Some popular smartphones will soon NFC with Isis soon. No NFC is not euphemism for something risque but is for Near Field Communications, a wireless way of paying and transmitting secure information nearby.
When an NFC-enabled device is placed near a terminal you can make a payment from it. The Isis platform is called "Mobile Wallet." In a video demo it is shown downloading coupons, operation a subway turn style and making a payment at a coffee bar. In another video it shows Isis used with vending machines. It looks like you do need Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to buy ice cream cones on some devices with Isis.