Google to launch its mobile wallet today

Google is set to launch its mobile payments service today with Citi, MasterCard and US operator Sprint as its trial partners.

The mobile wallet will enable users to pay for products, access vouchers and collect loyalty points using NFC – something which was discussed at MediaTel Group’s Retail and Media event in June.

Speaking at the breakfast seminar, O2 Media’s managing director Shaun Gregory confirmed that O2, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere are working together to launch a mobile wallet, which will provide a single point of contact for advertisers, banks and retailers. At the time, he said it would launch in the second half of 2011.

Google launched its service today to coincide with the NFC World Congress event in France.

PayPal is also set to launch a rival mobile wallet, which will feature location-based offers from any device, with an ability to do local search.

Writing for Newsline, Alex Franks, director at Blyk, says the next decade will see mobile payments become an everyday reality. Read the full article here.

Also, look out for MediaTel Group’s upcoming half-day mobile event – Come on Mobile… One last push! – on 23 March 2012. Tickets on sale soon!