Google Pay

AppWizard
November 13, 2025
Google has launched Gemini tools to enhance holiday shopping with AI assistance, enabling real-time inventory checks and agentic checkout. Users can engage with AI to receive tailored product results, including images, pricing, reviews, and inventory status. The AI can locate products in stock at nearby stores and contact retailers on behalf of users. Additionally, the agentic checkout feature allows users to track specific items and receive notifications for price drops, facilitating purchases directly through Google Pay. These features are currently available in the U.S. as of November 13, with plans for future expansion.
AppWizard
November 3, 2025
Researchers from Zimperium zLabs have identified over 760 Android applications exploiting Near-Field Communication (NFC) and Host Card Emulation (HCE) technologies to illegally acquire payment data. Since April 2024, there has been a significant increase in NFC relay fraud, affecting banks, payment services, and government portals globally, including Russian banks and various European financial institutions. The malware operates as paired “scanner/tapper” toolchains or standalone data collectors, exfiltrating sensitive EMV data and transmitting it to Telegram channels. Operators control these applications via command-and-control (C2) servers, allowing for fraudulent transactions with minimal user involvement. More than 70 C2 servers and numerous Telegram bots have targeted over 20 institutions worldwide, primarily focusing on Russian banks. The rise of “Tap-to-Pay” transactions has made NFC a target for cybercriminals, with harmful applications exploiting Android’s NFC permissions to steal payment data. Zimperium has provided Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) related to this campaign for safeguarding systems.
AppWizard
October 30, 2025
Cybersecurity researchers at zLabs have identified over 760 malicious Android applications that exploit Near Field Communication (NFC) and Host Card Emulation (HCE) technologies to steal payment data and facilitate fraudulent transactions. Since April 2024, these applications have evolved into a coordinated global operation targeting financial institutions in countries such as Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Brazil. The threat actors have established around 70 command-and-control servers and use Telegram bots for data exfiltration. The malicious apps impersonate about 20 legitimate entities, focusing on Russian banks and international institutions like Santander and Google Pay. They utilize various strategies to compromise payment credentials, including scanner and tapper tools, and employ simplified interfaces resembling legitimate banking portals. The malware activates a Host Card Emulation service during NFC payment events for real-time data relay. To evade detection, the threat actors use name masquerading, code obfuscation, and software packing techniques. This campaign represents a significant escalation in NFC-based financial fraud, highlighting the risks associated with NFC payment privileges.
AppWizard
September 15, 2025
Google has launched Google Pay and Google Wallet in Saudi Arabia, enabling users to conduct transactions using Android devices through the national payment system, mada. The service will be available to all users in the coming weeks. Google Pay features 'Tap to Pay' for quick transactions at retail locations and will soon allow payments within apps and on the web. It integrates mada cards and major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. Security is enhanced through tokenization, using unique virtual card numbers and dynamic security codes for each transaction. Google Wallet also allows users to store digital items such as loyalty cards and tickets. Currently, Google Pay is available for customers of Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank, with plans for expansion to more banks. Google Wallet can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
A Reddit user reported that their Pixel 9 Pro Fold with Android 16 received a new shortcut overlay for Google Wallet, allowing quick access by double-tapping the power button if Wallet is set as the designated app. This overlay provides a streamlined interface for navigating cards and using the NFC scanner for transactions. The rollout coincides with customization options in Android 16, but not all users with similar devices have experienced the feature yet. Google Wallet has been enhancing its offerings throughout 2024, expanding bank support and introducing features like real-time train status alerts for users with train passes, currently available only in India and Canada. Additionally, users can now add Loyalty and Gift card passes from the app's homepage on their computers.
AppWizard
August 12, 2025
Google has approached the Supreme Court regarding an antitrust case that could significantly impact India's digital economy, particularly concerning its dominance over the Android operating system and the requirement for app developers to use Google's payment systems, which can impose commissions of 15-30%. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) found Google to be a dominant entity, concluding that its practices constituted abuse of power, resulting in a penalty of ₹936 crores. Google appealed this decision, leading to a reduced penalty of ₹217 crores from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which did not classify Google as a "gatekeeper." Google has since filed additional appeals with the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the case in November. A study on Indian farmers revealed that extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 43°C, significantly impacts their livelihoods, leading to increased food insecurity and undernutrition. While average calorie consumption remained stable, the incidence of "strong undernutrition" rose, affecting approximately 3 million individuals. The study found that extreme heat forces families to seek non-farm employment and adapt their food sources, often leading to a decline in job retention and increased vulnerability due to limited access to credit. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating challenges in Indian agriculture, necessitating policy interventions to enhance resilience and support affected households. India's cabinet approved a one-time ₹300 billion payout to state-run fuel retailers to compensate for losses from selling subsidized LPG. Tata Motors reported a 63% year-on-year drop in Q1 consolidated profit, while Nayara faced scrutiny over Russian oil imports. The Supreme Court upheld a ruling classifying telecom towers as movable property, providing tax relief for telecom companies. Tesla India signed a nine-year lease for a showroom in Delhi, marking its expansion into the Indian market.
AppWizard
July 29, 2025
Cash App has introduced a new feature called Pools, designed to facilitate group payments for shared expenses. Users can invite others, including those using Google Pay or Apple Pay, to contribute to a pool for expenses like vacations or gifts. Organizers can name the pool, set a target amount, and once the goal is reached, they can close the pool and transfer the funds. The feature is currently being rolled out to a select group of users, with plans for wider availability soon.
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