“Save to Wallet” feature coming to Google Wallet

June 30, 2012

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“Save to Wallet” feature coming to Google Wallet 2

As the dust starts to settle from Google I/O and folks finish processing the big news related to products like the Nexus 7 tablet and the release of Jelly Bean, we are starting to get details on some other Google products. One of the sessions covered Google Wallet and the introduction of a new feature, Save to Wallet.

The Save to Wallet feature will initially apply only to offers and payment cards. For offers, users will be able to visit a participating vendor’s web site and, upon finding an offer they are interested in, hit a button to save an offer to their Google Wallet. Google Wallet will then provide notifications to the user to take advantage of the offer before it expires. When a user finally decides to visit the store, they can show the offer code to a store employee or use the NFC capabilities of their smartphone.

The payment card part of Save to Wallet will work in a similar manner. When one visits the web site of a participating store, they can click on a button to save their payment card number and information to Google Wallet. When they visit the store, they can then use their smartphone to share the payment card info during checkout.

Google is keeping tight control over the API due to the sensitive nature of the data to be saved. Only approved partners will be able to access the API. Initially, the API will be released to a limited number of partners as part of a closed beta. The good news for partners who ultimately have access to the API is that adding the necessary buttons to a web site to implement the Save to Wallet feature will only involve some Javascript code.

Longer term, it appears Google has plans to expand the functionality of Google Wallet so it can compete with Apple and Microsoft alternatives. While tablets and operating systems and other products make a big splash and grab headlines, there is plenty of room for Google to grow and compete in areas like payment processing with products like Google Wallet. A bigger issue for Google may be driving greater adoption and reducing barriers.

source: androidcentral

Jeff Causey Author

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three grown kids and a golden retriever.