More news this week about a physical card coming from Google to expand the functionality of the Google Wallet app. The latest leak was discovered on Google’s own web site in the help section for Google Wallet. On the page listing eligible devices, Google’s text indicated “Eligible devices for use with Google Wallet card” and then went on to note that any device running Android 2.3.3 or better could install the Google Wallet app to use with the new card. It appears Google has taken steps to scrub the page clean, but not before visitors were able to grab screenshots.
Last week we reported on news that Google was working on a Google Wallet Card. The Google Wallet Card will take the form of a credit card. Users then link this card to their Google Wallet account and all the financial card info stored in there. Using the Google Wallet app, users can manipulate which account the card will access when used for payment. Users can then use the card like a credit or debit card when making purchases.
Why create such a “device?” If you take a look at the eligible devices page, you will note the list is quite short. To tap and pay at a store, one has to have an NFC enabled device. Along with having the right device, the vendor also has to have an NFC enable point-of-sale terminal. By issuing cards that users can configure using their phone and that can run through a standard card swipe machine, Google can greatly expand the universe of locations where Google Wallet can be used.
Is a Google Wallet Card something you would try to get your hands on? Would it make your life a little easier?
source: Google Wallet Help Page
