Samsung Nexus S: You may have heard of NFC (Near Field Communications) technology. This is the digital recognition technology which allows you to program some form of payment into your mobile handset, and then simply tap your phone against an NFC sensor when checking out of retail locations. Google created the Google Wallet as a competitor to the NFC digital wallet system, and it works in basically the same way. Google and Sprint recently announced an agreement to allow the Samsung Nexus S 4G smartphone to receive the Google Wallet app.
The Google Wallet still requires an NFC reader, but the technology in your phone accesses pre-stored credit card information you enter into the Google application. This type of wireless digital checkout is very popular overseas, but has taken some time to become accepted here in the United States because of security reasons. In Europe it is called a “chip and pin” system, and its use is rather widespread. The Google Wallet can be locked by a personal identification number if you desire extra security, thus requiring you to enter a pass code every time you want to use the phone with this application.
If you already own a Samsung Nexus S 4G Android handset, the digital payment application download will take place over the air, and you will receive a notification when it is ready for download. Thousands of retailers already currently accept payments via the Google Wallet application and NFC technology, many of them respected and well-known retailers like Macy’s, Foot Locker, Subway and American Eagle Outfitters just to mention a few.
The Google Wallet also has a feature that typical NFC chips do not offer. Not only credit cards can be stored for use, but also coupons, loyalty cards and manufacturers’ gift certificates. Many other organizations and manufacturers have announced very similar digital payment NFC technology systems, but Google and Sprint are the first companies to actually roll out the technology. When Google bought out online payment processor PayPal, Osama Bedier came over in the move and became Google’s vice president of payments, and called the move an important first step in making shopping and paying “faster and easier”.
The Samsung Nexus S is exclusive to the Sprint WiMAX 4G network, and currently retails for one penny with a two-year activation. No word was released on how soon the total roll out will occur, but activations will be sent to handsets of pre-existing Samsung Nexus S 4G owners. Learn more about the features and specs of this pure Google phone, as well as where to get your hands on it for just one penny in our comprehensive Samsung Nexus S 4G Review.
