Bringing its Chrome packaged app family closer in line with the functionality of Android programs, Google's prepared a new Chrome Wallet App to offer in-program payments. If you're looking to try it out early (and you don't already know the drill), ensure you're running Google's Chrome Canary iteration and install the In-App Payments sample files found over at Github -- we've collected all the necessary links below.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Google

Comments

Source: Francois Beaufort (Google+), Chromium code review, Google Wallet Service (Chrome), In-app payments sample app (GitHub)

Although Google Checkout was rolled into Google Wallet at the end of 2011, it's still been an option for folks who peddle their wares online to collect payments. Come November 20th, however, the service will officially shut down. While Page and Co. recommend US-based merchants switch to the revamped Wallet, they're partnering with Braintree, Shopify and Freshbooks to offer discounted migration options as well. As for developers using Checkout for transactions through the Chrome Web Store, Google Play and Offers Marketplace, they'll be automatically transitioned to the Google Wallet Merchant Center in the coming weeks.

[Image credit: StockMonkeys.com]

Filed under: Google

Comments

Source: Google Commerce, Android Developers Blog

Currently, Google Wallet is available on a plethora of smartphones, but is there really such a thing as too much coverage? Google surely doesn't seem to think so. Earlier today, the company added support for its mobile payment system to the GS4, HTC One (Sprint) and the Galaxy Note II (Sprint and US Cellular). If you own one of these devices, hit the Google Play link below to add its NFC-powered tap and pay capabilities.

Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google

Comments

Via: Google Wallet (Google+)

Source: Google Play

Sending money with Google Wallet wasn't a tremendously difficult affair before today, but Mountain View's now discovered a clever new way to part you from your cash. "Over the coming months," the company will roll out a new payments feature within Gmail, letting you attach money just as you would an image or document. After clicking the new "$" symbol within the composer, you'll type in an amount and select the source of your funds. Then hit Attach, click send, and say goodbye to your Greenbacks. It's that simple. You can probably get a solid feel for how this works just from looking at the image above, but given the onslaught of announcements today, we'll forgive you for needing a more comprehensive explanation. Goog's got your back, too -- there's a demo video waiting just past the break.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Google

Comments

Source: Gmail Blog

Mountain View's just doled out an update to Google Drive on iOS, giving it the ever so slight bump to version 1.2.2 and a handful of new features. Font fanatics could see the addition of Helvetica Neue to Docs as the big ticket item in the new release, but the ability to upload multiple photos and videos otherwise headlines the batch of improvements. With the latest version, pinch to zoom now works with slides and QuickOffice users can open files and save them to Drive. In addition, spreadsheets have been freshly endowed with improvements to animations, diagonal scrolling and cell formatting for dates, decimals, currency and the like. Google Wallet on Android also received an update, but it focused on delivering a revamped UI and sundry improvements to stability and battery use. Now, the app packs navigation tabs and houses cards under the "My Wallet" section. Hit the neighboring source links to give either application a spin.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google

Comments

Via: 9to5Google, Android Central

Source: Google Play, iTunes

Didn't think there were enough coupon services? Well, Google thinks it can do it right with its new Zavers "digital coupon solution." The big G claims that its take on discounts and deals allows companies to measure customer habits and coupon usage stats to better target their campaigns. But, what does it mean for shoppers? They can find the coupons relevant to them on specific retailer websites and add them to an online account. When they hit the checkout with a full basket, the discounts are automatically accounted for. Zavers is also integrated with Google Wallet, as long as you use it to pay for items in-store. We're not sure exactly how this will work yet, but we'll just have to wait until Zavers is properly up and running.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Source: Google (1), (2)

On December 5th, Direct Merchandise Marketing (DMM) released a long-awaited statement that was supposed to explain just what had gone wrong in shipping its Matrix One tablet, a device we thought we might never see. The company cited part delays and Google Wallet troubles that left it with no choice but to allow refunds. However, that's not even half of the story. As you'll see in our investigation after the break, the company itself hasn't been on the level with its customers, even as it became clear that operations were coming apart at the seams.

