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Softcard Mobile Wallet is a convenient way to make payments using your smartphone. It was acquired by Google in 2013.
Softcard Mobile Wallet allowed users to store their credit card information securely on their phone. This made it easy to pay for purchases at participating merchants.
To use Softcard Mobile Wallet, users would simply tap their phone on a special reader at the checkout counter. The payment would be processed quickly and securely.
Softcard Mobile Wallet was initially launched as a joint venture between AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, but it later became a Google-owned service.
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Google's Role in Softcard's Fate
Google's role in Softcard's fate was significant, as it acquired certain assets and intellectual property from the company in 2015.
Google announced the acquisition on February 23, 2015, as part of a plan to integrate Softcard's technology into its own service, Google Wallet. This move was aimed at building a stronger competitor to Apple Pay.
The acquisition was a strategic move to gain access to carrier relationships, which was essential for the distribution of Google Wallet. Google partnered with AT&T, T-Mobile US, and Verizon to bundle the app with their compatible devices later in the year.
Softcard's service and apps ceased to function on March 31, 2015, and customer data was not migrated to Google Wallet. The service did not support Windows Phone, and the acquisition was seen as a way for Google to gain a competitive edge in the mobile payments market.
Google's acquisition of Softcard's assets and intellectual property was likely a face-saving move for the company, as it had previously struggled to gain traction in the market. The acquisition also marked a shift in the mobile payments landscape, as Google gained a stronger foothold in the market.
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Technologies and Impact
Softcard's mobile wallet platform relied on several underlying technologies, including C-Sam and Gemalto.
C-Sam, a mobile wallet platform, was used by Softcard to facilitate mobile payments.
Gemalto, a mobile commerce platform, was also utilized by Softcard to support its mobile wallet services.
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has been involved in the development of various technologies, including mobile payments and acquisitions.
Google's acquisition of Softcard's assets in 2015 marked a significant shift in the mobile payments landscape.
The technologies used by Softcard have had a lasting impact on the mobile payments industry, paving the way for future innovations.
Softcard's Status
Softcard was a mobile wallet service that allowed users to store their credit card information securely on their mobile devices.
It was acquired by Google in 2013, marking the beginning of the end for Softcard as a standalone service.
Softcard was available in the United States and Canada, offering a convenient way for consumers to make payments using their smartphones.
The service was supported by a range of major banks and credit card issuers, including American Express, Chase, and Citi.
For more insights, see: How to Add Gift Card to Mobile Wallet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is card mobile wallet safe?
Yes, card mobile wallets are technically safe, but it's essential to research and review the app before using it to ensure maximum security.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softcard
- https://www.retaildive.com/ex/mobilecommercedaily/softcard-to-shut-down-in-final-blow-to-carriers-nfc-aspirations
- https://martech.org/confirmed-google-buys-softcard-better-compete-apple-pay/
- https://techcrunch.com/2015/01/16/softcard/
- https://androidguys.com/tips-tools/softcard-use-android/
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