Google Wallet is live
FeaturePosted by Seth Planck
September 19th, 2011 at 6:37 PM Filed Under Featured, Latest News, Press Release, Videos
Google Wallet is live on Sprint, Google Nexus S 4G owners can now get their NFC mobile wallet on
It’s official, Google Wallet has launched! We reported earlier today that Google Wallet was likely to go live today and it has. The press release winged its way out of Sprint’s HQ at nearly 4.30PM this afternoon announcing that America finally has an NFC mobile wallet, and it is Google Wallet that has got to market first. At the moment the only folks who can use the Google Wallet will be Sprint subscribers who have the Google Nexus S 4G in their pockets. More NFC phones are expected within the next couple of months, which will likely include the much rumored Google Nexus Prime and other Ice Cream Sandwich devices. They are likely to come fitted with the all important NFC antenna and secure element that is required for NFC payments.
“Sprint is thrilled to be the first U.S. carrier to offer Google Wallet,” said Fared Adib, Vice President of Product at Sprint. “Nexus S 4G is the first to receive new versions of Android software, and today’s upgrade puts the near-field communications, or NFC, chip in the phone to work so customers can have a secure virtual wallet on their phone. NFC capabilities on smartphones open the door to a new level of convenience and security.”
More about the Google Wallet launch and those all important details
“Google Wallet is a free Android app that stores virtual versions of a customer’s credit cards, offers and loyalty cards right on the one device they always have with them – their phone. At launch today, Google Wallet supports Citi MasterCard credit cards and the Google Prepaid MasterCard, powered by First Data. Google plans to support additional cards.”
Sprint assures customers that Google Wallet is designed to enable safe, secure payments. It requires users to set up a Google Wallet PIN that must be entered before making a purchase to prevent unauthorized access and payments. That is not the limit of security features
“We’ve been testing it extensively, and today we’re releasing the first version of the app to Sprint. That means we’re beginning to roll out Google Wallet to all Sprint Nexus S 4G phones through an over-the-air update—just look for the “Wallet” app,” said Osama Bedier, Vice President of Payments for Google. “When we announced Google Wallet, we pledged a commitment to an open commerce ecosystem. We appreciate Citi and MasterCard for being our launch partners. And today, Visa, Discover and American Express have made available their NFC specifications that could enable their cards to be added to future versions of Google Wallet,” Bedier added.
“Shipping Google Wallet to Sprint is a crucial first step in creating a new way for people to use their phones to make shopping faster and easier,” said Osama Bedier. “The world is on the brink of the next big shift in payments, and today’s announcement demonstrates that we’re making real progress in attaining the vision we share with our partners for a new and innovative mobile payments platform. We believe this is just the beginning of a transformation that’s soon to come.”
If you need a reminder, some of the retailers supporting Google Wallet include American Eagle Outfitters, the Container Store, Macy’s, Foot Locker and Subway. A full list can be found here along with a tool so you can check which merchants in your area will accept Google Wallet.
How to Get Google Wallet
Eligible Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be prompted to download the latest version of Android software. Once this download is complete, customers can launch the Google Wallet app to try it. Sprint is saying that you can get the Nexus S 4G for $50 after a mail-in rebate, but if you search around a little bit there are better deals than that to aid you in getting your Google Wallet touting NFC phone. Hit the source link to read the official Google Blog announcing Google Wallet or see Sprints press release below.
Sprint Launches First Google Wallet
Nexus S 4G is the first smartphone with Google Wallet; users can now make their phones their wallet and make purchases with a single tap using NFC
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-Sprint (NYSE: S) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced the rollout of Google Wallet to all Nexus S 4G customers – an app that enables consumers to transform their phones into their wallets and make purchases with a simple tap. Sprint is the first carrier and Nexus S 4G is the first phone in the United States to deliver this convenient, innovative service that lets shoppers tap-to-pay at hundreds of thousands of participating retailers, including American Eagle Outfitters, the Container Store, Macy’s, Foot Locker and Subway.
“Sprint is thrilled to be the first U.S. carrier to offer Google Wallet”
“Sprint is thrilled to be the first U.S. carrier to offer Google Wallet,” said Fared Adib, vice president of Product at Sprint. “Nexus S 4G is the first to receive new versions of Android software, and today’s upgrade puts the near-field communications, or NFC, chip in the phone to work so customers can have a secure virtual wallet on their phone. NFC capabilities on smartphones open the door to a new level of convenience and security.”
Google Wallet is a free Android app that stores virtual versions of a customer’s credit cards, offers and loyalty cards right on the one device they always have with them – their phone. At launch today, Google Wallet supports Citi® MasterCard® credit cards and the Google Prepaid MasterCard, powered by First Data. Google plans to support additional cards.
Google Wallet is designed to enable safe, secure payments. It requires users to set up a Google Wallet PIN that must be entered before making a purchase to prevent unauthorized access and payments.
“Shipping Google Wallet to Sprint is a crucial first step in creating a new way for people to use their phones to make shopping faster and easier,” said Osama Bedier, vice president of Payments at Google. “The world is on the brink of the next big shift in payments, and today’s announcement demonstrates that we’re making real progress in attaining the vision we share with our partners for a new and innovative mobile payments platform. We believe this is just the beginning of a transformation that’s soon to come.”
To find a participating merchant, customers can use MasterCard’s PayPass locator app for Android or visit http://www.google.com/wallet/where-it-works.html.
How to Get Google Wallet
Eligible Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be prompted to download the latest version of Android software. Once this download is complete, customers can launch the Wallet app to try it.
Nexus S 4G from Sprint
Featuring the blazing speeds of Sprint 4G and a pure Google experience with Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, Nexus S 4G is available today in Sprint stores and through www.Sprint.comfor $49.99 with eligible upgrade or new two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1 (pricing excludes taxes). Nexus S 4G requires activation on one of the Sprint Everything Data plans plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge (pricing excludes taxes and surcharges).
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 52 million customers at the end of 2Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint andwww.twitter.com/sprint.
1 The American Express Prepaid Reward Card (“Card”) provided in connection with this Rebate offer is a prepaid Card that is usable at U.S. merchants that accept American Express Card. Some limitations apply. The Card is not redeemable for cash (except where required by law) and does not provide ATM access. Use of Card constitutes acknowledgement that it is given as a reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by the holder to American Express in exchange for this Card. USE OF CARD IS SUBJECT TO THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, A $3.00 MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESED AGAINST CARD BALANCE, STARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE, UNLESS FUNDS ARE EARLIER DEPLETED. For BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder Agreement, visit americanexpress.com/sprint or call 866-608-3756. Card issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation.
END: Spring and Google Wallet press release.