About Us

Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Social Media

Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology
My Watchlist
Indicators
Industrial Laser Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

Blackhawk Network Drives the Shift to Digital Gifting with New Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift products, Enhancing Security and Convenience for Consumers

By: via Business Wire

Available nationwide, these innovative cardless gift cards offer enhanced and seamless digital experience, bringing the benefits of eGifts into physical stores

Global branded payments provider, Blackhawk Network (BHN) has partnered with Visa Inc. and Mastercard to bring the speed, convenience and security of an eGift into physical retail stores with the launch of Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift. The patented, tamper-evident gift carrier does not have a card inside. Rather, once the eGift is activated at purchase, consumers use a mobile device to scan the QR code inside the carrier to load the funds directly to their digital wallet for immediate use in-store using tap-to-pay terminals or online. The Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift will be available nationwide for purchase at over 15,000 locations including retailers such as Kroger, Wegmans and Weis Markets.

BHN’s proprietary packaging for the Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift is among the latest development in its fraud prevention program, called BHN Protect™. The company has leveraged over 20 years of gift card experience to curate a suite of innovative fraud prevention tactics and technologies. Its solutions proactively mitigate gift card fraud in-store and online, all while securing hundreds of millions of transactions a year.

“The new Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift products provide a secure and convenient way to gift, making them the choice for the upcoming holiday shopping season,” said Brett Narlinger, head of global commerce at BHN. “This product evolution addresses the growing consumer preference for QR-code and tap-to-pay technology, which not only streamlines the payment process but also ensures a safer payment experience by encrypting card numbers. As more consumers prioritize safety and convenience in their transactions, analysts predict that tap-to-pay digital wallet usage will grow by over 150% by 2028, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We’re proud to meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy, security-conscious shoppers with this product innovation.”

The Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift products offer all the versatile benefits of existing Visa and Mastercard gift cards and eGifts with the added next-generation design that combines current and enhanced security features to combat fraudulent activity. Other key features include:

  • QR code technology that provides a convenient and contactless way to add and redeem digital gift card funds
  • Mobile wallet ready capabilities that make it easy for consumers to find and use the funds without carrying physical cards
  • Tap-to-pay technology that enables quick and efficient transactions, improving the overall customer experience

“In addition to combating fraud, our product experts leveraged extensive consumer research and product testing to develop an offering that caters towards consumers’ increasingly digital preferences,” added Narlinger. “While many consumers prefer to purchase gift cards in stores, BHN’s recent research shows that more than half of consumers who bought a gift card last year purchased a digital gift card. This innovative new product offering allows BHN to give consumers an option that combines both the digital and physical worlds.”

The Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift can be used everywhere contactless Visa Debit Cards and Mastercard Debit Cards are accepted, respectively, including online. The Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift are issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. or by Mastercard International Incorporated. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. No fees after purchase, No cash or ATM access. See packaging for terms and conditions.

About Blackhawk Network (BHN)

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, eGifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at BHN.com.

About Pathward®

Pathward®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASH). Pathward is a U.S.-based financial empowerment company driven by its purpose to power financial inclusion. Pathward strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity across our Banking as a Service and Commercial Finance business lines. The strategic business lines provide end-to-end support to individuals and businesses. Learn more at Pathward.com.

Contacts

More News

View More
How IREN is Building an AI Powerhouse on a Bitcoin Foundation
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence Supply Chain
Tickers IREN NVDA
3 Healthcare Stocks Using AI to Drive Growth
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers BSX HIMS TEM
Get Exposure to Millennials' Purchasing Power With This ETF
Via MarketBeat
Topics ETFs
Tickers AAPL DASH DIS GOOGL META MILN
Why a $4.5 Billion Smart Debt Move Is Fueling Dell’s AI Ambitions
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers DELL
Beam Global Gets Buy Rating With 101% Upside Potential
Via MarketBeat
Topics Intellectual Property
Tickers BEEM
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.