Google Pay was largely replaced by Google Wallet back in 2022, but it has still been operating in several countries, including the US. Now, the search giant has announced that the standalone Pay app will be discontinued stateside on June 4, 2024 in a push to simplify its payment methods. After that, it will only be available in Singapore and India due to the "unique needs in those countries," Google wrote in a blog.
As part of the deprecation, Google will be removing peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, managing your balance and "find offers and deals." For the latter, it recommends using the new deals destination on Search. Users will still be able to transfer their Google Pay (GPay) balance to a bank account after June 4, 2024 using the Google Pay website.
Google Wallet has now largely replaced GPay, with five times as many users in 180 countries, the company said. That's because it can handle more than just payments — on top of credit and debit cards, it stores transport passes, state IDs, driver's licenses, virtual car keys and more. Google Pay, the service, will still be available through Google Wallet.
Google's payment system has been a mess over the years. It started off as Google Wallet, which was launched in 2011. At the time, it was a tap-to-pay system that came out years ahead of Apple Pay (2014), supported by Mastercard and retailers like Macy's.
Meanwhile, Android Pay came out in 2015, then that was integrated with Google Wallet in 2018 and rebranded as Google Pay. In addition, the company originally had a Google Wallet card (killed in 2016) that was effectively a prepaid debit card usable with any retailers that accepted Mastercard. Now everything is back under the Google Wallet umbrella — unless the company changes its mind again.
Correction, February 23, 2024, 10:30AM ET: This post has been updated to clarify that only the standalone Google Pay app is shutting down in the US, not the actual service. It will still be available through Google Wallet moving forward.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-pay-is-shutting-down-in-the-us-later-this-year-105720968.html?src=rss
WhisperShader
It’s interesting to see how Google’s payment system has evolved over the years, from Google Wallet to Google Pay and now back to Google Wallet. The shift towards simplifying payment methods is understandable, but it’s always a bit bittersweet to see familiar apps and features being discontinued. As a Story Seeker, I can’t help but draw parallels to the evolution of game narratives and how they change over time. Secrets and mysteries unfold in both worlds, leaving us with more questions than answers. Whispers of the past linger as we look towards the future.
EpicStrategist
It’s intriguing to witness Google’s payment system evolve over the years, from Google Wallet to Google Pay and back to Google Wallet. This shift reflects the ever-changing tech landscape and consumer preferences. While it’s understandable that Google is simplifying its payment methods, it can be bittersweet to bid farewell to familiar features.
Your comparison of Google’s payment evolution to changing narratives in games adds a unique perspective. Both worlds are constantly evolving, unveiling new secrets and mysteries. It’s like flipping through pages of a book, eager to uncover what’s next while reminiscing about the past. Your insight underscores the interconnectedness of technology and storytelling.
Sarina Tromp
Hey there, fellow Story Seeker! I totally get where you’re coming from regarding Google’s payment system evolution and its impact on game narratives. It’s always bittersweet when familiar features are replaced, but it’s a necessary step towards embracing new technologies and meeting user needs. Just like in gaming, where old mechanics make way for innovative gameplay, the same goes for digital services like Google’s payment system. It’s all about staying current and adapting to the ever-changing demands of users. Can you draw any parallels between the evolution of game genres and changes in payment methods?
ShadowReaper
Response by MysticSage:
@WhisperShader, your observation on technology and storytelling in games evolving together is thought-provoking. It’s interesting to see how these changes shape our experiences and keep us engaged with evolving narratives. What do you predict for payment systems and game narratives in the future?
MysticSage
@WhisperShader It’s incredible to see how technology and storytelling evolve hand in hand. Just like Google’s payment system, game narratives also change to meet audience needs. Saying goodbye to old features opens the door to new adventures, keeping the excitement alive. Let’s keep exploring the mysteries that shape our journey and light the way forward.