Google Wallet for Android has been updated to version 2.3.3 with a new option to let Wallet users get a debit card that would be connected to their Google Wallet account, and allow them to use their Wallet balance in any store they want, regardless of if that store is set up to accept NFC payments.
You can download the update directly on your device through the Google Play Store or by using the following link:
| Download |  |
| Price | Free |
| Requirements | Varies with device |
With this update, Google Wallet is now more into direct competition with PayPal, and could be a boon to those who routinely receive money through the system, like Android developers.
The update also makes it easier for those who use NFC to make payments from their device, or if you want to add a new card for sending payments to others. The app now supports optical capture of your credit or debit cards, so all you have to do is take a picture of the card you want to add to Wallet and the app will automatically capture the card number and expiration date. You will still have to enter your name and the CVV manually.
Another big addition to the app is support for Android 4.4's emulation of a smartcard’s secure element. This means that even if your device doesn't have the hardware secure element, but it has NFC and a U.S. SIM card, you will be able to use Google Wallet for NFC payments. Of course, you will need the Android 4.4 update first, but once KitKat is more widespread, this should greatly increase the userbase that can use Wallet.
The update also lists the new Wallet debit card in the change log, but of course there's really nothing regarding the physical card that can be done in the app beyond checking your Wallet balance to make sure you have enough to cover a purchase.
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