Spare a thought for Google Wallet users who have learned this the hard way, but at least you won't have to fall into the same little-known trap. Essentially, if you have a Galaxy Nexus, HTC EVO 4G LTE or any other compatible handset and you perform a factory reset, there's a high chance you'll spoil the secure element that is designed to protect your NFC chip from tampering. This disables Google Wallet and it seems there's no fix once that happens, other than calling up a friendly (and hopefully interactive) customer service agent. However, there is a way to prevent it: before factory resetting, you have to go into the Google Wallet app, choose 'Menu' then 'Settings' and 'Reset Google Wallet'. There it is -- simple enough, but evidently not advertised enough by Google or the phone manufacturers themselves.

PSA: Resetting your phone risks upsetting Google Wallet, unless you do it right originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 06:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The rumors and leaks go back a bit further, but it was a year ago today that Google officially revealed its Google Wallet mobile payment service -- a platform that the company is still betting big on, even if it may be slightly reconsidering the way it does business. While it might not have taken off quite as quickly as Google would have liked, the past year has still been a fairly eventful one for the service -- albeit occasionally for reasons the company would prefer you forget -- and the next year proves to be even more challenging as the service faces increased competition. Read on for a look back at how we got here, and what lies ahead for both Google Wallet and mobile payments in general.

Continue reading Google Wallet: one year later

Google Wallet: one year later originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Verizon Wireless brought its LTE service to 28 new markets and expanded its reach in 11 additional areas. We also saw Straight Talk introduce the Samsung Galaxy Proclaim, and it appears that Rogers will soon offer the HTC One S. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of May 14th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of May 14th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of May 14th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sprint may already count the LG Optimus Elite among its roster of smartphones, but today that handset is finding a second home at Virgin Mobile. The $150 Gingerbread-powered device is now up for pre-order, and Virgin says it will start shipping on May 15th. Though the 3.5-inch HVGA display, 800MHz CPU and 5-MP rear camera aren't exactly impressive specs, the Optimus Elite stands out as the carrier's first phone to include NFC and Google Wallet for mobile payments. Unlike Sprint, which offers a white version, Virgin Mobile will only sell the Optimus Elite in silver. And while the former carrier prices the phone at just $30 after a mail-in rebate, Virgin's cheaper monthly plans might convince customers that it's worth shelling out more up front.

LG Optimus Elite on pre-order at Virgin Mobile; carrier's first NFC phone in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We're not sure exactly what the FBI's standard issue kit consists of, but we imagine it has more than a few bits of secret tech. These screen grabs from this week's Fringe, however, would have us believe that the rogue agents like to pick up their tabs with what looks like Google Wallet. We can clearly see a Sprint-branded Galaxy Nexus being used to for a not-so-undercover financial transaction. At least it looks like the agents might have had an upgrade since we last saw them around these parts.

Update: As many of you have pointed out, there was something wrong with our own intel on this case, and it wasn't one of the agents using the service. Perhaps the bureau isn't comfortable with e-wallets just yet.

[Thanks, Te-je]

Continue reading Screen Grabs: Are agents on Fringe flashing their Google Wallet?

Screen Grabs: Are agents on Fringe flashing their Google Wallet? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 May 2012 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading MasterCard gives PayPass blessings to HTC One X, 16 other NFC phones

MasterCard gives PayPass blessings to HTC One X, 16 other NFC phones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hear that? It's the sound of Google Wallet pennies clinking inside a Galaxy Nexus, despite the fact that we have a T-Mo SIM inserted. It previously only worked with AT&T. Although we downloaded the app from Google Play and got it up and running fine, we haven't actually paid for anything yet -- so let us know if you have any successful transactions!

[Thanks, @mobilehavoc]

Google Wallet up and running on Galaxy Nexus with T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hang on to your kneecaps, folks. Google's just announced that it's making the Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ available in its Play web store for $399 contract-free. That's right: the unlocked, unbranded, pure Google, 16GB GSM version everyone's been importing from foreign lands far and near is now officially available in the US -- booyah! The handset ships with Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and comes with Google Wallet pre-installed (including a $10 credit to get you started with the company's mobile payment service).

As a refresher, it's not Google's first time in the smartphone sales game. The company made the Nexus One available on its own website in 2010 before pulling the plug and then partnering with Best Buy to sell the Nexus S later that year. One of the problems with the Nexus One was support -- or lack thereof. Google's assured us things will be different this time and it will be offering proper support for its Nexus flagship. We sure hope so.

The Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ is on sale now for $399 (plus taxes and two-day shipping) in the new Devices section of the Play web store. It's a phenomenal deal for one of the best Android phones on the market today -- especially when you consider it provides 21Mbps HSPA+ with great battery life (unlike the "fake" Nexus) and no commitment on your choice of AT&T or T-Mobile. So go ahead, stick it to the carriers and get a taste of dumb-pipe utopia -- delicious, isn't it?

Google back in the smartphone sales game: unlocked Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ (GSM) available for $399 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

They said it wouldn't last. And they -- pundits, analysts, bloggers, GSM fanatics -- were right. WiMAX, that flavor of 4G found in the 2500MHz band, has proven to be more of a hindrance than help during Sprint's transition from underdog to reinvigorated titan. Then there are the kerfuffles it's endured standing on the sidelines -- namely, watching one-time LTE partner LightSquared squander its regulatory good graces. Beleaguered would be putting it mildly; Sprint faces a treacherous climb uphill to the mobile Olympus where Verizon, AT&T and now-spectrum-rich T-Mobile sit -- after all, it's hard to change the tide of public perception, overcome the limitations of a dreadful 3G CDMA network and move away from weak third-party 4G signals. Yet, with all of those negatives working against it, a planned rollover to LTE technology might just be the panacea Sprint has so badly needed.

Right now, at least, a wish and a hope are all Sprint can dole out to existing subscribers toying with the idea of switching carriers. Its nascent LTE network, currently in testing across six US cities, hasn't been cleared for launch, which makes its first 4G handset, the Viper 4G LTE, a dress rehearsal of sorts. And what a low-key affair it is: no cutting-edge aesthetics or kickstand here, just mid-range specs and a humble design made from recycled materials. But for anyone itching to surf those faster waves, LG's dual-core, NFC-enabled workhorse could be a tempting buy when it goes on sale Sunday for $100 (with a two-year contract). So will the dangling carrot of faster 4G persuade consumers to choose this over all those other mid-tier Android phones? Let's find out.

Gallery: LG Viper 4G LTE review

Continue reading LG Viper 4G LTE review

LG Viper 4G LTE review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We know Google Offers is still slowly rolling out to US folks, but Big G's doing all it can to at least keep its current users content. This time around, the Mountain View crew has handed its Offers application a somewhat hefty refresh.Version 1.2 of the cash-saving app brings with it an all-new UI (which Google describes as "crisp") as well as more deals in more cities. The revamp now allows bigger images within the app, while also offering a speedier and smoother browsing between deals -- not to mention a faster checkout process. As usual, the goodies are up for grabs via Google Play.

Google Offers update brings revamped UI, faster browsing speeds originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 2nd, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 2nd, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Sprint LG Viper 4G goes on pre-order April 12 for $100, release date still TBA

Sprint LG Viper 4G goes on pre-order April 12 for $100, release date still TBA originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google reportedly rethinking Google Wallet strategy, may share revenue with carriers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Wallet supports prepaid cards once again, afflicted users get $5 in compensation originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

WSJ: Target, Walmart, other retailers teaming up to take on Google Wallet originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Wallet Android app updated, headed to 'at least' ten more Sprint phones this year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Moneto's $30 Android mobile payment kit goes on sale, brings contactless payments to six Samsungs

Moneto's $30 Android mobile payment kit goes on sale, brings contactless payments to six Samsungs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Wallet gets prepaid security fix, but 'brute-force' issue still hangs in the air originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Provisioning for prepaid Google Wallet cards on hold while PIN-related security hole gets fixed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading PSA: Google Wallet vulnerable to 'brute-force' PIN attacks (update: affects rooted devices)

PSA: Google Wallet vulnerable to 'brute-force' PIN attacks (update: affects rooted devices) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

AT&T connected Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S get Android Market Google Wallet installs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sprint Galaxy Nexus registration page gets served up by Google originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Offers expands to five new locales, hipsters in Portland nonchalantly recall being first originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

DeviceFidelity and Spring Card Systems have teamed up on a NFC-capable microSD card that will hopefully forgo the need of buying specific mobile handsets for the privilege of contactless payments. The card, which has been in development for a few years, houses an NFC radio and antenna that deals with payments through MasterCard's PayPass system. Moneto's iPhone case is already available, offering swipe payment delights for iOS users for $80, and includes $10 of spendable cash. The microSD card is set to land in the next few weeks, pegged at $30. Both will be available at the source below, with plans to support several -- as yet unnamed -- Android devices by Q2, rolling out further throughout 2012.

