Wallet
Latest
LifeLock pulls its wallet apps, deletes data in light of security worries
Wallet apps are typically more convenient than trying to keep tabs on a slew of identity and payment information yourself. However, that assumes that the apps are secure in the first place -- and unfortunately, LifeLock is learning this the hard way. The ID protection firm has both pulled the LifeLock Wallet mobile app and deleted user data after learning that its tool (based on recent acquisition Lemon Wallet) "may not be fully compliant" with payment card security standards. While there's no sign of a breach, the company says that it would rather play it safe and only restore the apps once people can trust them "without question."
Google Wallet on Android now juggles all your internet accounts
As good as Google Wallet might be for payments, you've so far been locked into using one Google account; that's not so hot if a family member needs to borrow your phone to send some cash. That won't be an issue after today, since Google has updated Wallet's Android app with a tweaked interface that lets you use multiple Google accounts. You'll also get shipment updates for orders from distant retailers.
London Tube and buses begin trialling smartphone payments (again)
Despite suggestions that NFC payments were too slow, London's Tube and bus networks appear ready once again for some contactless disruption. According to the Financial Times, both EE and Vodafone have engaged in talks with Transport for London (TfL) to provide mobile wallets that will let travellers pay for their ticket using only their smartphone. It's part of an effort to expand beyond the successful but costly Oyster card and follows TfL's recent upgrades enabling Tube barriers to accept contactless cards. Those changes opened support for NFC payments, which simply need to be activated. Should trials be successful, commuters may soon be able preload their Tube fare from a platform, ticket office or escalator in one of a hundred WiFi-connected London Underground stations.
Google Wallet for iOS update adds loyalty card scans and merchant notifications
Last week, OCR-based loyalty card scanning was added to the Android version of Google Wallet, but today the iOS faithful can get in on the action. An update allows you to add all of those pesky rewards cards that clutter the ol' billfold and ditch the unsightly key ring tags. In addition to pulling info from scanned barcodes, the new version can simply read the text on your card and fill in the appropriate fields automatically -- useful for cards that pack magnetic strips instead of barcodes. If you'll recall, credit card snapshots were enabled on the iPhone change purse last month for adding a full range of payment options. In addition to the new frequent buyer functionality, Wallet will also notify you when you're strolling past a merchant that matches one of those saved memberships. You know, just in case you're having trouble finding the nearest GameStop.
Google Wallet will make collecting loyalty points easier and noisier
Early adopters of mobile wallet services are brave enough to hand over the keys to their finances in the name of convenience. When you're signed up to a plethora of loyalty schemes, though, inputting all these details before ditching the plastic could be quite the opposite. Google doesn't want you burdened with such tasks, and in an impending update to its Wallet app for Android, has said it'll introduce a new feature that adds loyalty cards with one click of your smartphone's camera shutter. A natural progression from the recent recognition feature that adds debit and credit card details in the same way, snap a picture of your loyalty card and Wallet will do the rest. Furthermore, when you're near a store with which you have a card, you'll get a notification to remind you (that Google knows all). While the Android app was updated yesterday, there's no mention of these additions, so we'll take Big G's word that it's "rolling out this week." No news on when an update could hit the iOS version of the app, but as Wallet only launched on the platform a few months ago, we're not going to hold our breath.
