Ant Financial is to launch VR-based payments

Aug 10, 2016

China’s Ant Financial aims to debut a virtual reality-based payments service called VR Pay this September.

Parent Alibaba unveiled a VR-based shopping service called Buy+ last month. The shopping service enables users to browse, try on items and then place orders.

However, users were previously unable to complete the transaction within the VR experience. Instead, they had to remove the VR helmet and pay through a mobile app.

From September, users will be able to complete transactions within the VR experience. When users place an order, VR Pay will present them with a 3D Alipay checkout counter.

Users can log into their Alipay account via the VR headset in three ways: by gazing at a single point for a few seconds as a sign of confirmation; nodding their head within the VR headset; or making a specific gesture with their hands, which requires them to be holding a sensor or controller. Having logged in, users verify the payment with a password.

VR Pay is currently as secure as Alipay on a mobile device, said the company, but it is debating internally whether or not to add a biometric security feature if necessary.

Source: Mobile World Live