Westpac Bank will begin trialling one of its banking apps on Google Glass this month, making it the first bank in New Zealand to use the technology.
Customers of the bank will be able to check their balances on the Google technology, a metal framed device, similar to glasses, which has a mini display screen over the right eye, which is still to be released to the market.
Photo: AFP
Westpac's chief digital officer, Simon Pomeroy, says this year is poised globally to be the year of wearable technology.
"We can't predict how significant uptakes will be in Google Glass or smart watches over the next two to three years, but for our customers that choose to buy any of those devices, we want them to have the capability to get simple, fast access to their banking," he says.
"We have a real appetite to make sure that we are at the forefront ... in this industry in New Zealand to make sure that it can work for customers around their banking needs.
"Google Glass is a good example.
"If customers are wearing their Google Glasses and want to know where the nearest ATM is, or a Westpac branch, they want to get a balance on their account when they're in a stores, or they want to move money between accounts ... they'll be able to do that".
Mr Pomeroy says the investment cost involved is not high, because the bank keeps its internet banking platform flexible and nimble.
