Back in January, we told you about a rumor that Google was going to purchase Softcard. The latter is a mobile payment service owned jointly by Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T. Originally named ISIS, the named was changed for reasons obvious to anyone who reads the news. Earlier this week, Google partially made the rumor true by purchasing technology and intellectual property from Softcard.
Google says that for now, the Softcard app for Android will work, and users can continue to tap and pay at over 275,000 locations in the states. Google is suggesting that Softcard users download Google Wallet. Eventually, it plans to shut down the Softcard app and terminate Softcard wallets. It should be noted that Softcard users cannot just switch over to Google Wallet. Personal information from Softcard users is not part of the transaction between the mobile payment service and Google. Once your Softcard wallet is terminated, loyalty cards cannot be used.
Google also announced in a Q&A that it is shutting down the Softcard Windows Phone app. A date will soon be provided by Google as to when the app will be closed. Earlier today, we told you that Google is expected to introduce Android Pay at Google I/O. This is an API for developers who want to add a mobile payments option to their handiwork and will be separate from Google Wallet.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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