Those showing off their virtual wallets on NFC-compatible devices will be happy to know that the Google Wallet app now supports additional cards. Apart from MasterCard and Google prepaid cards, the application rubs along nicely with all debit and credit cards from American Express, Visa and Discover.
This major update can be attributed to the application’s cloud integration. All the payment cards are stored in the ‘highly secure’ server and not on the respective phone. Each user’s unique ID number is stored on the device which needs to be accessed during sales transactions.
“Today we’re releasing a new, cloud-based version of the Google Wallet app that supports all credit and debit cards from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Now, you can use any card when you shop in-store or online with Google Wallet. With the new version, you can also remotely disable your mobile wallet app from your Google Wallet account on the web,” states a post on the official Android blog.
Google has wasted no time in beefing up the utility’s security features. The application incorporates a new feature that allows disabling the application remotely in case of loss of the device. Besides, the unique PIN allotted to each of the users stays in place. People using the app are recommended to activate the phone’s screen lock for added protection.
For deactivating the application remotely, users need to enter the ‘Devices’ section present in their web accounts. Selecting the phone for which the app needs to be disabled will deactivate the application from the phone. The utility will not accept any further transactions made with the lost handset.
The updated Google Wallet app can be downloaded via Google Play.