In a blog post today, Google claimed that “millions” of people have set up Android Pay since its launch earlier this season. Users are beginning to embrace paying with their phones, tapping their handset against a terminal to complete transactions in stores. Google says the response from retailers and customers has been “tremendous.”
Starting from today, users will be able to pay for in-app purchases directly from Android Pay, ending the days of copying out credit card numbers just to place an order while on the go. Android Pay stores card details on your phone and never lets the seller directly access or store them.
Google has launched a new API that developers can use to start integrating Android Pay with their apps. A small selection of popular names are ready for launch today, many with exclusive savings for early Android Pay users. Deals include $20 off OpenTable dining and $10 off a ride booked through Lyft.
When shopping in a compatible app, a button to “Pay with Android Pay” will be available at checkout. A list of all your stored payment methods is then displayed, letting you choose which to use. When confirmed, the transaction is made, without having to type in any card details for direct exchange with the merchant.
Mobile payment services are expected to become much more popular over the next few years as retailers begin to more widely adopt them and people upgrade their phones to models that support NFC and apps like Android Pay. A study published last week found that 43 percent of 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed had used a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch to pay for physical goods in a shop, a 7 percent increase over the same period last year.
Google also announced some details on how it intends to roll-out Android Pay worldwide. It says it will be expanding into new countries throughout 2016, starting with Australia during the first half.
The company is working with major Australian banks including ANZ and Westpac to give their MasterCard and Visa card holders access to Android Pay. Shoppers will be able to use the system “wherever NFC payments are accepted.” Google says residents of more countries around the world will get to experience Android Pay’s “simplicity and security” next year.
