Get the Google Wallet APK for your LTE Galaxy Nexus – No Root Required [Courtesy XDA]

Yesterday we posted a guide on how to get Google Wallet on your new Galaxy Nexus phone. Trying out the method myself, I ran into some strange behavior as we mentioned in that former post. Other’s never got it working at all. The process was in short, not much fun. Well you can put the past behind you because devs after Google Wallet are diligent. Diligent enough to finally bring you a simple APK that you can install, without even needing root! It took mere seconds for me to set up and redeem my free $10 from Google, but as it is currently early morning as I write this, I’ve yet to journey out and blow some poor cashier’s mind. Definitely, something to look forward to tomorrow. Before you get ahead of yourself please pay attention here:
If you previously flashed the .zip file from Friday, you may have to return to a backup, pre-Wallet, or this .apk will not work.
Otherwise, proceed to the download.

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And Just Like That – Google Wallet Has Been Successfully Installed On The Verizon Galaxy Nexus

Not sure if this is more of a “Booyah!” or “In your face!” moment but despite Verizon’s greatest efforts, Google Wallet has successfully been installed on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. You can even take advantage of Google’s bonus $10 of spending cash to get you started on your new NFC journey. As usual, all the fun stuff comes after rooting your device and this is no different with the Galaxy Nexus. Google Wallet can be found and flashed using the ROM Manager app found in the Android Market.
Thanks to @myz06vette and @dl_evans!
[Market Link]

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Google Wallet has security issues Says viaForensics

Google Wallet famously won’t work on the slick Galaxy Nexus, which may bother some folks when that phone finally lands in the US. However, if you are the security-conscious sort that may not be a big deal to you in the wake of a recent report by a security firm called viaForensics that is claiming that the Google Wallet app isn’t secure enough. American Banker reports that viaForensics found that app stores enough data on the phone itself that a well-crafted email from a nefarious sort could fool many users into giving up more credit card details.

ViaForensics reports that the Google Wallet app doesn’t store the entire credit card number, but it stores data on purchases, the last four digits of the credit card number, and transaction history on the phone. The company thinks that malware would be able to get to the data store on the phone. Google responded by saying that viaForensics used a rooted smartphone in its testing and that the app is secure.
However, we have seen malware in the past that could bypass Android security; the malware was called Droid Dream. ViaForensics says that the data stored on the phone also offers details on card balances and payment due dates. The company says that the data it stores should not be stored unencrypted on the handset.
[via SlashGear]

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Google Wallet to go on trial during London 2012 Olympics

For those planning to travel to London to watch the 2012 Olympics, it is without doubt going to be one heck of a packed event especially during the opening and closing ceremonies. Such events are usually a great place for pickpockets to be active so carrying a ton of cash on you is probably not the best idea, and this is where Google Wallet plans to shine.
According to reports in a French newspaper, Google is reportedly planning to test its NFC based mobile payment services in London during the 2012 Olympics. A pilot trial could take place during the event although this has yet to be confirmed by either Google or the Olympic committee. It seems that Google is also in talks with several banks and distributors to make this work.
We have to wonder how this will work out and whether it will be available for all phones. Given how Google Wallet still remains a feature only Sprint’s Nexus S have access to, it will be interesting to see how Google will address this for the London 2012 Olympics, assuming that this rumor pans out.

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Google Checkout checks out, replaced by Google Wallet

Google raised a few eyebrows when it sent indie artists through Google Wallet for the new Google Music service, instead of the more seasoned Google Checkout. Well, now it’s pretty obvious why: Google sent out an email saying that Google Checkout will be absorbed into Google Wallet in 2012. According to the email, consumers don’t need to do anything while the transition is being managed.

This move was a pretty obvious one for Google: Wallet is their forward-looking, NFC-enabled payment system, whereas Checkout is mostly just a competitor for PayPal in the online payment space. The move isn’t so much abandoning one product as it is combining two that have too much overlap. For a company with hundreds of active projects at a time, focus is important – and to be honest, something that’s been lacking with some of Google’s satellite products.
You don’t need to do anything if all you’re using Google Checkout for is Android Market purchase and the odd retail purchase. At some point in the next few months you’ll just be automatically transitioned to Google Wallet. If you operate a storefront or app with Google Checkout support, Google is asking you to adjust your wording to reflect the change my early 2012, but other than that there’s no modification necessary. Easy-peasy. If you need more answers, Google is hosting a webinar on the transition – sign up for it here.

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NFC Expands its Reach, Google Wallet Now Accepted at Bay Area Gap Stores

A pair of fresh chinos? V-neck sweater? Paying for them with a single tap of your smartphone? Yuppies of the world with NFC-enabled handsets and Google Wallet now have the luxury thanks to Gap Inc. signing on as the latest partner in Google’s push for widespread adoption of mobile payments. More than 65 Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic stores (including outlet locations) in the San Francisco Bay Area are now equipped to start processing payments through Google Wallet.
Google’s efforts have mostly been centered around the tech-centric region near their home base as they continue to roll out single-tap payments in conjunction with merchants. The hope is that these test markets will show enough promise to warrant rolling out the technology on a more widespread basis. You can check out a map of Gap stores accepting Google Wallet and more at the announcement link below.
[via Gap]

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