Softcard confirms termination of Android, Windows Phone apps following Google deal
On Monday, Google Inc. announced that it had purchased “technology and intellectual property” from Softcard to improve its own mobile payments service, Google Wallet. At the time, it was unclear what the deal would mean for Softcard’s customers. The company simply stated that users could continue to use the Softcard app and that further information would follow.
Further information has arrived in the form of a FAQ page on Softcard’s website. Softcard is encouraging its Android users to download Google Wallet in the “near future” as “the Softcard app will shut down and all wallets will be terminated.”
A specific date for the shutdown has not been set.
It is not just the Android version of Softcard’s wallet app that is being shut down: “The Softcard for Windows Phone app will also be terminated. A specific termination date will be provided soon,” states the FAQ.
There is no Google Wallet for Windows Phone, therefore Windows Phone users will have no real alternative mobile wallet app to use once Softcard shuts down its wallet app.
Wallet Hub, debuted in Windows Phone 8, requires a secure SIM provided by network carriers and tap-to-pay functionality relies on third-party apps.
It’s not smooth sailing for Android users either. Making the switch to Google Wallet, Android users must sign up for a new Google Wallet account and then manually enter details for payment and loyalty cards.
Softcard, formerly known as Isis Mobile Wallet, is owned by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile and was launched in 2010 as a joint effort to enter the mobile payment market. Softcard works mainly with NFC-enabled Android smartphones and has been a competitor to Google Wallet from the outset.
Since Google Wallet also makes use of NFC technology it is unclear what changes, if any, the Softcard acquisition will bring to the mobile wallet app’s features. The most obvious benefit to Google’s effort to compete with Apple Pay is the part of the deal that stipulates, starting later this year, Google Wallet will be installed on all Android devices sold by the three carriers behind Softcard.
This is a big win for Google as its Google Wallet app was initially blocked by Softcard’s backers.
Giving the lack of options for Windows Phone users, we may see an effort by Microsoft to offer a competing mobile wallet with the release of Windows 10 later this year.
Image via Softcard
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