#akaiser

Note: This project grew from a collaboration between Kim Stafford and the Oregon Society of Translators and Interpreters. We decided to send a poem for peace around the world by translating the former Oregon Poet Laureate’s “A Proclamation for Peace” into as many languages as possible. Though there is much in this world we cannot change, this was something we could do using the tools we had at…

What happened:

Starting September 16th, Discover cardmembers will be able to add their Discover cards to Apple Pay, making it the final major credit and debit card provider to work with Apple Pay.

The main point of difference for Discover is that unlike the other payment providers, Discover is encouraging use of Apple Pay by rewarding cardmembers with a 10% Cashback Bonus® for a year, every time they use their Discover cards through Apple Pay.

Why it matters:

Discover is trying to change consumer behavior and increase adoption, as well as usage, by rewarding cardmembers for signing up and using the mobile payment.

New Apple Pay TV Spot Features MasterCard & American Express

What happened:

Late last week, a new Apple Pay 0:30 TV spot launched, which demonstrates an iPhone loaded with Apple Pay moving between points of sale while showing multiple product benefits, like ease, acceptance, and security, using the Touch ID functionality.

American Express is prominently displayed as the default card, and Bank of America-MasterCard is also featured within the spot, along with participating merchants like Whole Foods, Foot Locker, Toys "R" Us and McDonald's.

Why it matters:

This new Apple Pay commercial is very timely, given the growing competition from Samsung Pay, in addition to the initial launch of Android Pay earlier this week.

Although mobile payment acceptance continues to expand across issuers and merchants, many consumers are still weary of leveraging this technology due to lack of education.

Uber & Amazon Planning On-Demand Delivery Service Expansion

What happened:

Reports indicate that Uber is planning a partnership announcement this fall with large luxury retailers and fashion brands in New York City and San Francisco. Uber has also reportedly been in contact with software companies like Bigcommerce and Shopify, which help small businesses set up online storefronts.

Reuters also reported that Amazon is trying to launch a food delivery pilot program in Seattle and New York, similar to Seamless or Postmates.

Why it matters:

This expansion of both Amazon and Uber services indicates a growing trend of on-demand delivery.

An on-demand delivery service brought to consumers by various merchants could serve a unique utility during the holidays. However, it’s important to note that these types of partnerships could be difficult to scale, given they are in their pilot stages, and should be positioned as a “buzzworthy” innovation play.

What happened:

In Canada, Nature Valley launched its latest advertising campaign, encouraging youth to explore the outdoors.

As part of the campaign, the brand took underprivileged kids from urban areas out to experience nature for the first time, resulting in the digital spot “Field Trip.” The latest TV spot is a compilation of interviews between kids, parents, and grandparents about what they did for fun when they were young, which reveals a growing addiction to technology.

Why it matters:

By tapping into the growing concern that children and adults are becoming disconnected from the outdoors due to technology, Nature Valley is elevating itself as a brand that values the outdoors, rather than just a granola or snack brand.