I found out about Plastc in the new wallet thread here last year. It's a single rechargeable e-ink card that can store and mimic mag stripe and chip cards.
It was supposed to launch this summer, but release date has been pushed back to April 2016. When it launches, it is supposed to support any mag stripe or barcode card, and Mastercard chip and pin. Additional chip and pin cards as well as contactless tap is to be supported with an ota update after launch.
Specs
Spoiler!
Code:
1. Payment technologies
Re-writeable Magnetic stripe
Re-writeable EMV Chip'n'Pin
Re-writeable NFC Wireless payments
Barcodes
2. E-ink touchscreen display
3.1”
312 x 74 Pixels
Flexible bi-stable display
Touch sensor
3. Wireless charging
Qi
PMA (Duracell Powermat)
A4WP
4. Bluetooth low energy.
5. Flexible rechargeable battery. (Approx. 30 day charge)
6. Flash memory. (Store up to 20 cards)
Cost is $180 (US) for the card and 18 months of use. Subscription fee is $50/year.
If you pre-order before April 29, 2016, cost is $155 which includes lifetime subscription.
I ended up pre-ordering. I've constantly been trying to reduce my wallet size for years now. Went from a traditional wallet to a small card holder with money clip, to an elasticized band that holds around 10 cards plus bills. To me, Plastc is the next logical step to my minimalist quest. After that, I anxiously await the shape-shifting key
Also, if anyone is interested in pre-ordering, Plastc gave me a link that gives new buyers a $20 discount (so $135 including lifetime subscription).
For full disclosure, using that link to buy Plastc will also give me a $20 Amazon gift card, though I'm not sure if it's a single gift card, or one gift card per usage.
Last edited by psyang; 09-05-2015 at 01:26 PM.
Reason: Added link for pre-order discount
The solution for wallet reduction to me is to convert as many cards to NFC or phone apps as possible and to to get a wallet phone case that only carries my driver's license and one credit card.
I have been following this product for awhile now. At first, it was not a subscription model but they just recently changed it to that... I will not be buying it anymore now.
The solution for wallet reduction to me is to convert as many cards to NFC or phone apps as possible and to to get a wallet phone case that only carries my driver's license and one credit card.
Why would anybody need that many cards anyway?
For me, it's the combination of credit/debit cards, gift cards, and loyalty cards that add up. I also have two contactless cards for security/authentication which I hope get supported after launch. Would be great to just carry plastc and a drivers license for most outings.
I have been following this product for awhile now. At first, it was not a subscription model but they just recently changed it to that... I will not be buying it anymore now.
I know, the subscription model sucks. That makes their lifetime subscription pre-order offer that much more enticing, though. Smart marketing, but I do worry how well the card will work in real life.
For me, it's the combination of credit/debit cards, gift cards, and loyalty cards that add up. I also have two contactless cards for security/authentication which I hope get supported after launch. Would be great to just carry plastc and a drivers license for most outings.
Gift/loyalty cards can increasingly be added to online accounts on your phone. I have a pocket for cash and my work RFID security card in my phone wallet as well. It works very well.
Does Plastc support RFID? I think for security purposes, a lot of corporate systems will not allow you to copy the RFID information onto another card/device.
I'm also looking at getting rid of my keys as well. Definitely looking for keyless entry/start in my next vehicle and a fob that can be on my phone or in my wallet. I think I'll switch my house entry locks to touchscreen code entry panels and I won't need my house keys either. There are also smart-phone driven locks so you could unlock you front door with your phone.
If PlastC could replace my keys and the whole jangly mess that has to be carried in addition to everything else, that would make a much better difference than replacing a few credit cards.
If it doesn't support tap, it can GTFO. Tap to pay is objectively the single greatest scientific advancement of our time.
I actually get annoyed now when I have to type in the PIN for my credit card. I remember as a student working in retail I hated when customers used CC's for payment as it was so slow with swiping, connecting, verifying, printing, then signing. But now with just tapping it's like paying with exact change every time without fumbling around for coins. I can't even remember the last time I used my debit card
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I actually get annoyed now when I have to type in the PIN for my credit card. I remember as a student working in retail I hated when customers used CC's for payment as it was so slow with swiping, connecting, verifying, printing, then signing. But now with just tapping it's like paying with exact change every time without fumbling around for coins. I can't even remember the last time I used my debit card
Ugh, in the States, I'm still signing receipts like a caveman whenever I use my credit card.
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If it doesn't support tap, it can GTFO. Tap to pay is objectively the single greatest scientific advancement of our time.
I agree, when tap first came out, I worried about the security implications. But now, I'm annoyed when the vendor's credit card system doesn't support tap.
Plastc says it will support it after launch. Time will tell.
so $180 plus another $50 a year for the pleasure of doing what was otherwise free, at the minor benefit of a smaller wallet for a few years until everything in on your phone?
pass here.
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Gift/loyalty cards can increasingly be added to online accounts on your phone. I have a pocket for cash and my work RFID security card in my phone wallet as well. It works very well.
Does Plastc support RFID? I think for security purposes, a lot of corporate systems will not allow you to copy the RFID information onto another card/device.
Interesting. I'm almost positive the video I posted above used to show the lady going into her office using plastc as an rfid key card. It's not there now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hack&Lube
I'm also looking at getting rid of my keys as well. Definitely looking for keyless entry/start in my next vehicle and a fob that can be on my phone or in my wallet. I think I'll switch my house entry locks to touchscreen code entry panels and I won't need my house keys either. There are also smart-phone driven locks so you could unlock you front door with your phone.
If PlastC could replace my keys and the whole jangly mess that has to be carried in addition to everything else, that would make a much better difference than replacing a few credit cards.
Yeah, that would be ideal. The biggest thing on my keychain is my switchblade key for my car which is huge. Next is my RSA keyfob. Then a bunch of keys for buildings I need access to that I have no control over. I've thought of using a keycase like this one but it won't hold all my keys, and I think the fluid feel of a keychain is easier to handle and manipulate than something card sized like that.
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Interesting. I'm almost positive the video I posted above used to show the lady going into her office using plastc as an rfid key card. It's not there now.
Just to follow up. At 1:08 of this video, it shows the older plastc video showing the lady using plastc as an rfid access card. I notice that Plastc's specs now show rewritable nfc, whereas before it showed rewritable rfid and nfc. They must have dropped it - too bad.
I assume it's some sort of CDN Banking Cartel protectionist bullcrap
Thats what it is. Banksis trying to partner up with Cellphone companys to do their own apps like Google Wallet. These will have monthly fees attached to using these types of apps which is why they are fighting hard agains Apple pay and Google wallet untill there apps are released in Canada.
Will check again, but I doubt it'll work on my rooted Rogers phone. This sounds cool, but I wouldn't give up root for it.
It might not work with Rogers phones because RBC currently has no agreement with them. Rogers,Telus and Bell is partnered with CIBC for a Wallet app.Rbc is partnered with Bell for now. Also keep in mind that the wallet app is limited to certain devices only. Most Blackberry phones are able to as Blackberry was directly involved in bring this to Canada. A limited amounts of Android phones are enabled. If you have an Apple device so far you ar S.O.L. . Apple has no interest in involving with outside 3rd parties because they want to control their user experience exclusively.
Last edited by combustiblefuel; 09-05-2015 at 01:13 PM.
Plastc (Payment Card Replacement)
