Tag: t-mobile

Wallet has yet to find traction in mobile commerce

Google has been a big name in the mobile commerce space, but not necessarily a well-loved name. The company’s Wallet platform, which exists to facilitate mobile payments, has been the recipient of harsh criticism since its launch. The early days of Google Wallet were plagued by serious security issues that drove many consumers to other mobile commerce platforms. While these issues were ultimately resolved, Wallet experienced other hardships that made it unpopular with consumers, with companies like Verizon refusing to support the mobile commerce platform for various reasons.

Google continues to invest in Wallet platform

Google may have a strong interest in mobile commerce, but the company has not been able to find any significant traction in this sector. Google has invested more than $300 million into the Wallet platform, which also includes the acquisition of companies that had specialized in application development and mobile commerce. The company has also devoted more than 100 developers to focus solely on the Wallet platform. Despite this support, the Wallet has only seen 10 million downloads worldwide, a very low number in the mobile space.

Wallet fails to enthrall consumers

One of the reasons that Google Wallet has not become the dominating force in the mobile commerce space has to do with U.S. telecommunications companies. Few of these companies are interested in supporting the Wallet due to the other alternatives that are available. Lack of support means less exposure with consumers, which means that fewer people even know that Google Wallet exists. In the case of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, these companies have teamed together to launch their own mobile commerce platform called Isis, which has thus far proven to be somewhat more popular than the Wallet despite a very limited release.

Google may abandon Wallet platform, eventually

The Google Wallet was once considered by Google to be the key to mobile commerce success, but the platform has become a serious money sink for the company. It is uncertain how long Google will continue to devote money to the Wallet platform, but the company has not yet shown any signs of abandoning its mobile commerce endeavors.

Isis platform to grow with the help of Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Wayne

The mobile commerce industry is growing quickly, backed by massive competition in the mobile wallet sector. Mobile wallets are payment platforms for smart phones and other NFC-enabled devices that allow consumers to make purchases for goods without using traditional currencies. As competition in the mobile payments sector grows, the companies involved therein are beginning to feel the pressure to appeal to consumers in a more decisive way. Isis, which was officially launched late last month, is beginning to expand in the U.S., with the help of Gilbarco Veeder-Root, makers of high-quality fuel dispenser systems, and Wayne, a branch of GE Energy.

Limited launch hurts Isis support

Isis aims to be the largest and most popular mobile commerce platform in the world. As a joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless, Isis already has the backing of a powerful mobile network conglomerate. The platform has also acquired the support of most of the world’s major financial institutions. While the platform was able to generate a great deal of hype ahead of its launch, Isis has been met with lackluster enthusiasm from consumers, largely due to technical problems and a very limited launch.

Austin and Salt Lake City to finally get Isis

Consumers in Austin, Texas, and Salt Lake City, Utah, are now going to get their hands on the platform through mobile devices offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. Consumers will be able to use their NFC-enabled devices and Isis to make payments for goods and services throughout both cities. Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Wayne have teamed to help Isis establish a foothold in the two cities by allowing consumers to make purchases of fuel with Isis. The platform can also be used at many retail locations in both cities.

Isis may still compete with Google Wallet

Isis is expected to be a major competitor with Google Wallet, which launched last year. The Google Wallet has a significant head start in the mobile commerce industry, but Isis has been able to successfully attract support long before it was launched. Whether that support can hold and make Isis a valuable platform has yet to be seen. Thus far, the platform has seen a limited release, which is largely relegated to New Jersey.