DannyP iPhone 5 wallets offer full functionality, great looks
Designer Daniel Piterak (aka DannyP) has created a line of US$129 iPhone wallets that really turn the traditional model -- "let's take an iPhone case and jam a wallet onto it" -- on its head. Instead, the DannyP wallets are designed as wallets first, with an iPhone case then worked into the design. Let's see how it works, and then you'll have a chance to win one of these beautiful -- and functional -- wallets courtesy of DannyP and TUAW. Design DannyP provides two different styles in two leather colors: black and cognac. As you'd imagine, the cognac is a rich, gold leather that has to be seen to be appreciated. The styles are slightly different as well -- there is a wallet and a pocketbook. The difference between those two styles is in how the iPhone 5/5s sits in its pocket on the side of the wallet (see below). Our review wallet was one of the pocketbooks in the cognac finish, and it's simply beautiful and classy. The wallet is not an afterthought as it is on so many wallet cases we've reviewed. Instead, it has capacity for plenty of folding cash, space for eight credit/ID cards, plus additional slots under the cards for even more cards or whatever else you'd like to take with you. The leather used for the card slots is a dark blue that matches the stitching on the wallet. Rather than a plastic or wood case holding your iPhone 5/5s, the DannyP wallets provide a roomy pocket. Sure, you have to remove your phone from the pocket if it rings or you want to use it, but with most current iPhone wallets, you have to move a cover out of the way to be able to answer the phone. The iPhone pocket is lined with velour to keep your baby scratch-free. Finally, the stitching and leather work on the DannyP products is done in a workshop in the Czech Republic, and it's obvious that he found a top-notch manufacturer. This is classy stuff! Functionality This is one of the most functional iPhone wallets I've ever used, and it is obvious that DannyP's decision to make this a wallet first and foremost was a smart one. In all of the other iPhone wallets I've tried, the wallet functionality seemed like an afterthought -- here, I would have no problems transferring the contents of my rather Costanza-like wallet to the DannyP wallet. How's the iPhone pocket? Perfectly designed. It's tight enough that your iPhone 5s isn't going to go skittering out on the floor as you move the wallet out of your pocket or purse, but slick enough that the phone slides out easily when you need to make a call or get counseling from Siri. Conclusion It's a bit expensive at $129, but as I'm fond of saying, "you get what you pay for." If you want a real, functional wallet that also just happens to have a pocket for your iPhone, the DannyP wallets or pocketbooks for iPhone are worth a close look. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway There's going to be one TUAW reader just drippin' with class after this giveaway of a DannyP Pocket Book Leather Wallet for iPhone 5/5s in that beautiful cognac finish. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before January 18, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a DannyP Pocket Book Leather Wallet for iPhone 5/5s valued at $129 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
UK carrier O2 dropping its mobile wallet service after less than two years
O2 UK's carrier-independent Money mobile wallet may have proven a little too ambitious. The network is shutting down the service on March 31st so that it can investigate "new and better ways" to handle payments -- in other words, it's not satisfied with Money's performance. Both the market and O2's parent company Telefonica have changed in the past two years, the provider tells Computerworld UK. We can't say we're shocked by the closure when there are now many more ways to pay with your phone in the country; it's a fiercely competitive space. Still, the news will be disappointing to shoppers who were hoping that O2's clout would give Money an edge over its rivals.
Weekly Roundup: PlayStation 4 and Retina iPad mini reviews, Coin startup and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Daily Roundup: PlayStation Vita hands-on, HP SlateBook x2 review, iOS 7 lockscreen bug, and more!
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.
Google Wallet finally makes its iOS debut, sans NFC
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.
Updated Google Wallet app for Android delivers easier mobile payments
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.
PayPal wants to replace your wallet with app update
PayPal, a wholly owned subsidiary of eBay, is the Internet's premiere payment and processing site that lets you pay for items and transfer money through the Internet. In May 2013, PayPal released global study results, in which it found that "A vast majority (83%) of respondents across five countries indicated they wished they didn't have to carry a wallet." Today PayPal solved some of the bulging wallet problem when it released a free app for iPhone and Android platforms. According to Devindra Hardawar at VentureBeat, the apps make all of PayPal's services easier to use. The apps also offer some welcome new features, such as the ability to order and pay for an item before you go into a store, pay for your food in some restaurants, plus you can switch between payment sources for each transaction instead of always using your bank account. Devindra Hardawar was lucky to get a personal tour of just how well the smartphone app works when he was guided on a tour of Manhattan restaurants by Anuj Nayar, PayPal's Senior Director of Global Initiatives. While restaurant integration is in early development, that didn't stop Devindra from paying for coffee, cookies, and wine at various eateries even when he wasn't on site. The PayPal service is augmented by it's cooperative deal signed in January with NCR. Initially the agreement states that PayPal mobile payment options will be integrated into NCR Mobile Pay application. The Paypal app, version 5.0.1, is available now in the iTunes store. It supports 17 languages and requires iOS 6.0 or later. [via VentureBeat]
Exploits leave some Android-based Bitcoin wallets open to theft (update: details)
If you manage Bitcoins through Android devices, you may need to keep a close eye on your virtual cash in the near future. Developers have found that multiple Android-based Bitcoin apps, such as Bitcoin Wallet and Mycelium Wallet, are vulnerable to number generator exploits that could be used for theft. Although patched apps are either available in beta or coming soon, the complete fix involves more than just new code -- users have to both create a new Bitcoin address and send it out to anyone still relying on old details. You're safe if you use a simple Bitcoin exchange client, but you'll otherwise want to visit the source link for more help with securing your digital holdings. Update: A few days later, Google's Android security team has outlined the exact vulnerability. Apps that use Android's Java Cryptography Architecture sometimes don't get strong-enough encrypted values due to a bug. That's being patched at the OS level, but app writers can offer their own fix in the meantime.
