An update to Google Wallet is on its way, and it looks like Google may be looking to evolve the service past NFC in an attempt to reach out to other mobile platforms. It wasn't too long ago that Google released a major update to their Wallet app which improved its security and allowed users to store any type of credit or debit card on their wallet.
But NFC limits Google Wallet to a select few devices on the Android platform and while some competitors do offer the NFC chip, its not available on any iOS devices.
That's what makes today's news very interesting. The Google Wallet website has indicated that "the next version of Google Wallet is coming soon", and users can request an invite.
Due to the cost of adding NFC to their devices, manufactures have been slow at bringing the feature, and Google looks to be considering a different approach by building partnerships with businesses. Another reason why manufacturers are slow to offer NFC on their devices, could be because the NFC infrastructure is still poorly adopted by more businesses. Google Wallet is currently accepted at a number of large pharmacies, convenience stores, McDonald's and more, but it is still not justifiable to be a mainstream feature on devices.
Microsoft is meanwhile planning to bring NFC payments as a core feature of their newest Windows Phone 8 devices. With the marketing push planned with Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8, we are curious if NFC payments may get to where they need to be with more manufacturers supporting it.
We may know Google's decision with their wallet service by October 29, where they will unveil their latest Nexus device along with Android 4.2. You can request your invitation for the new Google Wallet by following the source link.
source - Google Wallet