Google Wallet - The Future of Commerce?

The Internet giant Google is well know as being the primary search engine on the Internet and the definer of many web standards. The Big G isn't afraid to trek into new and exciting verticals. Google Wallet is one of those endeavors. Google states that Google Wallet has been designed for an open commerce ecosystem. Their goal is to eventually replace the cards that you keep in your wallet. Since Google wallet is a mobile application it can store as many cards as you want without having to carry multiple cards.

How it Works

Google wallet is a free Android app that can be used as a credit card. The app stores your credit card information an you simply have to tap your phone to pay. Setup is easy; simply open the Google Wallet app and add your card information. When Google Wallet launches it will be compatible with Visa, MasterCard and Google prepaid cards. The app will be compatible with Nexus S 4G by Google, available on Sprint. Eventually many more phones and cards, including loyalty cards and gift cards will become available.

Payments

Paying is even easier than setting it up. Tap your phone on the merchants Google Reader to pay with your Google Wallet. If you use MasterCard, Google Wallet will be fully compatible with the PayPass contact-less payment system that's already widely in place today.

Offers

One of the big marketing points for the Google Wallet is the ability for the app to track offers and coupons from vendors, something a piece of plastic just cant do. Offers are nothing more than a digital coupon that you can easily save on your phone. Google Offers will be search-able on different Google products, such as Google Search, Maps, Latitude, and Shopper.  You can also learn more about the Google Offer of the Day here.

Security

Google Wallet and MasterCard PayPass™ provide many layers of security. Google is taking the security of your credit card information very seriously. Payment card credentials are encrypted on a computer chip in your phone called the Secure Element. The Secure Element is independent of your Android phone's standard memory and functions as a completely separate computer. The chip is designed to only allow trusted programs on the Secure Element itself to access encrypted information. Additionally Google Wallet requires you to set up a Google Wallet PIN that must be entered before making a purchase. Android phones also feature a separate lock screen. Even though the Google Wallet PIN and Secure Element protect your payment card information, you should still call your issuing banks to cancel your cards if your phone is lost or stolen. Check out this video to see why merchants are so excited about Google Wallet. Trials are beginning immediately in New York and San Francisco, with a full release planned for this summer. More phone and card compatibility to follow.