Tokyo, September 24, 2013 –Rakuten Edy, Inc. is set to launch its new Rakuten Edy iOS app in early October.
By linking the Rakuten Edy iOS application with PaSoRi, the new contactless IC card reader/writer from Sony Corporation due for release in early October, iPhone and iPad users will be able to charge their Edy-equipped cards (up to 25,000 yen per charge, to a maximum of 50,000 yen). The service also allows the cardholder to track their charge balance and usage history.
Specifically, once the app is installed on an iPhone or iPad, the user can charge their Edy-equipped card easily at any time via PaSoRi across the energy-efficient Bluetooth protocol, allowing payments using Edy.
According to an online survey conducted by Rakuten Edy in April 2012, a majority (52.9%) of iPhone users who had used Rakuten Edy in the past – but were no longer using it – had been using it with Osaifu-Keitai. When asked why they were no longer using Rakuten Edy, around two fifths (36.6%) replied that “charging was bothersome.”
As of the end of July 2013, 77 million Rakuten Edy-ready cards have been issued excluding Osaifu-Keitai, and 360,000 outlets accept Rakuten Edy nationwide. As the number of iPhone users continues to grow, it is hoped that this app will boost the numbers charging their cards and using Rakuten Edy in their transactions, thus stimulating the e-money market.
The application is available as a free download from the App Store. Pre-order sales of the PaSoRi begin today at the Rakuten Edy Official Shop.
Rakuten Edy continues to strive to provide more satisfying and convenient services for customers.