LINE announced the hosting of its LINE Conference Tokyo 2014 at Maihama Amphitheatre to present its current and new business ventures. The conference included announcements of the newest information and achievements for LINE, including their breakthrough to over 560 million global users, and a newly released figure for the amount of monthly active users (MAU), which has reached 170 million. LINE also announced its plans for the future, expressing its aim to become more integral to daily life by surpassing the boundaries between online and offline and offering a variety of new services and business ideas under the theme of “Life.”
LINE Pay is a payment system that lets users pay for a variety of services by using the LINE app on their iPhone or Android smartphone, including of course LINE and related services, associated stores, web services, and apps. Payment can be made by linking credit cards, paying at convenience stores, or by adding money beforehand with an account from an associated bank (Mizuho Bank or Sumitomo Bank). Using LINE’s unique characteristics, users can split the purchase price of goods and services among their LINE friends by using the “Share Payment” feature, or even send money directly to a friend’s bank account without having to input their bank information by using the “Send Money” feature. The ‘Withdrawal’ feature will let users deposit the money sent to them directly into their associated bank account.
Three security measures will be set in place for the service: a separate password from LINE to act as a secondary verification, fingerprint verification via Apple Touch ID (iPhone only) required to view the password, and compulsory smartphone verification to use the PC site. This security system will ensure a safe and secure payment system for users. Planned for a winter release, payment options will be available first for LINE and related web services and apps, with expansion into offline shops and other venues planned in the future.