Filed under: Tablets, Google

Comments

We've been following the saga of the extra-budget Matrix One tablet almost since its birth, and there's been mounting concerns as the company (or rather its parent, Direct Merchandise Marketing) went silent not long after reporting a customs freeze on shipments. At least according to a new letter to customers on the company's front page, we now know why. The firm claims that glass and processor supply trouble at the relevant factories triggered delays, which in turn led to Google Wallet shutting down its account after customers complained regarding unfulfilled orders -- it couldn't complete or even refund purchases, no matter how much it wanted to. There's a potential ray of sunshine, however, as Google has reportedly confirmed to Matrix One that refunds are going out to affected shoppers. New orders will supposedly be possible, but only after initial refunds go through and the company is "well stocked" with inventory. We have many reasons to be skeptical when Matrix One doesn't mention the customs issue, is known to have been unresponsive to customers and even reported itself as closed, but this news at least gives us hope that buyers won't be left hanging. Read the full letter after the break.

[Thanks, Stephan]

Filed under: Tablets

Comments

Source: Matrix One

There's just something about plastic, isn't there? While Google tried to convince the world that we could all pay for everything using only our mobiles, the harsh reality is that we're still probably many, many years out from that being possible. In the interim, it looks as if Google's planning to bridge the divide with a Google Wallet card. While rumored earlier in the year, now the company's own support pages are starting to mention the heretofore unannounced product by name, noting that "all Android devices with an operating system of Android 2.3.3 or higher are eligible to download the Google Wallet app for use with the Google Wallet card." There's still no word on what the thing will look like, where you'll be able to get one, or when you'll be able to stuff it between that aging Cheesecake Factory gift card and your expired AAA membership, but you can bet we'll be keeping an eye out.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Google

If you just can't wait for the official Jelly Bean 4.2 update to land on your Galaxy Nexus, you can at least do a pretty good job of faking it. Last week saw the camera and gallery apps from the latest iteration of Google's OS ported to the Nexus, and this week, Twitter user @KillDroidHack has done the honors of releasing another cluster. All Android 4.2 core apps -- such as Gmail, Maps, Calendar and the like -- are now available in APK form, as well as the newest version of Google Wallet. So, if you want the fresh set on your Nexus and have the loading know-how, head over to the Dev-Host links below to find the files you need.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google

Comments

Via: Pocketnow

Source: @KillDroidHack

It wasn't long ago that Google Wallet delved into the online payment sphere, but as of today, the Mountain View juggernaut has extended its checkout service to mobile websites. According to Google, 97 percent of mobile shoppers abandon their carts, which is primarily due to the litany of information that needs to be manually entered. Now, when you stumble upon a mobile website that supports Google Wallet checkouts, you'll merely need to click the buy button, enter your login credentials and then complete the order. The immediate downside is the paltry number of outlets that support the service: 1-800-Flowers, Rockport and Five Guys. Then again, we suppose you could have a pretty nice evening with flowers, new shoes and a couple of burgers.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software, Mobile, Google

Comments

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Google Commerce blog

Google Wallet hasn't had much uptake in the real world. When most of its use has revolved around one carrier, few payment points and even fewer phones, most of us have had to sit on the sidelines. If an Android Police source really did come across a leaked future build of Google Wallet as he claims, though, we may know how Google surmounts that problem: going old school with a real-world card. Screenshots in the app supposedly show a mail-in option for plastic that could completely replace credit and debit cards without turning to NFC. Any charges after a typical swipe of the magnetic strip would simply go to whatever payment source is set as Wallet's default, letting minimalists slim down their actual wallets while sharing in the same discounts as their phone-wielding counterparts. Digital-only purists would still get something out of the deal, as the update could also bring person-to-person money transfers and support for mass transit cards. How soon the as yet unconfirmed app would appear is still a mystery, but it dovetails with Google teasing a Wallet revamp that's rumored to take mobile use beyond its Android-only roots; we just didn't anticipate that the company might bypass our phones altogether.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Google

Comments

Source: Android Police

While the US wireless industry seems far away from finding a universal mobile payment system, T-Mobile's new BFF MetroPCS appears to have made its choice. Taking to its official Facebook page, the carrier announced on Monday that the Samsung Galaxy S III is its first handset to support Google Wallet. In choosing Google's mobile payment platform, MetroPCS joins two of its biggest competitors, Sprint and US Cellular. It should be noted that T-Mobile is deeply committed to Google's wireless payment competitor Isis, which recently became ready for public consumption. Once the two carriers exchange nuptials next year, it's possible that we could be looking at the wireless industry's first mobile payment Brady Bunch. However, looking back at T-Mobile's previous attempts at mobile matrimony, we won't be holding our breath waiting for this union to become official.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Comments

Source: MetroPCS (Facebook)

The folks over at Business Insider spotted a change on the Google Wallet website today indicating that a new version of the payment system -- separate from the recently released web version -- is "coming soon." Folks itching to get in on the fresh NFC payment action can ask for an invite right now, but alas, details about the forthcoming update are scarce. We do know that upon submitting a request for the new Wallet, users are asked if they use an Android, iOS, or "other" mobile device. So, might we be in for more widespread Wallet adoption with this next iteration? Only one way to find out, so head on down to the source, sign up, and see for yourself.

