CBA launches Android-based 'EFTPOS tablet' after delay

The Albert EFTPOS terminal. Photo credit: CBA.

Commonwealth Bank’s Android-based tablet designed for EFTPOS transactions, Albert, was officially launched today.

CBA first announced Albert in July 2012. At the time, it said the device would launch in Q2 of 2013.

Albert operates on the CBA's 'Pi' platform. The bank is promoting the development of a software ecosystem around the device.

Some of the apps at launch include Split Bill, which allows bill splitting between up to 10 people, Cash Counter which helps the bank's customers count the day’s takings, and Community Giver which allows patrons to make donations to a nominated charity.

Field tests of Albert were conducted with selected Sydney businesses in October last year.

Commenting on the delay, CBA managing director of payments and cash management services, Gary Roach, said that it was a “very complex challenge” to build a secure hardware and operating system that can process payments.

“All of that needs to get through challenging industry certification that is required. We are very confident that it will be difficult for people to emulate what we have done,” he said.

The Albert terminal was developed in partnership with Wincor Nixdorf and IDEOO. It supports EMV chip and PIN transactions, and Payments Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards.

Roach said that Albert supports Near Field Communications (NFC) and there are plans for thousands of terminals to be deployed to customers.

The terminal comes with Wi-Fi and 3G built in. Customers can use the terminal to email receipts and invoices.

Commonwealth Bank customers currently using Albert include the Foot Locker, discount fuel retailer EasyFuel and David Jones. For example, EasyFuel is using Albert at its petrol stations to process customer transactions.

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