Google is teaming up with three major U.S. wireless carriers in an effort to prod more people into using its mobile wallet and undercut the rapid success of Apple’s rival payment service.
“Under this relationship, the Google Wallet app, including the tap and pay functionality, will come pre-installed on Android phones (running KitKat or higher) sold by these carriers in the US later this year,” Google announced. “We’re also acquiring some exciting technology and intellectual property from Softcard to make Google Wallet better.”
The deal announced Monday calls for Google’s tap-and-pay service to be built into Android smartphones sold by AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA beginning later his year. Smartphone owners currently have to download Google Wallet and install the app on their phone if they want to use the service.
“Softcard has completed a deal with Google to bring together leading technologies to advance mobile wallets. Google has acquired Softcard technology and capabilities to power the next generation of mobile payments,” Softcard said.
“For now, Softcard customers can continue to tap and pay with the app. We will share more information with customers and partners in the coming weeks.”
Besides trying to make it more convenient to use Wallet, Google also is hoping to improve the nearly 4-year-old service. Toward that end, Google Inc. is buying some mobile payment technology and patents from Softcard, a venture owned by the wireless carriers.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
Softcard was founded in 2010 by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless.
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