It looks as though Google are making big plans for Android and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, as according to a report filed by the Wall Street Journal they have paired up with Mastercard and Citigroup to test out NFC payment methods.
The first NFC chip was implemented into the Google/Samsung Nexus S, and since then we have heard more and more of tech giants such as Apple and RIM planning to use the same technology.
WSJ reports that Google has teamed with Mastercard and Citigroup on the quiet and are testing out initial NFC payment systems as we speak. The report also states that the big G are testing “one current model and many coming models of Android phones” with existing Citigroup-sponsored credit and debit cards, and is using the phones’ NFC chips with wireless payment terminals. We’re assuming the “current model” would be the Nexus S, as it is currently the only smartphone on the market with a NFC chip implemented.
What’s more, Google have also recently submitted an application patent which points towards the development of new NFC software. The details imply that they plan to act as a third-party broker who will receive a customer’s order details, then process said order on behalf of the retailer. Companies would benefit from having a huge, well-trusted company like Google handling their payments, but would customers want their details shared with Google when they make a payment?
It looks as though Google want to collect consumer purchase details in order to accurately target customers with in-app advertising on Android devices, according to WSJ.
Would you be happy with Google netting your details? Is in-app advertising the bane of your life too? Let us know by leaving a comment of hit us up on Twitter @Gadget_Helpline.
Via: Engadget