The Square

Jack Dorsey, the co-inventor of Twitter, is promoting his latest invention called the Square. The square is a small plug-in attachment to your mobile phone that allows you to receive credit card payments.

The idea starting from Dorsey's friend Jim McKelvey who was unable to sell some glass work to a customer because he couldn't accept a particular card being used.

Accepting credit card payments for something you're selling isn't always easy, especially if you are mobile like a tradesman, or delivery service at a trade show.

This latest invention uses a small scanner that plugs into the audio input item on a mobile device. It reads information on a credit card when it is swiped(刷卡). The information is not stored on the device but sent over secure channels to banks. It basically makes any mobile phone a cash register for accepting card payments.

As a payer, you receive a receipt via email that can be instantly accessed securely online. You can also use a text message to authorize payment in real time. Retailers can create a payer account for their customers which speeds the payment process. For example, a cardholder can assign a photo to their card so their photo will appear on the phone for visual identity confirmation. Mobile devices with touch screens will also allow you to sign for goods.

There are no contracts, monthly fees, or hidden costs to accept card payments using Square and it is expected the plug-in attachment will also be free of charge.

As with Twitter, it's expected that Dorsey will direct the company based upon feedback from users. Square Inc. has offices in San Francisco, Saint Louis and New York and is currently beta testing the invention with retailers in the United States.

1.Why is Jack Dorsey promoting his latest invention?

A. To test a plug-in attachment.

B. To identify a particular credit card.

C. To sell some glass work to a customer.

D. To allow people to receive credit card payments.

2.What can we infer from Paragraph 4?

A. The service performs only on special mobile phones.

B. The latest invention is just a small scanner.

C. The Square contains information on a credit card.

D. It is safe for your information to be sent to banks.

3.How can a cardholder receive a receipt?

A. By email online.

B. By oral message.

C. By a payer account.

D. Over safe channels to banks.

4.What does the writer imply in the last paragraph?

A. The invention may be used in the future.

B. The Square has already put into use widely.

C. The invention hasn’t been tested these days.

D. The Square is popular among people in the US.

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科目:高中英語 來源:河北省2017屆高三下學(xué)期英語周練(5.15)試卷 題型:閱讀理解

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