Pagseguro, a leading online payments provider in Brazil, is to launch an app-based mobile payments service based on NFC technology.  Those users with Nokia C7, N9 and 701 handsets will be able to access the service and make payments from a virtual wallet on the three devices. The app was developed by INdT, the Nokia Institute of Technology in Brazil.

The app has already been launched on a trial basis and will be available to Brazilian users from May onwards, according to inhouse blog Nokia Conversations. This implies next month is the date for the app's commercial launch although that is not explicitly stated.

It is envisaged that the app will used for handling payments in bars, restaurants and stores as well as transferring funds between individuals although it works essentially via a P2P set-up wherby both parties need to have downloaded the app.  Two separate sections of the app relate to the vendor or buyer. To make a transaction the two parties tap their handsets together. The amount is shown on the screen and the buyer agrees to enable the transaction to go through. Among the payments method supported are credit cards and PayPal accounts.