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Mobile, Google

Comments

Via: Business Insider

Source: Google Wallet

Unless you happen to be using the right phone on the right carrier, you might not know that Google Wallet is even a reality: the close association with NFC-based mobile payments on one network has largely kept it out of the public eye. Many more are about to see Wallet in action now that Google has quietly introduced it to the web. No, you won't tap your phone against your computer screen; the web version is mostly targeted at microtransactions and gives readers more than a few ways to buy without getting burned, such as long and blurred-out previews, a narrow price range between 25 to 99 cents and an Instant Refund option that gives no-questions-asked credit within half an hour. Only Oxford University Press as well as Pearson's DK and Peachpit publishing wings are known to be testing Wallet at this stage, but Google is already soliciting new partners for the e-commerce service before the customary blog post is active -- a sign that Mountain View is eager to get Wallet on the web rolling a little faster than its slow-moving mobile counterpart.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Via: 9to5Google

Source: Google

Outside of Sprint's Galaxy S III variant, no other carrier-branded models have been made to officially support Google Wallet. That's all set to change today with a maintenance update rolling out to owners of the US Cellular unit. Details of this maintenance release, uncovered by Android Police, outline a host of incoming bug fixes bundled in with Amazon's app suite and Mountain View's aforementioned mobile payment app. The leaked screenshot also indicates that other NFC-equipped devices on the operator's lineup could be joining the fray soon, though nothing's specified. You can go ahead and try to pull the OTA now, but for those of you with ants in your pants, a manual solution is available at the Samsung source link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Software, Mobile, Samsung, Google

Comments

Via: Android Police

Source: Samsung

Verizon has never totally been on the Google Wallet bandwagon. First, Big Red refused to support the mobile payment system, citing its dependance upon proprietary hardware. Months later, some folks managed to gain access through the Play Store, but it looks like that the VZW GNex is, once again, Wallet-free. Word on the web has it that those Nexus owners are now, upon opening the app, greeted by a message saying that their version of Google Wallet is no longer supported, and that they need to update the app. Problem is, the Play Store is telling folks that their devices are no longer supported. We've confirmed the issue ourselves, but we don't know if this a temporary problem, or if it's a permanent move. We've reached out to both Google and Verizon for comment, and we'll let you know as soon as we hear back.

[Thanks, Tim]

Update: Verizon responded to our requests, but declined to add any new comment on the matter. Instead, VZW reiterated its previous statement that "Verizon doesn't block applications. Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones."

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Source: Android Community

Google Wallet's prepaid card concept has been plagued with its share of security concerns, and though Mountain View seems to have sorted out those issues, it's now phasing out the prepaid card program entirely. The service was intended to make up for a limited choice in debit and credit cards, and now that Google Wallet accepts any and all plastic, the prepaid option is a bit moot. The cut-off date for adding funds to a Google prepaid card is September 17th, and the prepaid option will vanish entirely on October 17th. Whereas users were previously charged $2.00 per month after 180 days without a transaction, they'll get slapped with the same fee after 30 days of no purchases. Google says you can request a refund if you have a remaining balance after the prepaid option kicks the bucket, though it's probably a good idea to just go ahead and spend those leftover dollars.

[Thanks, Chris]

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Wireless

Comments

Source: Google

If you found yourself on the wrong network for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Stellar smartphone, consider this: The Galaxy Victory. This little slab was leaked to Android Central recently, sporting similar specs to Verizon's upcoming budget device. Like its cousin, the Victory appears to have a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a TouchWiz flavored serving of Ice Cream Sandwich and a 4-inch 800 x 480 display -- but it sets itself apart with a five-megapixel rear facing camera and quad-band GSM support. The handset also plays nice with Samsung's TecTiles accessory, as well as Google Wallet, Beam and other NFC standards. An internal employee promotion from Sprint pegs the device for a September release, but makes no mention of price or specific availability.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Source: Android Central (1), (2), (3)

