You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Hey iPhone users, Google Wallet is here! The payments app has finally arrived for iOS devices, bringing with it transfers to friends, loyalty card tracking and nearby offers. Tap-to-pay is notably absent, as iOS devices don't support NFC, but much of the other Wallet functionality does appear to have made its way to the App Store. As for security, you can keep things locked up using a PIN, and if you lose your phone or tablet, the app can be disabled remotely via Google's site. Google Wallet for iOS, version 2.0.10206, is available today for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices running iOS 6.0 or better.
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google
Source: Google Wallet (App Store)
Android users, this is where you unashamedly stick your tongue out at iOS loyalists while making childish noises with your lips. (In your fantasies, at least -- that's pretty rude to do in real life.) The Google Wallet app for Android has just been revised, with users in the United States told to expect it in phases throughout the week. One of the biggest additions is the ability to send cash on the go to any adult in the US with an email address -- as is the case in Gmail, sending money directly from one's bank or one's Wallet account is free, while the usual fees apply if you're dinging that credit card. Plus, if you're still waiting for the option to send money in Gmail, just using this app once will automatically enable that.
Moreover, the app is doing its darndest to replace Key Ring, allowing individuals to load loyalty cards of all types directly into the app. In theory, this should cut down on how much plastic you have to carry around, but we've still seen stores that have a heck of a time scanning a digital rewards card. If you're into saving money, Wallet now holds offers from Maps, Google Search, Google+ and Google Offers, and we get the impression that the company will be allying with a number of merchants in the near future in order to make this particular tidbit more attractive. Head on over to the Google Play Store to see if the new build is showing up for you.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Google
Source: Google Commerce, Google Play Store
Word broke in late July that Google might launch Helpouts -- a Hangout-based video platform where folks could charge for lending assistance over video -- in about a month's time. Like clockwork, Mountain View's officially announced the platform, but it isn't a free-for-all just yet. Page and Co. are inviting people with expertise in different topics to offer their services when the solution opens for business. The search giant has published a form allowing self-proclaimed experts to toss their hat in the ring for an invite, and lists categories including Arts and Music, Computers and Electronics, Cooking, Education, Fashion and Beauty, Fitness and Nutrition, Health and Counseling along with Home and Garden. Fittingly, Google's own help documents for Helpouts have gone live as well, and they give us a few more details.
First, users will have to submit a listing for their services, which Google will review just before hanging out with them over video to get acquainted and ensure their live feed is in tip-top shape. If you're a medical professional, you can offer your expert opinion to the masses as well, but Mountain View will confirm you've got the proper certificates and licenses in order. Once that's done, interested customers will be able to check a pro's availability and schedule appointments. Folks can offer their skills for free or charge for sessions, but both parties must use Google Wallet for the transaction, and Google will apply a 20 percent fee (yes, even with credit card payments). A launch date for Helpouts is MIA, but you can sign up to be notified and provide a helping hand at the source.
Filed under: Misc, Internet, Google
Source: Google (1), (2)
Google is fundamentally changing how an aspect of Wallet works. Again. On August 21st, Mountain View is turning NFC functionality off for Wallet-stored gift and loyalty cards and recommends spending any gift card balances before the deadline later this month (i.e., within 12 days from now). However, if you still have the physical cards, you're in the clear and can use them without worry. The search giant stressed that it's working with retailers on other options for gift and loyalty card redemption, and that this latest change would not affect other aspects of the Wallet service, including its ability to handle debit or credit card transactions.
Loyalty program linking is something Google has been showing off since Wallet was first detailed, so it's curious to see the service suddenly being limited like this. When we asked for clarification, a company spokesperson replied that there wasn't much more they could share. Page and Co. said its working on a solution though, and will have details to talk about "soon."
[Thanks Anthony and Dan]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
There's no question that Google Hangouts can be helpful; wouldn't it be nice to get cash for hosting them? Google may be sympathetic to that idea. TechCrunch claims that the search firm is testing Helpouts, a service that would let most anyone book Hangouts that optionally require fees. The appointment system would lean on Google Wallet for transactions, and it would divide chats into categories such as repair (think tech support) or education. Don't assume that you'll be starting a side business just yet, though. Helpouts reportedly entered internal testing in late June, and any public launch would be "at least a month away" -- if it happens at all, that is. We've reached out to Google for answers, so we'll let you know if and when it's time to start charging for online conversations.
Source: TechCrunch
Bringing its Chrome packaged app family closer in line with the functionality of Android programs, Google's prepared a new Chrome Wallet App to offer in-program payments. If you're looking to try it out early (and you don't already know the drill), ensure you're running Google's Chrome Canary iteration and install the In-App Payments sample files found over at Github -- we've collected all the necessary links below.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Francois Beaufort (Google+), Chromium code review, Google Wallet Service (Chrome), In-app payments sample app (GitHub)
Although Google Checkout was rolled into Google Wallet at the end of 2011, it's still been an option for folks who peddle their wares online to collect payments. Come November 20th, however, the service will officially shut down. While Page and Co. recommend US-based merchants switch to the revamped Wallet, they're partnering with Braintree, Shopify and Freshbooks to offer discounted migration options as well. As for developers using Checkout for transactions through the Chrome Web Store, Google Play and Offers Marketplace, they'll be automatically transitioned to the Google Wallet Merchant Center in the coming weeks.
[Image credit: StockMonkeys.com]
Filed under: Google
Source: Google Commerce, Android Developers Blog
Currently, Google Wallet is available on a plethora of smartphones, but is there really such a thing as too much coverage? Google surely doesn't seem to think so. Earlier today, the company added support for its mobile payment system to the GS4, HTC One (Sprint) and the Galaxy Note II (Sprint and US Cellular). If you own one of these devices, hit the Google Play link below to add its NFC-powered tap and pay capabilities.
Filed under: Software, Mobile, Google
Source: Google Play
Sending money with Google Wallet wasn't a tremendously difficult affair before today, but Mountain View's now discovered a clever new way to part you from your cash. "Over the coming months," the company will roll out a new payments feature within Gmail, letting you attach money just as you would an image or document. After clicking the new "$" symbol within the composer, you'll type in an amount and select the source of your funds. Then hit Attach, click send, and say goodbye to your Greenbacks. It's that simple. You can probably get a solid feel for how this works just from looking at the image above, but given the onslaught of announcements today, we'll forgive you for needing a more comprehensive explanation. Goog's got your back, too -- there's a demo video waiting just past the break.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Gmail Blog