Mobile Technology

Tap-to-pay Google Wallet launched

Tap-to-pay Google Wallet launched
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
View 4 Images
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
1/4
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
2/4
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
3/4
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
4/4
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
View gallery - 4 images

Smartphones are in the process of replacing cameras, phonebooks, land lines and maps ... and wallets are next. First announced in May but just launched today, the Google Wallet free app allows its users to store electronic versions of their credit cards on their smartphone, and pay for items simply by tapping their phone on a near field communication (NFC) reader at a store's front counter.

A number of retailers, along with one financial institution and one carrier are on board, and so far Google Wallet is compatible with the Citi Master Card along with Google Prepaid Cards, that can be "loaded" using any existing credit card. Currently it only works with Google's Nexus S 4G phone, on the Sprint network. Needless to say, the number of cards, devices and networks is expected to grow soon.

It can be put to use at merchants that display a MasterCard PayPass symbol at their till. Users simply enter their PIN on their phone, tap the device on the merchant's NFC reader, and the payment is electronically made. At some retailers, electronic coupons and loyalty points will also be passed along. Participating businesses can be found using the MasterCard PayPass Locator for Android app.

Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today
Google Wallet, an app that allows users to pay for items simply by tapping their smartphone on an NFC reader in a store, officially launched today

Special Google Offers will also be made available to users, and will automatically sync with their Wallet.

Down the road, Google would also like to see the Wallet containing things such as gift cards, tickets, boarding passes, and even electronic house keys. Google Wallet can be downloaded now, free of charge.

Other companies that have experimented with similar payment technology have included Orange, SIMlink, SAGEM, and Visa.

View gallery - 4 images
3 comments
3 comments
Matt Rings
How about tapping two phones together to pay a private party?
Robert Volk
I do not like this idea- what is to stop a hacker from bumping up against you with a reader and gaining access to your credit card info? Seems way too easy to me...
Charles Bosse
Robert: Master card deals with hackers every day. This seems at least as secure as the systems already in place (in that this system requires a PIN). I have no love lost for Citi though, so Google may have to find another partner before I can say I am actually excited about this offer.