The tech giant has announced that it is making its mobile network available to all users in the United States.
Google has now announced that it is making its mobile network, Project Fi, available to everyone in the United States that is a user of the Nexus models of smartphone.
The idea is that the devices can connect to Google’s cellular networks and WiFi hotspots through T-Mobile and Sprint.
The Project Fi connections can be used for text, voice and data services. In this way, mobile device users are able to send and receive tests and phone calls, even when connected exclusively to WiFi. The service also provides comparable pricing structures to those available through more traditional mobile networks. There is an up-front fee of $20 for users to be able to take advantage of unlimited domestic calling and unlimited international texting.
Before now, Project Fi had been available only to those who were directly invited to use it.
For another $10, users can purchase another GB of data. Users can purchase as many $10 one gig data increases as they want and any unused data will be credited back to their account at the end of the month, so it won’t be lost.
According to the service’s product manager, Simon Arscott, “this mobile network service was first launched exclusively to those who received invitations as a part of their Early Access program. This allowed the company to fine tune its quality in time for its full launch to all American consumers. “Today, we’re excited to be exiting our invitation-only mode and opening up Project Fi so that people across the U.S. can now sign up for service without having to wait in line for an invite,” he said.
That said, it is important to note that only certain tablets and smartphones can connect to the Project Fi network. It may not be in invitation-only mode but Americans can use it only if they have the right devices. Certain tablets can connect, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S, iPad Mini 4 and the iPad Air 2 can connect exclusively to the data portion of the service. Talk and Text are available to people with a Nexus smartphone such as the 5X or 6P.
Google launches Hands Free service, making transactions more convenient
Google is working to take mobile payments to the next level. The company has launched a new hands-free, voice activated payment application, which is currently being tested in San Francisco, California. Called Hands Free, the service is meant to make mobile commerce more convenient than it already is. It could also give Google and edge in the mobile commerce battle if it can find favor among consumers that often use their mobile devices to shop for and purchase products online and in physical stores.
Hands Free uses an assortment of innovative technologies
Hands Free makes use of a combination of technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location tracking technology to allow the service to communicate with point-of-sale systems. When this is done, consumers can confirm purchases by saying the phrase “I’ll pay with Google.” Hands Free is a standalone service with no association with Android Pay apart from also being developed by Google. The company believes that the voice activation technology powering Hands Free can make mobile payments more convenient than it already is.
New service could be risky for consumers involved in the mobile commerce space
While Hands Free makes use of innovative technology, it may also suffer from certain security risks. Theoretically, the voice activation technology could be abused by those that want to take advantage of consumer financial information. In order to combat this, Google has equipped Hands Free with numerous security features. One of these features will ensure that cashiers can verify the identity of the person using Hands Free before a purchase is finalized.
Google continues to search for a foothold in the mobile commerce market
Google has been fighting an uphill battle in the mobile payments space. The company entered into the market mobile commerce market relatively early with its Google Wallet platform. The Wallet was somewhat unpopular among consumers, leading Google to change its mobile commerce plans. Now, the company has Android Play, which is has become its flagship payment service that is set to compete with those coming from other major technology companies.
