The future of banking may include screenless ATMs driven by mobile apps

EyeLock, a provider of iris-based identity authentication solutions, and Diebold, a global provider self-service technology, software and services, have teamed up on a screenless, self-service ATM concept  that is more compact than traditional ATMs. A prototype called Irving is currently being tested by Citibank in the US.

The design of the new concept ATM does not have a PIN pad, card reader, or screen. Instead, all transactions take place via a mobile app on the user's smartphone. In addition to near field communication (NFC) and quick response (QR) code technology, the new system uses iris scanning from EyeLock to identify the customer once at the ATM.

"EyeLock believes that the age of carrying plastic cards and remembering passwords is just about over and the era of unfettered personal access through biometric technology is just beginning," said Anthony Antolino, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer for EyeLock. "For banking and other applications, EyeLock's iris identity authentication solutions are not only highly secure, but very easy to use."

According to Frank Natoli, Executive Vice President of Self-Service Technology at Diebold, customers sign into their banking app on their phone or tablet and determine how much money they want to take out. Once the withdrawal is input, they then go to any EyeLock-equipped ATM on the network to complete the transaction. They would simply approach the machine, which identifies them through NFC, scans the iris of his or her eye to quickly verify identity, and the ATM dispenses the correct amount of cash. The whole process takes less than half the time of a typical ATM transaction today - with Irving, cash withdrawals can be completed in less than ten seconds.

"While digital channels are evolving, cash will continue to play an important role in consumer transactions," Natoli said. "That's where Diebold comes into play – to bridge the digital and physical worlds of cash in unprecedented ways through cardless transactions, mobile integration and faster, more convenient access. The Irving concept embodies a new era of banking and puts the user experience at the top of the pyramid to connect consumers with their money when and how they see fit." 

Citibank is in the early stages of testing the high tech ATM and plans to roll it out are still to be determined. "At Citi, we are always looking for innovations that simplify and enhance the banking experience," said CitiFinTech CEO Heather Cox.

Hashtag: #CES2016

Bourjois eyeshadows out in mattes, pearls and shimmers

Introduced in 1912, Bourjois makeup is known for their iconic little round pots. The latest incarnation of Bourjois pots reflect the colour and finish of new shadows, available in matte, pearl and shimmer.

When dry, the eight new eyeshadow shades blend over the lid with ease. When used damp, the shadow can easily be used to draw precise lines for an eyeliner effect.

01 INGENUDE
A delicate pearly off-white hue; apply to even out the eyelids.



02 GENEROSE
A pearly light pink that illuminates the eyes.



03 ORIGINALE
A radiant shimmering beige.





04 EMAUVANTE
A soft burnished mauve. Elegant yet unconventional.



05 MAUVIE STAR
A frosted silvery mauve.



06 UTAUPIQUE
Taupe with a high matte finish.





07 BRUN DE FOLIE
A shimmering dark taupe.



08 NOCTAM-BRUNE
A frosty brown, intense with a hint of pearl.

Protection from UV, pollution key consumer demands for beauty care

Many are turning towards beauty products to protect themselves from the impact of pollution, according to analyst firm Mintel, particularly in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Mintel revealed that between 2011 and 2013 there was a 40% rise in the number of beauty and personal care products launched carrying a claim that it could treat or protect against the effects of pollution. This has raised APAC’s share of global beauty and personal care launches holding anti-pollution claims from 22% in 2011 to 27% in 2013.

Furthermore, Mintel’s research shows that many consumers are looking to wash away the effects of their surroundings in particular, as the number of soap and bath products launched in the APAC region carrying an anti-pollution claim grew 63% between 2011 and 2013. In addition, hair product launches carrying anti-pollution claims have grown 61% while skincare launched with anti-pollution claims grew 46% over the same time period.

Speaking at in-cosmetics Asia 2014, Emmanuelle Moeglin, Global Fragrance and Colour Cosmetics Analyst at Mintel, said: "We are seeing the expansion of beauty products that shield from its effect across regions, categories, occasions, ages and gender. As awareness of the effects of pollution grows, we are seeing the expansion of beauty products that shield from its effect across regions, categories, occasions, ages and gender. With an increasing number of consumers living more urbanised lifestyles, we expect to see a rising number of beauty and personal care products launched carrying more specific anti-pollution terminology that specify the sources and composition of the pollutants.”

