Google opens its 'wallet' to the public

20 Sep 2011

Google's mobile payments technology, Google Wallet is available in the United States and can apparently be used at over 300 000 stores in America and other parts of the world. However, at this stage the service is limited to the US although Google does plan to release it for used in other countries soon.

Google Wallet is seeking to replace credit cards as a means of payment at merchants everywhere. Its Android phones contain a special chip that can be tapped against readers at cash points to make payments.

The system has been on trial in New York and San Francisco since May but now anyone with a Sprint Nexus S can use it.
Google Wallet uses near-field communication technology and the company is offering a $10-free bonus to encourage smartphone owners to start using the technology.

The smartphone acts as a copy of a credit card that is stored on the phone itself and no account data is ever transmitted to Google's servers. It works with Google's Prepaid card and with Citi Mastercard.

Read the article on Mail & Guardian.
Read the article on Memeburn.
Read the CBR article.