Google Wallet to require latest Android update
Google is altering the minimal requirements for Google Wallet and will soon allow contactless transaction to be placed only on

Google is altering the minimal requirements for Google Wallet and will soon allow contactless transaction to be placed only on devices running Android 4.4 KitKat.
Android 4.4 boasts Host Card Emulation (HCE), meaning there is no need for a secure element to store cardholder data. Prior to the HCE feature, Android phones equipped with NFC would mostly be limited by manufacturers and carriers, resulting in payment features that could not be used by the device owner.
Join the iFX EXPO Asia and discover your gateway to the Asian Markets
HCE mimics the secure element, and in turn is OS based, meaning it cannot be limited by carriers and manufacturers. Currently only 2.5% of Android device are running KitKat, but Google has set a deadline of around May to All licensed manufacturers to update current devices to Android 4.4. Manufacturers that will not comply risk losing Google Play service support, resulting in Google features such as the Play-Store, location, Gmail and a wide array of other stock services no longer working.
Fragmentation among devices has been one of Googles weak points. Android 4.4 was introduced to help fix the issue with lower system requirements, and HCE to fully utilize Google’s Ecommerce intentions.
Suggested articles
FBS 12 Years Promo Giving Away $300k, Mercedes-Benz to ClientsGo to article >>
Other payment firms have jumped on the HCE bandwagon such as Isis, MasterCard, and Visa.
Google has set a date of April 14 2014, after which devices not running KitKat will no longer be able to use the mobile payment feature.
Image courtesy of Flicker
[…] favored the government to support their mobile payment options while 14% chose tech firms such as Google and PayPal with only 10% favoring […]
[…] search giant unveiled Google Wallet integration with Gmail back in May 2013 with a soft-launch and is now moving forward with pushing […]
[…] restrictions and lack of interest from merchants fared a less than impressive adoption rate. Google recently announced it will cease support of NFC payments for Google Wallet on devices running older versions of its Android operating system to help with simplifying the […]
[…] than traditional mobile wallet and payment services. What was thought to be a service targeting Google Wallet and MasterPass may be more in tune with online payment alternatives such as Dwolla Credit, Sina, […]