Rather than search for apps in an app store, Sprint ID phones come with quick access to pre-selected content geared toward particular interests.

FORBES: Sprint Sees Business Interest In 'ID Packs' As App Store Alternative

It allows smartphone owners to make in-store purchases by typing in a telephone number and personal ID code at the cash register.

BBC: Barclaycard Quick Tap reader

The default setting allows you to install apps from the Mac App Store and apps from developers that have a unique Developer ID from Apple.

ENGADGET: Apple brings Dictation to the Mac, tells Siri to stay in the car

Microsoft are making similar moves with Windows Phone to direct people to register via a Windows ID and set up payment for the Windows Store, and Google has the requirement for a Google account and payment details to fully engage with Android.

FORBES: Apple's Contract-Free iPhone Could Benefit Every Consumer In America

Once you set up iCloud using your Apple ID, any content that you buy from the iTunes Store will show up on other devices without any syncing.

WSJ: iTunes You Can Use

The card will likely take the place of your driver's license and will store at the very minimum your name, birthdate, sex, ID number, a digital photograph and address, with the possibility of additional data such as a fingerprint or retinal scan.

ENGADGET: The Real ID card: the machine readable you

From iTunes on your computer, open the Store menu, select "Turn on iTunes Match, " enter your Apple ID and password and click Subscribe.

WSJ: iTunes You Can Use

The vast majority of voters already have the necessary photo ID, which they need to get through airport security or register for a grocery-store savings card.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Holder's Voter ID Fraud