I try to go walking on most weekdays. And I prefer to do so light – carry just the minimal stuff.
On my way out for a walk yesterday, I stopped by to take some cash along with me – just in case.
And this got me thinking, with my smartphone (& earphones) I do not need so many other things.
I know the time(so that I am in time for that movie), can listen to music while I walk, I can track my work emails (allows me to stay away from my laptop) , I know I can be reached anytime if the need arises(through calls, SMS, messengers etc).
I can track my workout (and its just amazing what all some of the fitness apps can do), click high resolution photos while I am on the move and share it with my friends & family.
But I still need to carry my wallet when I go for my walk. I do so, because I might want to buy fruits on my way back. Or I might get a call from home to pick up some other groceries. Its usually not a planned spend but I want to have the confidence that I have money available to spend when I am out for a walk.
I don’t like the feel of the wallet while walking. I would love my phone – which is the digital swiss army life in most our lives – to be able to do that. I would want my phone to give me a sense of financial security too.
I know business strategists would say this an isolated and small use case. And I agree. But my point is, its a matter of time. While mobile has brought all these solutions into one gadget, payments cannot stay away for too long.
But then again, its not just me. When my mother goes out for a walk, she carries her phone and a small purse. Does she spend money every day – No. Would she go out without money/purse – No. Would she go out without her phone – No.
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