Skycore, a marketing and developer support firm, has introduced a new feature to its services platform to allow developers to send Passbook passes to users via MMS. The feature should allow more companies to use Passbook because they won't need users to download a dedicated iOS app.
Passbook was a new feature in iOS 6 that allows users to store frequently used items like gift cards or frequent shopper cards, as well as single use items like movie and airline tickets. Developers can have those cards appear right on the lock screen, targeted by time or location.
/article-new/2013/05/skycorepassbook.jpg?lossy)
"As with SMS, the recipient of an MMS is instantly alerted on their home screen. An MMS pass recipient simply has to tap an image to view and install it. While we also deliver passes via mobile-optimized email and mobile landing pages, MMS is very useful for 'anywhere, anytime' delivery," said Rich Eicher, Skycore's CEO.
"A number of clients expressed concerns about relying on just their apps to deliver passes, especially for tickets, coupons, gift cards and IDs. While mobile-optimized email is a good option, MMS is ideal because the recipient instantly knows when they've received it, and they don't need to open their email client to find the pass," said Eicher.
Skycore supports MMS Passbook delivery to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon customers.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)I think the requirement to have an app is a detriment to PassBook. I don't fly much but when I do I like to have a digital boarding pass, and PassBook is great but many airlines don't have an app (or a usable app, Frontier for instance).
Says who that you need an App to add cards to your passbook? I was able to add Macys saving pass from their web site
I think the requirement to have an app is a detriment to PassBook. I don't fly much but when I do I like to have a digital boarding pass, and PassBook is great but many airlines don't have an app (or a usable app, Frontier for instance).
You DON;T need an app -- Passbook passes can be delivered via email today -- that's how my Baltimore Orioles tickets came to me after an order through their website. It was very slick.
The feature should allow more companies to use Passbook because they won't need users to download a dedicated iOS app.
Again, nothing new here; common misconception that you need an app to use Passbook. (disappointed that Macrumors is perpetuating it here)I love how MacRumors describes what Passbook is, to remind us that it is still on our devices, somewhere, there way off to the right....
You know though, I may have used it all of 5 times but it's been a pleasant and hassle free experience each time. ;)
I can see what they're trying to do with it, and I hope it works :)
All you have to do is attach a .pkpass bundle to an MMS message and give it a MIME type of "application/vnd.apple.pkpass" ... it's not like Skycore has invented anything new here.
Technically correct, but apparently only recently could pass providers send a .pkpass via all four of the major US Carriers. [It was part of Skycore's announcement (http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/skycore-announces-cross-carrier-support-for-mms-delivery-of-passbook-passes-1794382.htm).]
The takeaway for me is MMS is yet another way to deliver a pass. The 'best' way depends on the consumer and the pass provider's objectives, I think.