Samsung Wallet hits Google Play for select Galaxy devices
Samsung's Wallet app, launched in Beta in the US a few months ago, is now available for wider consumption on Google Play in the US. Despite the name, it doesn't have Google Wallet-like powers of NFC payment, but works more like Apple's Passbook app to let you store and categorize tickets, membership cards, coupons and the like. Other functions include time and location-based ticket reminders, a "create my ticket" feature and the ability to receive co-marketing and loyalty card coupons. As you may expect, it's limited to Samsung devices, and for now the app only runs on the Galaxies S III, S 4, Note and Note II. You may also have trouble finding retailers accepting it, though Samsung said at launch that it would be supported by Walgreens, MLB, Expedia.com, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Lufthansa in the US. If the stars line up and you need something from one of those outfits, are in the US and have the right device, check the source.
Google Wallet dropping NFC loyalty points and gift cards
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]
Guild Wars 2's new wallet helps you simplify, dude
Guild Wars 2 players who have logged in this week have a new present waiting for them: the Guild Wars 2 Unlimited Edition Wallet-o-Matic (velcro tabs optional). Maybe you thought that the old way of storing all of your loose bills, family photos, and tokens was just fine, but trust us, your inventory was a mess. All the duct tape in the world couldn't keep it organized. In a new dev blog, ArenaNet explains why it made the wallet a priority for the August release: "Inventory management can be a tedious and time consuming part of playing almost any MMO. For many of you, tokens and badges and currencies were all separated across your different characters." The new wallet has become a central depository for the game 16 or so currencies. The only catch to using it is that you have to log onto each of your characters to have all of their tokens and gold automatically transferred into the wallet.
Isis announces national deployment coming later this year
Last time we heard from Isis, the aspiring mobile payments collaboration between three US wireless carriers, its CEO Michael Abbott wasn't willing to discuss the company's future plans in specific terms. Three months appear to make all the difference, however: Isis is almost ready to expand beyond its trial runs in Salt Lake City and Austin, and the service will be rolling out from coast to coast later this year. The company isn't giving any more specific details regarding timing or new Isis-compatible devices (there are currently 35 of them spread across Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile), although it's planning to enable the service on BlackBerry and Windows Phone devices later this year as well. The press release will serve up all the details after the break.
Google reportedly testing Helpouts: professional services through Hangouts
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.
Dash wants you to pay your happy hour tab with your iPhone
Alternative payment methods seem to be all the rage these days, from retailer-specific virtual cards that can be loaded with currency to the movement to make NFC-based payment kiosks an option at retailers. As VentureBeat reports, New York's Dash wants to do things a bit differently and by targeting eateries and bars, it may have a good chance to carve out its own niche. The Dash app for iPhone allows patrons of participating bars and restaurants to view, split and pay their tabs without ever reaching for a purse or wallet. The system has the added benefit of keeping you from having to wave down a waiter or waitress when you're ready to hit the road -- but food service workers don't have to worry about missing a tip, as Dash has a built-in feature for that as well. It's a novel idea, but since getting restaurants nationwide to jump on board isn't easy, Dash is starting with New York City, where the company claims it already has over 50 bars and food joints on its list. Dash is slated to hit the App Store in August, and if things go well, the company is ready to expand to cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Miami.
Samsung's Wallet app launches in Korea
Samsung showed off its Wallet app to developers earlier this year, and now Korean customers can download it onto compatible Android devices from the company's own app market. Currently it only appears to collect credit card info, which customers can then use to pay for goods and services at online merchants, verified by a one-time password or PIN. Clearly aimed at both Google Wallet and Apple's Passbook, Samsung plans to add a few features we've seen in Passbook that will make tickets, membership cards and coupons accessible all in one place. According to the translated press release it's out for the Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy S II HD LTE, although whether it will be featured in a Gangnam Style 2 video remains unknown. Update: Commenter Chris posted a pic showing that the app is also live in the US Samsung Apps market, although it looks a bit different and lists more of the Passbook features we were expecting. This may be explained by a post on the Samsung Wallet Partners site, indicating it launched in open beta on the 18th, with support for transportation tickets, membership cards, coupons and event tickets. We checked and it's not showing up on our Note IIs or GS4s yet, but if you have one it may be worth taking a peek at Samsung's app store to see what's waiting inside.
