GlobalPlatform has launched the first in a series of online guides that will explain in simple terms the association’s current projects and technologies.

Up now on the GlobalPlatform Web site, the first guide covers Trusted Execution Environments (TEE), or the hardware and software on a mobile device that ensures that sensitive data is stored, processed and protected.

Stafford Masie, entrepreneur and former CEO of Google South Africa, has criticized local banks’ recent efforts to pilot NFC payments as “farcical,” asserting that NFC payments are “complex and unnecessary” and will remain a niche technology, reports TechCentral.

I Love Velvet has unveiled its new “Universal Holster” add-on device for accepting payments on Apple iPods, iPads and iPhones.

The Apple-certified U-Holster can accept payments from contactless devices such as payment cards and NFC-enabled phones, as well as scan bar codes on coupons, loyalty cards, U.S. driver’s licenses, ID cards and smart phones in less than a second.

A new Morpho company under the Safran group has been launched called MorphoTrust USA.

The new company, which was formed after the acquisition of three divisions and the headquarters of former biometrics developer L-1 Identity Solutions, will serve as an identity solutions provider dedicated to the U.S. market only.