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Google Wallet smartphone app finally launches on Sprint

Michael Kwan — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:21:10 +0000

The whole NFC payment thing might finally start getting some traction around these parts, because it looks like Google Wallet is officially launching today. It was originally announced a few months ago, but I guess the boys and girls in Mountain View, California were still ironing out the kinks.

In case you missed it, Google Wallet effectively stores your credit cards and other methods of payment onto your smartphone in the form of an Android app. When it comes time to pay for something, you simply tap your phone rather than fumbling through to find the right piece of plastic. It’s supposed to be simple and seamless.

However, this launch may already be marred by a bit of a slow start. For starters, the Google Wallet app apparently looks like it will only be compatible with the Nexus S 4G from Sprint, but it should work with other Nexus S phones too I would think. The other hiccup, according to the internal document shown here, is that only PayPass enabled Citi MasterCards can be loaded onto Google Wallet at this time. That’s a curiosity, because why can’t other PayPass MasterCards work?

If it’s only replacing one card at this time, Google Wallet isn’t going to do much good for George Costanza…

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NFC to go viral with the Nexus S, iPad 2 and iPhone 5

Michael Kwan — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:01:48 +0000

This comes by way of Envisioneering Group’s Richard Doherty. He’s apparently well connected with “engineers who are working on hardware” for Apple’s newest handhelds, and they’re saying that NFC capabilities are being shoehorned into the next-generation of iDevices. If these rumors turn out to be true, they could really represent the tipping point for near field communications technology in North America. Naturally, the biggest application for NFC would be mobile payments. iPhone 5 and iPad 2 owners could then go to participating retailers and spend using the credit card that Apple already has on file. This could really revamp how the iTunes Store works too.

Or even the Apple Store. Imagine walking into your local shiny box of an Apple Store with iPhone 5 in hand. You see a new case (or new MacBook) that tickles your fancy. The store rep taps your phone and you walk out the door with your shiny new device.

[9 to 5 Mac via BloomBerg]

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What you need to know about Thursday’s Google Nexus S launch

Michael Kwan — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:40:50 +0000

Are you ready to upgrade from your Nexus One into the brand spanking new Google Nexus S? Are you completely stoked about Android 2.3 Gingerbread and can’t wait to bite into that delicious fresh take on the Google’s mobile OS? Well, then you’ll need to read this primer on the Nexus S launch before you waltz into your local store on Thursday.

Best Buy has been so kind as to issue a press release on the matter and it outlines just about everything you need to know if you want to come home with a Nexus S on Thursday morning. For starters, all stores — both of the Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile variety — will be opening bright and early at 8am (local time) on Thursday December 16. While you may have been able to pre-order some other stuff in the past, though, that’s not happening with the Nexus S.

Instead, the new smartphone will be sold strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. How early you need to start camping out in front of your local Best Buy store will vary, of course, as inventory will vary considerably across the stores too. And before you get any bright ideas about being the first guy in line and emptying out the store, Best Buy is only selling a maximum of two Nexus S phones per customer.

If you’d rather fight the virtual crowd online, Best Buy will start selling the phone through its website at 8am EST to coincide with the east coast launch. Pricing is what you’ve already heard: $199 on contract, $249 as an add-a-line activation, and $529 free and clear. Even if you don’t buy one, all Best Buy stores will have a (read: one) live demo unit for you to toy around with.

Nexus S Lands in All Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile Stores Dec. 16

In addition to the in-store launch, online sales – via BestBuy.com – begin at 8 a.m. Eastern time.

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 13, 2010 – All Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores launch Nexus S in-stores and online at BestBuy.com on Thursday, Dec. 16. Nexus S, from Google and Samsung, is the world’s first smart phone with Android 2.3, Gingerbread.

Here are some important details for the launch of Nexus S:

Timing: Online sales of Nexus S begin at 8 a.m. Eastern time to coincide with the opening of Best Buy stores on the East Coast. As a reminder, all Best Buy stores have adjusted their holiday hours to open at 8 a.m.

Availability: Nexus S is available in all Best Buy and Best Mobile specialty stores. Exact inventory will vary by store. Nexus S will be sold out on a first-come, first-serve basis with a limit of 2 per customer.

Demo phones: All Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores will have a Nexus S demo phone on-hand so customers can see and experience the phone.

Pricing: The Nexus S is an unlocked phone and can be purchased without contract for $529. The Nexus S can also be purchased for $199 with a TMobile two-year service agreement and qualifying voice and data plan. Nexus S can also be purchased for $249.99 for add-a-line activations.

As with all smart phones it sells, Best Buy Mobile will have a full assortment of accessories for Nexus S and offers an array of services aimed at improving the mobile phone buying experience, including:

Upgrade Checker: A quick and easy service that gives customers the ability to see when they are eligible for their next phone upgrade. When the upgrade time is nearing, customers receive a complimentary reminder call, e-mail or text message.

Walk Out Working™: Free in-store smart phone setup by a Best Buy Mobile Phone Specialist who will sync personal email accounts, set up Bluetooth headsets, transfer contacts and activate other services to allow the customer to leave the store with a fully functional new smart phone.

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Google’s Android Market about to get an extreme makeover

Michael Kwan — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:41:21 +0000

I don’t think that Google has to do very much to spark some new interest in the Android Market, because the app developers are already recognizing the huge potential that it offers since it opened up to global markets, but that’s not stopping the search engine giant from giving the app marketplace a small overhaul. Even Google needs a new wardrobe from time to time.

A “significant update” to the overall design is coming down the chute, giving Android Market a whole new look. This follows shortly after word of a new rating system wherein all app developers have to designate their submissions as suitable for users of different age groups: All, Pre-teen, Teen, and Mature. Anything involving alcohol, for example, gets pegged as Teen or higher.

The new features on the soon to be revamped Android Market only apply to devices running 1.6 or higher. Google says that the update will “improve merchandising of applications, streamline the browse-to-purchase experience, and make it easier for developers to distribute their applications.”

In addition to a new carousel-styled home screen, Android Market will now allow for apps up to 50MB in size. Does the non-expandable Google Nexus S have anything to worry about? 16GB still provides for a lot of 50MB apps.

[Mobile Syrup via Google Blog]

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