Already in use in Europe and many other parts of the World, NFC is a simple, convenient way to use your mobile device to make payments at select merchants – Nokia devices have supported NFC for some time now. Well now, thanks to Google, the USA is finally being introduced to Near Field Communications, aka. Google Wallet – yes indeed, I guess Google will be getting credit on this side of the pond for inventing NFC, although their Wallet bundling does add even more functionality than simple mobile payment processing.
Some details from the Google blog… Because Google Wallet is a mobile app, it will do more than a regular wallet ever could. You’ll be able to store your credit cards, offers, loyalty cards and gift cards, but without the bulk. When you tap to pay, your phone will also automatically redeem offers and earn loyalty points for you. Someday, even things like boarding passes, tickets, ID and keys could be stored in Google Wallet.
Check out details of Google Wallet at http://www.google.com/wallet/ and see here for a map to determine who accepts it near you.