Australian mobile network Optus has shown off a prototype watch that can be used to make contactless payments as an extension of its Cash by Optus prepaid NFC payment app.

“Payments can be made using only the wearable without the linked phone nearby,” says Optus. “When in close range, the connected watch and linked smartphone sync up via Bluetooth to update the account balance on the connected watch and transaction details on the linked phone.”

The network says that it developed proof-of-concept wearable NFC payment solutions, which also include a wristband, to answer customer feedback.

“The biggest frustration came from our iPhone customers who wanted to try Cash by Optus, but didn’t have a compatible phone,” says VP of mobile marketing Ben White. “That’s why we’re developing this wearable technology, which is designed to work on both Apple and Android smartphones.”

Cash by Optus wearables are planned for release “later this year”.

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