On Sunday night, Sept. 18, TechCruch posted an image on their site from supposed Google Wallet partners, conveying documentation regarding the new service. The documentation stated that “Google Wallet is launching September 19, 2011.”
The image of the documentation also stated the following about Google Wallet:
“Google Wallet is a smart phone application (app) that allows owners of the Sprint Nexus S Android phone to use their smart phone as a wallet. This application or app will transform the way clients pay. Once Google Wallet is installed, the Sprint Nexus S phone may be used as a contactless (Tap and Pay) device at all PayPass enabled merchant terminals. Google Wallet is currently only available with Nexus S Android phones running Android Operating System (OS) 2.3.4 (Gingerbread).”
The blog GigaOm posted an image taken by one of its reporters at a coffee shop in San Fransisco early this morning. The image was that of a Google Wallet payment reader. The reader in the image provides directions on it, telling users that they must “tap” their smartphone against the device in order to “pay by smartphone.”
The Google Wallet was unveiled earlier this year in May and will allow users to pay by phone with MasterCard or the Google Prepaid Card. The service also is expected to feature offers and loyalty, as well as a strong security feature.
For more information regarding the Google Wallet, visit the device’s page on Google: google.com/wallet/