Looking for some extra Friday viewing material? Well, Google has finally started giving its Wallet service the attention it deserves. After releasing a major update that made the mobile payment app compatible with all major credit and debit cards, it released several YouTube videos that emphasize the simplicity and security of Google Wallet; interestingly enough, the first video only mentions compatibility with Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, even though you can clearly see the American Express logo on the phone’s screen. (Let’s hope this isn’t a sign that American Express is planning to pull support!)
Google is also sending users email messages reminding them to update the app:
Hello,
We recently released a new version of the Google Wallet mobile app with a number of improvements and new features.
Add Any Credit or Debit Card to Your Google Wallet Now
Add your Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express to your Google Wallet and use them for in-store purchases anywhere Google Wallet is accepted. If you already have an online Google Wallet account, your cards will be automatically synced to your Google Wallet app.
New security feature
We’ve also added a new security feature that allows you to remotely disable your Google Wallet app from the Web if you ever lose your phone. Just visit the ‘Devices’ section in the online wallet and select the phone with the Google Wallet you wish to disable.
Update your Google Wallet app now through Google Play.
And finally, Google recently hosted a Wallet Q&A in which it hinted that new features such as person-to-person payments could be coming soon (PayPal, get worried), along with official support from more carrier partners (Verizon, perhaps?). We’ll just have to wait and see, but it’s good to see Google finally giving this product the attention it deserves. In due time, this service will hopefully become very widespread.
I’m looking forward to this growing. It’s quite annoying when a particular place has the sideways WiFi logo but the reader isn’t compatible yet. Epic fail!
Yeah, I have added my debit /visa card and have tried to use Google Wallet to no success. Lol it’s probably me that’s making a mistake but I do like the idea.
Even though Wallet uses all credit cards now doesn’t the store have to have the right thing to swipe your phone. I think I have the app on my phone that tells me which stores take it.
I flew to Washington the other day and drove back to Cali. I must say 80% of the places i stopped (jack, radioshack, 7/11, gas stations, etc) i was able to use it. Nice, easy and fast transactions.
Just used wallet for the first time!!!! The weird thing is is I’ve never clear my wallet setting before flashing a new Rom… Weird that it still worked