Google has recently launched its one-touch payment app, Android Pay, across 1 million locations in the United States. Users having Android-based devices with NFC (near-field communication) technology can use this app to pay for their purchases. With the release of Android Pay, Google enters into direct competition with Apple’s offering –Apple Pay.

At a quick glance, here’s what you get to enjoy with Android Pay:

  • Locations where you could shop using Android Pay include retailers such as Whole Foods, Walgreens, Macy’s, GameStop, Staples, etc.
  • It will support debit and credit card from MasterCard, Visa, Discover Financial Services, PNC, and American Express.
  • It will also store loyalty and gift cards on phones with Android software.
  • To keep the transactions secured, the service is supported by ‘tokenisation’ card-security service. This service helps prevent theft instances by replacing credit card details with random unidentifiable numbers at the time when a user attempts to make a purchase using this service.
  • This app will come pre-installed on NFC-enabled phones from carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile US.
  • Android Pay will work on phones that run Android 4.4 KitKat or above.
  • Users that are already using Google Wallet will soon receive an update that will morph the app into Android Pay, Google’s latest payment service.
  • Presently, this service is open for all tap-to-pay purchases in the physical stores mentioned above; Google is working on facilitating the service for all in-app purchases (Android apps) may be by the end of this year or early next year.

So, if you are planning to purchase an Android-based phone* anytime soon, you would probably get this app preinstalled on your phone. However, if you have recently bought one or don’t actually want to buy a new phone, you could still enjoy your NFC-powered shopping experience – simply download the service from Google Play!

*The Android Pay service will be available on phones that have specialized payment chips and the ones that are powered by the late