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SINGAPORE -- Getting stuff done at the bank often involves having to waste part of your day standing in line at the bank. 。
Singapore's national bank just started rolling out the country's first-ever video conference based teller machines, where you can talk to a live teller via video chat. 。
SEE ALSO:Apple now allows users in Taiwan and Switzerland to pay for apps through their phone bills 。For now, the system is a trial with just one machine at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio, but DBS appears confident it'll be well-received, and plans to install more of the video machines around the island by the end of the year, it says. 。
The machines will take some resources to run. For one, a live teller needs to look peppy and respond to customers round-the-clock -- a service banks don't offer yet, since most branches stop serving walk-ins by late afternoon. 。
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The virtual teller machines will perform regular ATM services such as cash withdrawals and balance enquiries, and they'll also be able to dispense debit cards and internet banking tokens. 。
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In order to access these functions, users will need to bring along valid identification. The machines will also be able to scan fingerprints to authenticate users. 。
"We see the [machines] as a game-changer for the industry, in terms of delivering round-the-clock branch banking services to our customers," said Jeremy Soo, managing director and head of consumer banking group (Singapore), DBS Bank.。
The first virtual teller machine will run from 10am to 2pm on weekdays and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays for now, until DBS extends the service to its 24/7 plan. 。