More than two years after launching a platform designed to turn select Android phones into digital wallets, Google has announced it’s bringing Google Wallet to all phones running Android 2.3 or later.
Up until now you’ve only been able to use Google Wallet on select device featuring NFC (Near Field Communication) chips. Now you’ll be able to use the app on most Android phones… you just won’t be able to use it in the store checkout aisle unless you’ve got an NFC-capable phone (and find one of the few stores that supports Google Wallet payments).
So what can you use Google Wallet for if you have a device without an NFC chip? Here are a few things:
- Send money to anyone in the US with an email address.
- Scan the barcodes on store loyalty cards to enter them in your device — then leave the plastic cards at home and just bring your phone to the store. Just fire up the app and have it scanned at the counter.
- Save “offers” from Google Maps, Search, or other areas to redeem coupons in stores.
- See purchase activity.
If you do have one of the approved, NFC-capable devices, you’ll still be able to tap your phone at checkout in select locations to make a payment directly from your mobile device.
The new app should hit the Google Play Store this week.
via Droid Life
The Sept 17 (today) release on Google Play still says it isn’t compatible with my OG Droid Razr Maxx. WIll this be a later release?
Yep, it should be out later this week.
>and find one of the few stores that supports Google Wallet payments
Any store that accepts MasterCard PayPass will work. This means pretty much any medium-to-large chain—gas stations, fast food restaurants, department stores, etc—will accept it.
does this mean verizon won’t be blocking this anymore?
They won’t block the app itself, but NFC functionality will be disabled.