Google acquires Softcard’s technology, Wallet to come preloaded across carriers
Google Wallet has historically struggled to gain any foothold in the digital wallet scene, even in the few markets it is available in. However, with Apple Pay now showing it the way, Google is deciding to ride on the wave generated by Cupertino. To help that, the company has acquired Softcard’s technology, the company erstwhile known as Isis.
Google Wallet will now come pre-loaded on three new US carriers apart from Sprint – AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Softcard was a joint venture between the latter three and had blocked Google Wallet from being used on their devices, making Google jump through hoops to make it available to customers of those three carriers. This changes going forward.
Google will be acquiring Softcard’s technology and intellectual property. The details of the deal were not disclosed, however Softcard will continue to provide its service for the foreseeable future.
For those outside of the US and other markets where Wallet is already available, nothing changes. I do hope Google expands its service to other markets as well, but for now, it doesn’t seem to be on the cards.
