Reports on Wednesday claim Google is preparing a new mobile payments system as it seeks to combat the rise of Apple Pay within the sector.
According to The Information, a platform called “Plaso” is being tested around the Mountain View campus with a view to complementing or replacing the NFC-based Google Wallet service.
Apparently, the vendor will see a list of Plaso-enabled Android devices within their store and will be able to locate your handset with your initials.
From there, the purchase will be billed to the consumer’s device, presumably via some sort of authentication notification.
Whether it’ll be used alongside Google Wallet or whether NFC payments will be consigned to the scrap heap remains to be seen. Apparently, Google has already roped in US retailers Papa Johns and Panera Bread with a view to testing the scheme.
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As Android Police points out, the proposed system sounds very similar to the Square Wallet system, which enabled customers to order on their smartphone and then confirm their name when they reach the front of the cashier line.
Square has enjoyed little success with this side venture and is now turning to Apple Pay to boost its original and popular offering, which allows vendors to take payments using a small card reader and mobile app.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
