What’s In Store For Android Pay?

Among the key upgrades, announced at Google I/O 2015, the introduction of Android’s very own mobile payment system – Android Pay – was one of the most exciting and talked about.

Android Pay is not the first attempt by Google to turn to mobile payments – that crown belongs to Google Wallet. Unfortunately, things did not go too well for Google at that time, as a number of big American carriers refused to give the company access to a special component, allowing for the safe storage of financial credentials.

This time, however, things will be different, as Google has acquired SoftCard – a wallet that the carriers were working on for themselves. With access to the “secure element” and competition bought out, things are finally looking up for Google’s mobile payment ambition.

Android Pay promises to be a quick and easy way to part with your money – and everyone knows we need more of those. Lucky Android Pay users will be able to make payments in over 700, 000 stores in the US, as well as pay for apps in the Play Store and get in-app upgrades. When it comes to physical locations, payments will be made via an NFC terminal.

What About The Competition?

The two big contenders for mobile payments that Android will be facing are the old and familiar Apple Pay and the upcoming, but promising Samsung Pay.

Yes, priding itself on being the manufacturer of the most in demand Android devices, Samsung is heading into the ring with its own mobile payment system, scheduled for release this summer.

Apple Pay, available since September 2014, tells quite a different story – a story that presents a possible obstacle for Android Pay as well. The problem is people. It seems that despite its speed and ease of use, not too many users have yet chosen to reap the benefits of Apple’s mobile payment system. Some don’t have the latest upgrades, others are reluctant to inquire about Apple Pay at the local store. Whatever the reason may be, it seems it may take a while for any of the payment systems to take off and become mainstream in the hearts and minds of loyal users.

With this said, it is hard (and unnecessary) to deny the convenience these mobile payment systems are trying to bring into our lives, and perhaps the next step is on our part, as users. We owe it to Google, Apple and Samsung to pick up those phones and start paying our way into the future.

What are your thoughts on Android Pay? Let us know in the comments below.

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