MasterCard has switched up its NFC and Mobile Payments deal with T-Mobile and Orange to include corporate parent / sibling Everything Everywhere. The pairing will leverage the existing Orange Cash standard to get users onto the service, building out a person-to-person payment system similar to Pingit as they go. It's reportedly angered rival networks Vodafone and O2, still smarting from last week's 4G news, who were co-operating on a unified mobile payments service called "Project Oscar" that would have standardized the system nationwide. Given that Vodafone has partnered with Visa and O2 is trying things out on its own, perhaps the next time you choose a phone, you'll have to side with your card-provider of choice, too.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Via: TechCrunch

Source: The Telegraph

There's little doubt that mobile payments hold a ton of potential for the future of commerce, but without proper direction (and willingness for adoption), the technology remains little more than an impractical curiosity for the majority of consumers. In an effort to define a way forward for the mobile payment industry, a large number of heavy hitters have banded together under the umbrella of the Electronic Transactions Association to form the Mobile Payments Committee. Not only does the group include all four of the top US carriers, but also Google, Isis, VeriFone and PayPal. Add to that financial institutions such as Wells Fargo and Capital One, along with American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa, and you'll quickly realize that this group is playing to win.

Primary goals of the Mobile Payments Committee include fostering relationships with merchants, ensuring consumer access to modern payment methods, exploring best practices and ensuring interoperability of networks, equipment and financial institutions. The group will also engage in lobbying activities with legislators and regulators, and will additionally work to educate both merchants and consumers about the potential of mobile payments. With so many key players (and competitors) sitting around one big table, what wouldn't you give to be a fly on the wall during those meetings? For a little extra insight, just hop the break for the full PR.

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Wireless, Mobile

Comments

Nobody puts Google Wallet in the corner for long, not even Big Red. Though the carrier courted controversy late last year by withholding support for the burgeoning NFC-based platform amidst security concerns, it appears to have finally changed tack. Owners of that LTE Galaxy Nexus variant are now reporting the ability to access the app from the Play store, no workarounds necessary. Though we weren't able to verify the success of that particular method -- no results surfaced during a quick store search -- we did have success downloading the application to our stock, unrooted device using a direct market link. We've since reached out to Verizon for official comment on the matter, but have yet to hear back. In the meantime, if you've been itching to give Mountain View's brand of mobile payment a go, hit up the source link below and let us know how you fare in the comments.

[Thanks, Keith]

Filed under: Mobile

Comments

Google Wallet has been hampered by a number of limitations since its launch, not the least of which is its limited device compatibility. Perhaps a bigger problem though, was its lack of support for most major credit and debit cards. Today that finally changes with the latest version of Big G's mobile payment system. Now you'll be able to use any credit or debit card you wish, and take them with you from one device to the next. Early versions of the digital wallet used the phones secure local storage to protect your card info, now it's all in the cloud allowing you to sync your preferred payment method across multiple devices and keep track of both your online and in-store purchase's through Google's web Wallet. Perhaps most importantly though, Mountain View has upped the security ante, by allowing you to disable individual devices, should a tragedy befall your beloved Nexus. For more info check out the video after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile

Comments

Verizon may not want you to have Google Wallet on your phone, but that won't stop intrepid rooters and hackers from shoehorning the app into Big Red's handsets. Mike Beauchamp and Dustin Evans took some time away from their recent Kansas City trip (to check out Google Fiber, of course) to get the Mountain View mobile payment solution up and running on a Galaxy S III. Is it more difficult than rooting your device and installing the app? Just a bit. Beauchamp's video doesn't offer much in the way of instruction, but it does show it being used to buy breakfast at Mickey D's. Thankfully, it looks like some folks over at the XDA forums have documented the solution, just check out the more coverage link.

Filed under: Mobile

Comments

The good ship T-Mobile isn't staying anchored in any one port for mobile payments: just hours after the ink started drying on a deal with MasterCard for NFC, the carrier's parent company Deutsche Telekom has confirmed to Bloomberg that it's been talking with Google as well. While Deutsche Telekom's innovation lead Thomas Kiessling hasn't said more about a pact beyond its being "theoretically possible," it's not hard to do the math and picture Google Wallet coming into the equation if discussions go smoothly. Google won't go so far as to comment on its own -- not that the silence is stopping the would-be German partner, which is also chatting up banks and individual credit card firms to make sure everything falls into place. If it pans out, a Google alliance would certainly help T-Mobile fend off competition from Orange in Europe and give Google Wallet some much-needed support.

Comments