14 DAY TRIAL // Android users who make purchases from the Android Market have now at their disposal Google's Checkout payment method for paying for the purchases they make while in the storefront, but that should change soon.
Recently, Google announced that Google Wallet will eat up Checkout, and that it will become the default payment method in the Android Market soon.
But this is not all, as Wallet will also replace Checkout as the payment for YouTube, Google+ Games and many other Google sites.
Google Wallet, which has been launched last summer, can handle both online and offline payments, and is also present on Android devices under the form of a mobile application.
“For all you busy holiday shoppers, Google Wallet provides a simple and safe way to make online purchases,” Google explains.
“When you shop with merchants that accept Google Wallet or Google Checkout, just use your Google Wallet username and password to complete your purchase -- there’s no need to pull out your credit card or enter your shipping address with every transaction.”
The Google Wallet mobile app already enjoys support from a wide range of merchants and banks, and more of them should partner with Google on this soon.
Moreover, the Internet giant plans on expanding the reach of its application to more services and fields, although specific info on the matter hasn't emerged until now.
“Starting tomorrow, if you add a Citi MasterCard to the Google Wallet mobile app, it will also be available for use when you shop with Google Wallet online,” Google announced.
No details on when Google Wallet is set to become the payment method for the Android Market emerged for the time being, but it should not be too long before Google makes the move.
When that happens, those who use Checkout for buying apps from the Android Market will be prompted to switch to Google Wallet, the same as those who take advantage of it elsewhere are prompted at the moment.