# Wallet Phones By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-01-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallet-phones References: [web-japan.org](http://web-japan.org/trends/business/bus041129.html) Cell phones that allow users to pay for their shopping just by holding them over a reader at the cash register, aptly nicknamed o-saifu keitai (wallet cell phones), went on the market in July 2004. Sold by [NTT DoCoMo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ntt-docomo-cx), the phones contain a noncontact IC chip called FeliCa developed by [Sony Corp.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindone-smartphone) Aside from functioning as electronic money, the versatile new phones are capable of replacing credit cards, [membership cards, reward cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fidme), and even the keys to the office or home. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mobile Payments:** The increasing popularity of wallet phones presents an opportunity for mobile payment technology companies to expand their reach and offer more secure payment options. - **Iot Security:** As wallet phones become more widespread, there is a need for developing advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect users' information and prevent fraud. - **Contactless Technology:** Wallet phones are a prime example of the benefits of contactless technology, providing convenience and improving the consumer experience, which could spur innovation in other industries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Mobile Technology:** The release of wallet phones by NTT DoCoMo presents an opportunity for mobile technology companies to enhance mobile payment technology. - **Cybersecurity:** Wallet phones present a unique opportunity for cybersecurity companies to develop innovative solutions to protect mobile payments and user data. - **Retail:** The potential widespread adoption of wallet phones creates an opportunity for retailers to modernize and digitize their payment systems and improve their customer experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smartphone-Charging Smart Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphonecharging-smart-wallets.md) - [Fingerprint-Scanning Payment Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biometric-payment-cards.md) - [Digital Wallet Car Keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-wallet-and-mercedesbenz.md) - [Flexible Mobile Bank Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallet-express.md) - [Payment Terminal-Enabled Mobile Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-payment-terminal.md) - [Compact Payment Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dojo.md) - [Contactless Payment Accepting Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tap-to-pay.md) - [Tap-to-Pay Smartphone Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-tap-to-pay.md) - [Credit Card-Eliminating Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soulwrist.md)