PayPal has entered the mobile world with their triangular-shaped mobile credit card-swiping gadget aimed directed at Square.

The gadget works similarly to Square, offering a simple attachment and merchant app that allows iPhones and Android smartphones to do the work of a cash register, swiping credit and debit cards, and tracking receipts. In addition, the app allows merchants to take pictures of checks and credit cards, to process payments even without the attachment. The app can also issue invoices.

But PayPal differs somewhat in market strategy: The company is hoping to become a full-on electronic wallet. PayPal Here is for merchants, but their consumer app is expanding as well. As of today, that app now includes a “local” button, which lets you pay at merchants who accept PayPal. The launch partner is Home Depot, which announced that you’ll be able to use PayPal in its 2,000 stores. L

 

At PodCamp Western Mass #4 I presented a session on Mobile Marketing.  Download a copy of my presentation at SlideShare here.  Or scan any of these QR codes in your smartphone or tablet device. Please share any comments or thoughts you might have.

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And, if all this isn’t enough, check out this interesting application for QR codes. Thinking beyond the computer screen and how the QR code can be an instructional design tool.