Google Play Upgrade Leaks Android Pay Hint

Google is one step closer to the launch of Android Pay with the latest Google Play Services app upgrade, which contains hints of Google’s contactless payment service.

With the latest upgrade (version 8.1), users could select between Google Wallet and Android Pay as their choice of payment method under the “Tap and pay” options, but on selecting Android Pay, no supporting apps were found listed.

On returning back to the previous window, users, however, couldn’t see the Android Pay option anymore, Android Authority reported. For most users, the option seems to appear for less than a minute and then disappear, leaving Google Wallet as the only option for mobile payment.

For users setting up the Google Wallet app for the first time, the setup process, however, allows them to add credit cards for using Android Pay but ends up in a failure notification saying, “Google is unable to verify that your device or the software running on it is Android compatible.”

While this appears to be work in progress, merchants are gearing up to soon provide Android Pay as a POS payment option. Last week, for example, McDonald’s sent out internal memos informing its managers and other employees about procedures for accepting Samsung Pay and Android Pay. Also, Duane Reade POS terminals were reportedly displaying Android Pay as a payment option.

While Google has yet to announce the launch date of Android Pay, whenever it does get launched, the service will be in competition with other mobile payments’ players, such as Samsung Pay and Apple Pay, which also have a time lead and large merchant base support.

Much like Apple Pay, using Android Pay, users will be able to make in-app payments among a range of 20 supporting apps, including Uber, Lyft, Domino’s, Groupon and Chipotle. Currently, per the Android Pay website, users will also be able to pay in stores, all of which currently accept Apple Pay, except Pepsi vending. Some of the 20 supporting stores listed on the website are Walgreens, Whole Foods, ToysRUs and Best Buy.

Upon launch, Android Pay will be compatible with all phones which have a NFC chip installed and run on a KitKat operating system or newer.

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