Westpac takes technology leap

Westpac is trialling a balance-checking application for Google Glass before the wearable computers even become available to the public.

The bank said today that it would integrate its popular Cash Tank app, which lets users quickly check account balances, into Google Glass.

The portable micro-computer features a display screen over the right eye that can be voice-commanded to map routes, take photos and videos and translate words.

It is still being user-tested, with a consumer version expected to be launched this year.

The move is part of Westpac's aim to make its services available on any technology that its customers adopt and follows previous integration with Sony's SmartWatch.

Chief executive Peter Clare has said that he wants Westpac to become the best digital bank in the world.
Westpac's head of digital, Simon Pomeroy, said the bank would extend the Glass functionality to let customers make transfers between accounts, receive alerts and find the nearest ATM or branch.

"By the end of this year our customers will be able to walk into a shop wearing their Google Glasses, see something they like and instantly check their bank balance, which will be displayed in their peripheral vision - that's pretty cool," he said.

Westpac hopes to be trialling Apple's new iBeacon technology in some of its branches by the end of the month.

The iBeacon uses tiny Bluetooth transmitters to alert users to special offers and deals when they walk past or enter a shop that uses the technology.

It has raised concerns with some privacy advocates and is being touted as the next big opportunity for advertisers.

"This is an opportunity to add another dimension to customer service," Pomeroy said.