Contactless wearable wins Future Digital Award

Digital security company Gemalto has won a 2016 Future Digital Award from Juniper Research for its Celego contactless wristband. The device won Best Consumer Offer of Juniper’s Commerce and Fintech awards category, reflecting its ability to embed a rich mix of secure contactless services in a stylish and convenient wearable.

The consumer product incorporates a miniaturised chip and antenna that can incorporate all the capabilities of a standard contactless travel card or pass, as well as EMV payments and other ticketing applications, for example. The wristband works seamlessly with NFC smartphones to facilitate easy reloading of travel credit.

“Wearables add a new dimension to the contactless experience, offering end users even higher standards of speed, convenience and safety,” said Serge Barbe, SVP software and products at Gemalto.

The Celego wristband was launched commercially in the transport sector for the first time by bus, tram and metro operator Keolis in the French city of Lille during the Euro 2016 football tournament this summer. British rugby union club Saracens has also deployed Gemalto wristbands to offer fans speedy and secure contactless payments for food and drink at the Allianz Park stadium in London.

“Contactless transactions and wearable technologies are two of the most powerful trends currently shaping the consumer domain,” said Nitin Bhas, head of Juniper Research. “The Gemalto wearable product makes it easy for providers to reap the benefits of both, making their service offers even more attractive, particularly to young, tech-savvy and fashion-conscious customers.”