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Social media and tech news sites are buzzing that mobile-payment service Google Wallet will launch today. Google Wallet allows you to pay for things by tapping or swiping your phone at a a store's checkout terminal.
However, as of noon, the Google Wallet Website still said, "Coming soon." Granted, the day is not over, and the evidence does seem to point to an official launch coming very soon.
Google Wallet was unveiled in May. Near-field communication lets shoppers pay for products with a simple tap of the phone against a Google Wallet-enabled reader. The reader receives payment information from a customer who has Google Wallet.
The evidence for today's launch:
Not everyone will be able to use Google Wallet immediately: For now, only the Android-based Nexus S smartphone, which has an NFC chip, will work with the service. And shoppers who want to use Google Wallet will also need to have access to MasterCard's PayPass system. According to the Google Wallet site, the service will work with Citi MasterCard credit cards and the Google PrePaid Card.
On its blog, Google writes that in the near future, Google Wallet will "store your credit cards, offers, loyalty cards, and gift cards too. When you tap to pay, your phone will also automatically redeem offers and earn loyalty points for you. Someday, even things like boarding passes, tickets, IDs, and keys could be stored in Google Wallet."
Previously:
Only 5% of consumers using cell phones to pay for purchases
Have you lost money paying by smart phone?
Google announces Google Wallet: Pay using your mobile phone
Google Wallet
The Official Google Blog
Google Wallet launching today? Signs point to yes [CNet]
Google Wallet, Confirmed [GigaOm]
Google Wallet Likely Launching Tomorrow [TechCrunch]
—Maggie Shader
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