Google’s Latest App Controversy
ANDROID phone users are angry after Google killed off an app. The “disorganized” tech giant has left people bewildered by its latest “unbelievable decision.” The firm has axed its Google Pay app, reported Ars Technica. “Google Wallet takes over app duties, but it looks like Google is quitting P2P [peer-to-peer] payments,” it added on Monday. Instead of Google Pay, customers can instead use Google Wallet – a digital wallet that allows you to securely store your cards, tickets, passes, keys, and IDs, explained Google. But, Ars Technica pointed out, the situation is baffling for customers.
Failed Launches
“Remember, this is Google’s dysfunctional payments division,” added Ars Technica. “So all that’s happening is Google Payment app No. 3 (Google Pay) is being shut down in favor of Google Payment app No. 4 (Google Wallet). The shutdown caps off the implosion of Google’s payments division after a lot of poor decisions and failed product launches.”
Most read in Tech
That sentiment has been echoed on Reddit, where people have this week been scratching their heads over yet another payment app change. “They just killed their payment platform… mad lads.” – Google Pay user, Reddit
What is Google Wallet?
Here’s the low-down… Google Wallet is a digital wallet that allows you to securely store your cards, tickets, passes, keys, and IDs. A digital wallet is a fast, secure way to pay with your phone or to store cards, tickets, passes, keys and IDs. To make contactless payments with Google Wallet, you must have an Android phone with Near Field Communication (NFC). Google Wallet is used by millions daily to shop and travel. In March, the tech giant rolled out a new verification feature for Android users to use in their Wallet app which can help prevent bank-raiding attacks. From June 10, 2024, your device will need to run Android 9 or higher to continue using Google Wallet. After this date, the popular service will no longer work for you.
Liked in India
“Hi, I’m Google. For your convenience I’ve made it as difficult as humanly possible to get customer support,” joked one Reddit user. “They just killed their payment platform… mad lads,” wrote an unamused person. “As much as I mourn the loss of a mildly short lived Google product, did anyone actually use it?” asked another. They were told that “it’s the second most used payments app in India.”
No Dramas
But, several people dismissed the online ranting as pointless drama. “Replaced with Google payment. Not news,” wrote one person. “I don’t see what the problem is. Are we upset because they changed the name a few times?” asked another on Reddit. “I’ve been using Google Pay/Wallet for years; never had a problem, never been confused.” The app kill-off initially prompted a conversation four months ago on Reddit, where one person tried to sum up the then looming situation.
How to use new Google Wallet lock
- Open Google Wallet
- Tap the profile image
- Select Wallet settings
- Scroll to the new Security tab
- Open the Verification settings
- Here you’ll find a Transit payments option which lets you change your verification settings