Whilst the APAC region has seen particularly strong growth of anti-pollution beauty products, this claim has also posted strong growth globally. Between 2011 and 2013 there was a 10% rise in the number of beauty products launched carrying this claim around the world, with a 60% rise in the number of soap and bath products launched with this claim, a 31% rise in hair products with this claim and a 22% rise in skincare launches carrying this claim.

Although demonstrating smaller growth in comparison to other categories, skincare products are still the most likely category to carry an anti-pollution claim, with 3.7% of skincare products launched globally in 2013 including such a claim, up from 3.2% in 2011. Moreover, there are a growing number of eye care products being launched carrying an anti-pollution claim with 7.2% of eye-care products launched so far in 2014 carrying this, up from 3.9% in 2012.




In addition, Mintel’s research has also revealed an increase in the number of skincare products launched with a UV protection claim. Whilst 13.6% of skincare products launched globally carried a UV protection claim, this rose to 15.4% in 2013. Looking forward, the popularity of this positioning looks set to continue to grow as 16.4% of skincare products launched globally so far in 2014 offer UV protection.

Finally, Mintel has identified growing consumer awareness of pollution and emissions to be a key trend for 2015. Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant at Mintel, said: “In 2015, pollution will become a key media focus. The cosmetics industry in particular has been awakening consumers to the immediate, visible, personal effects of pollution. 

"As a result, we can expect protective claims against PM 2.5 and others to grow in product marketing in skincare and cosmetics in general. In addition, consumers are already embracing apps that scrutinise a product’s environmental credentials and we anticipate more brands to become increasingly transparent in the coming year.”

HTC launches smartphone, imaging ecosystem components in Singapore

HTC has launched the RE, a new type of camera, the HTC Desire EYE smartphone, the HTC Eye Experience imaging software, and Zoe, a collaborative video editing community, in Singapore. 

"Back in 1997, we allowed people to leave their laptops at home in favour of powerful, pocket-sized smartphone computing. Today we are taking a similar leap forward - combining incredible hardware with unrivalled software," said Jack Yang, President of South Asia, HTC Corporation. “HTC is reinventing the way we think about imaging. We are taking you out from behind the viewfinder and putting you back where you belong, at the heart of the action and some amazing new innovation in software to enhance the use of technology.” 

HTC also shared pictures taken by the RE, which show its wide angle and adaptive exposure capabilities:

The HTC Desire EYE will available in Coral Red and Submarine Blue, from 27 November 2014, launching at the SITEX Show through StarHub and M1 at a recommended retail price of S$728 including GST. The RE will be available from 19 December 2014 for S$348. Updates will be announced on the HTC Singapore Facebook page. 

Read the blog posts about the launch here and here.

It's all in the eye of the beholder: HTC rolls out new phone and software

Continuing a heritage of smartphone innovation, HTC has launched its new top-of-the-range HTC Desire model, the HTC Desire EYE, together with mobile imaging software and a collaborative video editing app. 

Source: HTC. The new Desire EYE smartphone
in submarine blue.

The waterproof* 4G Desire EYE is designed to be the ultimate multimedia companion and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor. Two 13MP cameras (front and rear) provide detailed image quality, and shots can be made one-handed. The HTC Desire EYE has back side illumination** (BSI) sensors to deal with low-light conditions, and dual-LED flash on both cameras. In addition, three dedicated microphones ensure crystal clear voice and video calling, while HTC BoomSound and a 5.2” Full HD display offer and the perfect way to view your photos and videos.

The new HTC EYE Experience takes mobile imaging software into a new league with face tracking for up to four people in the same room, with each face cropped and positioned on the screen for maximum clarity. The option to share screens adds productivity to smartphone-based video chats as well.

The Split Capture function can combine simultaneous photos and videos taken on the front and back cameras into one split-screen image or video for a new selfie experience. Voice Selfie uses a spoken command to trigger the shutter release, so that there is no need to touch the screen to start the camera. 

The new Zoe collaborative video-editing app allows several users to remix photos and videos into highlight reels, complete with themes and soundtracks. The app is available free of charge on Android now and on iOS later this year.

The HTC Desire EYE will be rolled out through mobile operators and major retailers across EMEA and Asia from October. The HTC EYE Experience will roll out to the following models (full feature list to be confirmed at roll-out): HTC One (M7), HTC One (M8), HTC One E8, HTC One mini, HTC One mini 2, HTC One max, HTC Desire 816, HTC Desire 820 and HTC Butterfly 2 in the coming months.

*Rated IPx7, 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes, out of the box. **BSI sensors are designed to handle low light situations more effectively than conventional camera sensors so that clearer pictures result in a dim environment.