Continue reading Moneto NFC microSD to bring contactless features to any Android phone

Moneto NFC microSD to bring contactless features to any Android phone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: LG Viper hands-on at CES 2012

Filed under: Cellphones, CES

Hands-on with LG Viper, an LTE smartphone coming to Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In the midst of a rival's developer conference, Sprint's snuck out an official page for its (already leaked) 4G network. Anyone living in Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and San Antonio can expect to see 4G coverage pop up alongside "improved 3G coverage." The first device to land will be an LTE-flavored Galaxy Nexus, and according to the official page, Google Wallet is coming along for the ride. The illusive LG Viper is also apparently riding those 4G waves, alongside a new router that'll connect to 3G and LTE signals.

[Thanks Rahim]

Sprint gets 4G LTE, Galaxy Nexus and LG Viper: It's official originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While it may have arrived with the Nexus name, Google's latest flagship has appeared without Wallet functionality, despite the inclusion of NFC hardware. Fortunately, it hasn't taken long for a few eager Android tinkerers to get it working on the LTE model. There's still a few hiccups and bugs and the phone needs to be rooted and unlocked, so consider yourself forewarned: you're on your own if it bricks. Still, it works -- user Mike Beauchamp was able to add extra funds to his account and make his first NFC McDonalds purchase. His video demonstration awaits after the break, Nexus-toting risk-takers can find a full step-by-step guide at the Google Plus link below.

Update: We talked too soon. Those that fear the uncertain future of a rooted handset now have a workaround. An APK is now up for grabs at XDA-Developers that will furnish your new favorite smartphone with Google Wallet goodness, hack-free. Non-US residents, however, still appear to be locked out from adding funds to their account. Let us know how it goes in the comments below.

[Thanks all]

Continue reading Galaxy Nexus gets unofficial Google Wallet, leaves rooters feeling flush (update: now root-free)

Galaxy Nexus gets unofficial Google Wallet, leaves rooters feeling flush (update: now root-free) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We're working to provide expanded services that will provide the best security and user experience in the market around m-commerce. We expect to provide access to an open wallet when those goals are achieved.

Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.

Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.

We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.

Verizon's Galaxy Nexus won't support Google Wallet, reports claim (update: Verizon responds twice) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading MasterCard and mFoundry partner to offer NFC payments within mobile banking apps

MasterCard and mFoundry partner to offer NFC payments within mobile banking apps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Wallet unofficially finessed into Galaxy Nexus, complete with complimentary cash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Checkout merges with Google Wallet, completing the inevitable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Google Music hands-on

Hands-on with Google Music MP3 store for web and the new Music app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Nokia to bear NFC guns in US, create its own mobile wallet? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Offers app goes live in Android Market originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Google Wallet goes to the Garden State, NJ Transit riders get 'tap and pay' privileges

Google Wallet goes to the Garden State, NJ Transit riders get 'tap and pay' privileges originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google Wallet adds coupons, rewards points, Jamba Juice originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Developers get Google Wallet on original Nexus S, squares wiping your phone with $10 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading HTC, LG, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson to add Isis NFC tech in future phones

HTC, LG, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson to add Isis NFC tech in future phones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We're pretty excited about Google Wallet, but the service is currently only available for Nexus S 4G phone owners, leaving most of you waiting for broader implementation. Well, how would you like to skip the line, getting to test it out on a Nexus S 4G of your very own? Google has supplied us with five phones to give away -- the company is even throwing in $1,000 (yes, one THOUSAND dollars) of prepaid credit to help fund those first few dozen taps. There's one catch: you'll need to use your Nexus S 4G with a Sprint plan, though the carrier is throwing in one month of demo service to get you started. Check out our in-depth preview for a detailed look at the service, and simply leave a comment after the break to be entered to win -- after checking that you meet the entry requirements, of course.

Continue reading Engadget giveaway: win one of five Nexus S 4G phones with $1,000 Google Wallet credit!

Engadget giveaway: win one of five Nexus S 4G phones with $1,000 Google Wallet credit! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Polyamorous Google Wallet adds Visa to its arsenal

Polyamorous Google Wallet adds Visa to its arsenal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.