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Yandex.Money Releases Apple Watch Payments App

Yandex.Money Releases Apple Watch Payments App

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Screen Shot 2016-07-15 at 8.42.48 AMIn a move that expands payment methods for its users, digital payments company Yandex.Money launched an app for the Apple Watch this week. The app allows users to top up their mobile money accounts, make transfers, receive payment alerts via push notifications, and view their Yandex account balance.

The Yandex.Money mobile app, available to users in Russia, was released on iOS in 2011. It can be used to pay for thousands of goods and services, including those linked to a bank payment account. The company also offers apps for Android, Windows 10, and Windows phones.

Demand for mobile payments seems to be increasing; in fact, AC&M Consulting reports that more than 12 million users in Russia complete payments through mobile devices. However, as the Wall Street Journal depicts, the market is becoming increasingly diluted. On top of Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay, banks and merchants have started offering their own payment solutions, such as MasterCard’s Masterpass which launched yesterday for in-store payments; the Wells Fargo Wallet, which launches Monday; Chase Pay, and more.

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At FinovateSpring 2013 Yandex launched Twym, an application that allows Yandex.Money users to instantly transfer money in Rubles via Twitter. Money can be sent via a Tweet that includes @twymru, the recipient’s Twitter username, and the payment amount.

Yandex.Money powers the largest online payment service in Russia. In April, the company launched NFC payment capability for Android phones that conducts the transaction via a virtual MasterCard.