Google releases its Wallet NFC payment system for Sprint punters

INTERNET GIANT Google has launched its near-field communications (NFC) payment service Google Wallet.

Google had been beta testing its NFC payment application, Google Wallet, since May and now has launched the service for Sprint customers in the US. Initially the service supports Mastercard and Google's own pre-paid cards, though the firm has also announced collaborations with Visa, American Express and Discover.

Initially Sprint users will be able to use a Nexus S 4G smartphone as a payment device once it receives an over-the-air update. All Nexus S phones have NFC capabilities and the technology is seen to be the next big thing in payments, though there are still concerns over security.

Peter Ayliffe, CEO of Visa Europe said, "Mobile payments are reaching a tipping point in Europe: we believe that 2012 will be the year that new payment technologies such as mobile and contactless achieve mainstream consumer acceptance."

Now that Google has launched its NFC payment system, it's likely that other Android handset makers will join in.

Google did not mention when the service will be coming to the UK, though Everything Everywhere, the tie-up between Orange and T-Mobile, is keen to push NFC. With all the major payment houses playing ball, it's looking like mobile phones might eventually replace the wallet for many people. µ