on its own mobile payments service

We’re still a ways off before the final build of Windows 10 is released for desktops and smartphones but that hasn’t stopped details about planned features from reaching us. According to reports, Microsoft is actually working on a mobile payments service that will compete with the likes of Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google’s upcoming Android Pay. 

Windows Phone does not have the best of luck when it comes to NFC payments but Microsoft continues to plough ahead, and in Windows 10 Mobile has added greater support for NFC payments, this time by adding support for Host Card Emulation. Host Card Emulation removes the need to rely on a Secure Element on the phone or SIM card, thereby making it possible to implement NFC Payment support without the involvement of carriers or apps like Softcard. The requirements align with those specified by VISA, MasterCard and AMEX, which hopefully means a more higher likelihood of future support. See the video excerpted by NPU demonstrating the feature in action.