Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Google Wallet Works For All Android Now (Almost) - Potentially Killing NFC

Source: CNet, Google Play.

Looks like NFC is a dying tech that really never had a chance.  Google has made Wallet accessible to almost every Android device out there in the wild now.  And this could be the thing that's needed to move mobile payment along.  Finally, my dream of leaving my wallet at home (when I'm not driving) when I go out and about.

Google Wallet - screenshot

If you're running Android 2.3 or higher, which is probably 95% of the Android market, then you're in.  And this could be the future of mobile payment.  In fact,  Wallet also now works like Apple's Passbook but potentially more powerful if don't right and with better ease of use.
Google Wallet - screenshot

According to its updated page on Google Play, "Google Wallet holds your credit and debit cards, offers, and rewards cards. With this latest release, you can use any card from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover in conjunction with the app".

What also potentially more important with the new updated Wallet is the ability to send money from one user to another who has an e-mail in the US.  You can send it through one of your bank accounts or credit cards.  It's not clear how the person on the other end will be able to access the fund yet.

This could open up a whole new dimension in true mobile payment that the NFC could not provide.


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