NEW YORK: Google seems to be preparing its new Android Pay service for launch on Wednesday. It will allow owners of compatible Android phones to make payments for things in shops with just a simple tap of their device in a very similar model to that of Apple Pay.
Android Pay was unveiled alongside Android 6.0 ‘Marshmallow’ at Google’s I/O developers’ conference in May. The service can be used to pay for goods in apps and shops with nothing more than a tap.
It will work with credit and debit cards from providers American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Bank of America and more. Participating retailers from launch include BestBuy, Subway, Coca Cola, Pepsi and McDonalds.
It seems as though the last name on that list is rather eager to see Android Pay as it has been sending out memos to staff preparing them for its introduction on Wednesday August 26. Android Police has two images, sent in by staff, of posters notifying McDonalds workers that payments with Android Pay will be accepted from August 26.
It also says that Samsung Pay will be taken from August 21. It’s possible that the date is confusion as August 21 is when the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ pre-orders opened. The platform, Samsung’s own response to Apple Pay and direct rival to Android Pay, won’t actually be available in the U.S. until August 28.
Google hasn’t yet announced any official launch date for Android Pay but McDonalds is clearly confident that it is arriving next week. A further indicator is Google’s traditional trend towards launching Android updates on Wednesdays, implying that August 26 probably is the day.
Using Android Pay in stores will be as simple as tapping your phone against the payment terminal. The app does not even need to be open. The service can also store loyalty cards and vouchers, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of the retail experience but in a much shorter time. Google claims it will be adding more supporting apps and retail stores “every day” to slowly establish Android Pay as a large-scale payment provider.
It remains to be seen whether the launch will go smoothly though. Apple Pay suffered several major hiccups at the start – particularly in the UK – so Google will be hoping it can pull off a smoother first experience than its main competitor.
