Yesterday, we reported on the new and improved Google Wallet. The new update brought Google Wallet to all Android users running Gingerbread (2.3) or higher, something only small handful of devices were able to run in the past.
Besides wider availability, the Google Wallet update brought on a newly designed user interface (HOLOYOLO), new capabilities such as sending money to friends a-la PayPal, the ability to view offers based on your location and some nice features for loyalty and rewards cards. What the update didn’t do is fix the original problem with NFC payments — they’re still at the mercy of carriers.
Verizon Moto X
If you wish to use Tap and Pay (NFC payments) you’ll need to have a device with a secure element and a device that is on a supported carrier. At this time, these are the only available Android devices that can take advantage of the most sought out feature of Google Wallet.
Phones
Tablets
If you’re starting to notice a trend from the above list of officially supported devices, you’re not alone. Customers who use AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile aren’t able to use Wallet’s NFC payments feature. Sadly, nothing has really changed since Wallet’s initial release. But hey, if you’re on one of those 3 carriers, why not try ISIS Mobile Wallet? ISIS is the mobile payments solution developed by all 3 carriers to compete with Google Wallet. It’s slowly, and I mean slowly, rolling out to more users.
If you don’t remember, legal expert Jay Klimek challenged this issue with Verizon by submitting a complaint to the FCC. It’s his belief that Verizon has no right to block Google Wallet access.
Does seeing your phone’s make and model listed above, yet not having the right carrier attached, boil your blood? Let me know. Let Google know. Let the carriers know. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
[Source: Google Support]
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