Google Wallet Launches on Android Smartphones

NATIONAL REPORT -- Google's plans for allowing consumers to use Android-powered smartphones to make purchases are finally coming to fruition, according to a report by IntoMobile.com. Google Wallet is now available to Samsung Nexus S owners on the Sprint network -- enabling users to make tap-and-go payments through PayPass sensors at Sunoco gas stations and other retail locations.

Radio Shack, Foot Locker, Peet's Coffee & Tea and CVS will also allow tap-and-go payments, while American Eagle Outfitters, Jamba Juice, OfficeMax and Toys R Us will allow consumers to keep track of loyalty cards and point accumulations through Google Wallet.

Using a near-field communications (NFC) chip, Google Wallet initiates data transfer when it gets close to another sensor. According to the report, Google Wallet is being pushed out through a software update to Sprint Samsung Nexus S owners. It is not yet known when it will be widely available in the United States.

"Adoption will rely on Android manufacturers taking the leap and including NFC on their smartphones," according to IntoMobile.com.

To view a video on the new Google Wallet application, go to: www.intomobile.com/2011/09/19/google-wallet-launched-with-visa-american-express-and-discover-support/.

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