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Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

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Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#11
post #7

Are traditional wallets really a problem? What exactly is the problem that is being solved here?

Good point. This is going back a couple of steps in some regards. Assuming every store in the country already had this, I still wouldn't bite. I've had so many instances where my phone (Nexus s) died in the middle of the day, it is not funny. Credit card + 2x20 dollar bills in my wallet work wonders.

That said, I'm a big fan of Visa's blink. Instant payment can be done through ways other than a smartphone.

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#12
post #4

Does google get a copy of your purchase data?

I think so. According to http://www.google.com/wallet/privacy.html Transaction information - When you use Google Wallet to conduct a transaction, information regarding the transaction may be stored in the Google Wallet Application. We may collect information about these transactions from the Google Wallet Application. We also collect transaction data from your use of the Google Wallet Service. For example, if you use…

"Our goal is to make it possible for you to add all of your payment cards to Google Wallet, so you can say goodbye to even the biggest traditional wallets"

It sounds like they're aiming to be closer to a paypal (or a, ahem, google checkout...) than just an OS hook for other credit card/payment apps.

disclaimer: my knowledge is limited to the content in the linked blog post and yesterday's threads :)

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#13
post #2

This could, and should be the future. Will it be? Probably not for a while, mostly because Visa and AMEX will launch their own competitive products. Stores will be forced to make a choice as to which system they support. Google will scream for everyone to adopt their "open" system while everyone else will complain about Google wanting to be a monopoly in this new field. The feds will intervene and we'll see years of…

I think it is the future and it will probably not take 10-20 years to have it implemented but rather more like 2-5 years. The race to become the platform is more important than the legal issues surrounding it. Whoever wins in this race will hold so many chips that they will gladly pay any legal speeding ticket. The merchants will get on board quickly as it will increase sales. I don't think Visa and Amex will compete as they will benefit from the usage of their cards through the E-Wallet (remember they are still in the credit business loaning out liquid and will not become obsolete). If anything, the competition will be played out between the smartphone operating systems. Apple will be next to launch. Lets hope someone is smart enough to create an easy system at the store to support all smartphone devices. I smell a new business venture? Anyone?

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#14
post #2

This could, and should be the future. Will it be? Probably not for a while, mostly because Visa and AMEX will launch their own competitive products. Stores will be forced to make a choice as to which system they support. Google will scream for everyone to adopt their "open" system while everyone else will complain about Google wanting to be a monopoly in this new field. The feds will intervene and we'll see years of…

The article says that they're in talks with Visa. Also, Google does not take a cut when you use your Mastercard, it's just like a regular wallet, not paypal. So really Visa and AMEX shouldn't have to reject it.

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#15
post #7

Are traditional wallets really a problem? What exactly is the problem that is being solved here?

For me, pocket room and security. I used to have to carry around a phone,keys, CD player, wallet, and camera.

Now the camera and ipod are integrated into the phone, and I'm just carrying my phone, keys, and wallet. I really appreciate the extra pocket space, and I'd love to fold the wallet into the phone and get some more.

The extra security of having a PIN on your wallet is just a bonus.

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#17
post #7

Are traditional wallets really a problem? What exactly is the problem that is being solved here?

Is traditional cash really a problem? What problems does cash solve that pucca shells do not? For me, it sounds like a super convenient way to replace my stupid thick wallet with a rubber band around my ID and some paper money.

Is traditional cash really a problem? What problems does cash solve that pucca shells do not?

Seriously? The advantages are legion. It would take days to write them all out. I'll just put down a couple. You don't have multiple denominations of shells, so you have to carry around a wagon full of shells, instead of a few large bills.

From a macro perspective, cash has even larger advantages. You can't conduct monetary policy as easily with a commodity currency. One reason recessions were so bad in the past (in the 1800s) is that commodity currencies are pro-cyclical, partially because of nominal stickiness, partially because of speculative attacks, and for other reasons, too.

For me, what's the advantage of replacing my credit card with a phone? My wallet becomes 1mm less thick, unless I want to carry my credit card around as a backup in case my phone battery dies. In a few years, when this becomes standard, and phones are good for multiple days, I'll be able to shave 1mm off my wallet. That's nice, but hardly analogous to the difference between paper fiat money and a hard commodity currency.

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#18
post #15
post #7

Are traditional wallets really a problem? What exactly is the problem that is being solved here?

For me, pocket room and security. I used to have to carry around a phone,keys, CD player, wallet, and camera. Now the camera and ipod are integrated into the phone, and I'm just carrying my phone, keys, and wallet. I really appreciate the extra pocket space, and I'd love to fold the wallet into the phone and get some more. The extra security of having a PIN on your wallet is just a bonus.

Not to mention, the possibility of wiping your phone remotely with a single action, instead of trying to remember which cards were in your wallet and calling each one separately.

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#19
post #2

This could, and should be the future. Will it be? Probably not for a while, mostly because Visa and AMEX will launch their own competitive products. Stores will be forced to make a choice as to which system they support. Google will scream for everyone to adopt their "open" system while everyone else will complain about Google wanting to be a monopoly in this new field. The feds will intervene and we'll see years of…

The article says that they're in talks with Visa. Also, Google does not take a cut when you use your Mastercard, it's just like a regular wallet, not paypal. So really Visa and AMEX shouldn't have to reject it.

Visa made a blog post confirming support:

http://blog.visa.com/2011/09/19/google-licenses-visa%E2%80%9...

Re: Launching Google Wallet on Sprint and working with Visa, AmEx and Discover

#20
post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Is traditional cash really a problem? What problems does cash solve that pucca shells do not? For me, it sounds like a super convenient way to replace my stupid thick wallet with a rubber band around my ID and some paper money.

Is traditional cash really a problem? What problems does cash solve that pucca shells do not? Seriously? The advantages are legion. It would take days to write them all out. I'll just put down a couple. You don't have multiple denominations of shells, so you have to carry around a wagon full of shells, instead of a few large bills. From a macro perspective, cash has even larger advantages. You can't conduct monetary…

You forgot the advantage of not having to take the credit card out of your wallet and swipe it. I think I broke a sweat yesterday doing that.
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