Pronto.ly’s Ultrasound Technology: A Game-Changer for Contactless Transfers
Israeli startup Pronto.ly is revolutionizing contactless communication with its innovative ultrasound-based technology, offering a universal alternative to Near Field Communication (NFC). Unlike NFC, which requires dedicated hardware, Pronto.ly’s solution leverages existing device components—microphones and speakers—to facilitate secure, contactless data transfers.
The Limitations of NFC
NFC has faced significant adoption challenges due to its reliance on specialized chips. Apple, for instance, has consistently avoided integrating NFC into its devices. The need for widespread hardware compatibility has stymied NFC’s growth, particularly in applications like contactless payments, where critical mass is essential for success.
How Pronto.ly’s Ultrasound Tech Works
Pronto.ly’s technology uses ultrasonic soundwaves to authenticate devices, eliminating the need for NFC chips. Here’s how it works:
- Ultrasound Handshake: The system employs a time-based one-time password (TOTP) exchanged via ultrasound to identify and authenticate devices.
- Cloud-Based Transfer: Actual data is transferred through the cloud, ensuring security and efficiency.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: The tech works on any device with a microphone and speaker, including Android, iOS, and Windows.
“Our solution leverages preexisting hardware,” explains CEO Nick Pappo. “No identifying or transaction data is transmitted via ultrasound—only encrypted TOTPs.”
Advantages Over NFC
Pronto.ly’s ultrasound tech offers several key benefits:
- No Dedicated Hardware Required: Works with standard microphones and speakers.
- Proximity Flexibility: Can be tuned for short-range (20cm) or long-range (5m) use.
- Multi-Device Broadcasting: Supports scenarios like smart TV casting without Wi-Fi.
- Noise Resistance: Patented filtering ensures functionality in noisy environments.
Competing with Google’s Ultrasound Tech
Google has also explored ultrasound technology, notably for Chromecast logins. However, Pronto.ly’s approach is broader, targeting diverse applications such as payments, point-of-sale systems, and access control. “Login is just one use case for us,” says Pappo.
Market Traction and Future Plans
Pronto.ly has raised $600,000 in pre-seed and seed funding, with backing from investors like Jeff Pulver and Israel’s hiCenter incubator. The startup is currently raising a Series A round, aiming to close by year-end.
Early Adopters Include:
- An Israeli bank testing contactless ATMs.
- A European bank exploring ultrasound-based e-commerce checkouts.
- A wireless charging company using ultrasound for subscriber authentication.
Pappo anticipates the first commercial deployment within weeks, with additional rollouts expected in Q3 and Q4.
Business Model
Pronto.ly plans to monetize through:
- Transaction Fees: Charging financial institutions per payment processed.
- Freemium SDK: Free integration for developers, with fees applied after exceeding usage thresholds.
“We aim to partner with at least ten major financial institutions within a year,” Pappo reveals.
The Future of Contactless Tech
With its versatility and hardware-agnostic design, Pronto.ly’s ultrasound technology could redefine contactless interactions, offering a scalable alternative to NFC. As deployments begin, the tech’s potential to disrupt industries—from banking to smart home systems—becomes increasingly clear.
Image credit: Tess Watson via Flickr
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